Hi! My name is Isabella Valentine and I am in my third year at the University of Virginia. I am majoring in Global Commerce in Culture and Society with a double minor in Psychology and Leadership. After graduation, I hope to work abroad. 

Favorite Moment in Florence 

It is hard to pick one moment in Florence that was my favorite. I would say my favorite moment would be going to Piazza Michaelangelo with my friends for sunset and an aperitivo. The hike up is definitely worth it! It is a great place to relax at the end of the day while overlooking the entire city of Florence. 

Advice for Future Students

Coming abroad can be an overwhelming experience, so I would say it is important to live in the moment and appreciate all the small day-to-day things that bring you joy while studying in Florence. Whether that be getting a daily coffee, or chatting with friends while walking to class, all these small moments are what you will treasure at the end of the semester. I also would advise you to fully immerse yourself in the Italian culture while living here. There is so much to learn from their way of life, so taking advantage of learning more about Italian history, language, food, and customs is very important. Finally, I recommend prioritizing travel within Italy when you are studying in Florence. There are so many hidden gems in Italy that are easy to visit by train.