Hi! I’m Lauren Ade, a current junior at Penn State University, class of 2026. I am majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with minors in Child Maltreatment and Advocacy Studies and Rehabilitation and Human Services. Upon graduation, I plan on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in clinical psychology with a focus on children. Please, please feel free to reach out with any questions about studying abroad in Florence! I absolutely adored my time abroad and would love to share all my tips and recommendations!!

Favorite Moment in Florence
It’s essentially impossible to pinpoint one exact moment in time that has been my favorite in Florence, so I’ll share a collection of little moments/experiences that have absolutely been highlights of my time abroad: people-watching while sitting alongside the Arno River, making friends with the staff at Bongusto (student discounts there!!), getting to pet at least 2 dogs a day (they are all over the city!), having breakfast and chatting with the lovely staff at Forno Ghibellina (BEST bakery in Florence), browsing gorgeous artisan jewelry in shops sprinkled around the city, eating a panino from Schiacciateria De Neri in between classes, aperitivo (try the Hugo spritz), sunsets at Piazzale Michelangelo, pistacchio gelato nearly every day, Carnevale baked goods like Frittelle, the church bells going off throughout the day, site visits with my art history courses to essentially all the museums and churches in Florence, the incredible architecture and rich history throughout the city, rainy days spent journaling about all the trips and experiences I’ve had abroad, afternoons lounging in the Boboli Gardens, and all the incredible people- locals and fellow study abroad students- I’ve met along the way.

Advice to Future Students
My biggest piece of advice to future students would be to try and say yes to everything! It can be really scary and feel isolating at first being in a new country, with new roommates, and a new “campus” but try to step outside of your comfort zone and say YES to all opportunities coming your way! Go to the ISI student-led events, say yes to that new person who invited you to dinner, go on impromptu day trips, and be open to everything! I found that by doing this, Florence quickly became home, as I had tried so many new places around the city, met people who quickly became my closest friends and travel buddies, and got exposed to all of the opportunities and connections that ISI grants us as students! So while I encourage you to take the leap, I also would say make sure you are taking care of yourself and engaging in lots of self-care and rest. Life is busy abroad so prioritize your well-being, everything else comes next! And lastly, don’t compare your study abroad experience to others around you: spend your time doing what YOU want, because, at the end of the day, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you deserve to cater to yourself!