My name is Varunika and I am a senior at University of Maryland! I’m majoring in computer science and I would like to be a Software Engineer after I graduate! 

Favorite memory:
My favorite moment here is watching the sunset. No matter where I am it’s gorgeous and sometimes it’ll sneak up on me. It makes my walks after class very worthwhile and lights up the city right before it gets dark. It’s a very surreal moment when everyone around you stops for a moment to take a look at the sky. 

Advice to future students:
My piece of advice for study abroad students is to stay curious. Once you’ve settled in for a few weeks it’s easy to stick with the same places you know but keep asking questions to discover new places and keep wandering to areas of Florence you haven’t crossed yet. Ask questions when you meet new people. If it’s an artisan, ask them about their trade and how they got into it or if it’s the servers at your go-to cafe/gelateria, talk to them and try to learn about where they went to school and where they’ve traveled. Don’t be afraid to use the language in new places and ask ISI staff or your teachers if you ever have any questions! People here will adore your curiosity and are usually happy to answer your questions and it’ll help you learn so much in your abroad experience!