Bio:
Hi! My name is Anthony, and I’m a junior majoring in finance with a minor in business law at Penn State. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but with a lot of consideration, I made the amazing decision to spend 4 months of my life in Florence! After graduation, I hope to work in a bank or explore the opportunity of getting a master’s degree or a law degree. Please feel free to reach out with any questions concerning any part of my experience abroad!
Most memorable experience:
Besides my day-to-day life immersed in Italian culture in Florence, my most memorable experience was my trip to Interlaken, Switzerland, with my group of friends. Being a more outdoorsy person than a sightseeing person, I knew this trip was going to be one of my favorites. Switzerland was one of the first trips we took in the semester, and we still talk about it to this day. The trip involved constantly moving around and doing everything that was possible during the weekend that we were there. Friday started with watching the sunrise over one of the lakes, and then we immediately went skiing in the Swiss Alps in Grindelwald, as we constantly stuffed our faces with traditional Swiss foods and drinks. Saturday was more of the same, and it involved skydiving over the Swiss Alps, a 5-mile hike up a mountain, night sledding down one of the mountains with a fondue dinner immediately after, and randomly running into one of my best friends from school. The trip finished with a cold plunge in one of the lakes at sunrise on Sunday morning before we made the trip home. Traveling whenever possible was a huge part of my experience, but I will never forget this weekend in Switzerland.
Advice for future students:
Do it if you’re considering studying abroad in Florence. As a student, it is truly one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have. Even the walk to class feels exceptional because of the city’s amazing mix of art, history, and natural beauty. More importantly, though, Florence teaches you to be self-reliant, receptive, and in the moment. You begin to value the small things, such as getting a coffee at your favorite café or discovering a piazza crowded with locals enjoying live music. Saying “yes” more often is my biggest piece of advice. The best memories are created when you let yourself get a bit lost; try the new dishes, go on weekend trips, and speak the Italian you’re afraid of. Studying abroad isn’t just about where you go; it’s about who you become while you’re there.