I am currently a sophomore at the University of Louisville, majoring in psychology and marketing. After graduating I plan on attending medical school and getting my MBA. My main goal is to become a psychiatrist.
Most Memorable Experience:
I have made countless beautiful memories while studying in Florence, but my favorite has to be stumbling upon the flea markets in Piazza Santo Spirito. After a museum visit at Palazzo Pitti, my roommates and I got lost in the streets and stumbled on this lively flea market. This market had a variety of vendors selling things such as clothing, baked goods, wine, food, jewelry, and so much more. I ended up purchasing lots of vintage clothes and jewelry. To end the day, I had a beautiful lasagna al ragu at a local trattoria. The welcoming and ethereal energy I felt amongst the locals of Oltrano in Santo Spirito is something that I cannot fully put into words.
Advice for future students:
My best advice is to soak it all in and to take everything day by day. Although four months may seem like a long time, this time will fly by quicker than you could ever imagine. It is a very unique opportunity to be able to stay in Florence for such an extended period of time, so make the most of it! Try new foods, speak Italian to locals, travel around to different cities, do anything that will fully immerse you in the culture of Italy. My favorite moments while abroad came when I did something I was nervous or afraid of. By trying new experiences and getting out of your comfort zone, you will grow so much as a person. Things may feel unfamiliar at times, and you may feel a little homesick, but you should always believe in yourself, and you will have the wonderful staff at ISI Florence to help you through the process!