Written by Bijan Behzadi, University of Connecticut | ISI Florence Fall 2025

Prelude

I was introduced to the ISI study abroad program at a UConn campus event in the fall of last year. I thought about going abroad before, and this was a great opportunity to get answers to questions I had about the program. They were really helpful and also directed me to the EGL office on campus for any further questions. They were a great resource and suggested I follow “UConn Global Affairs” on Instagram, where I could find tips on transportation, language, and packing, along with the best travel apps and financing information. These three resources were so valuable that it was the first step towards my trip. They helped make my decision to study abroad easy. The only question left was figuring out where to go.

Making a Choice

I’ve been passionate about visiting Italy for a long time, so deciding where to go wasn’t an issue for me, but I debated whether I should spend a semester in Florence or Perugia. On one hand, Florence is a major city, so there would be more tourist spots, art, history, and sites to visit. Perugia is less crowded and provides a quieter atmosphere, located in the countryside known for its wines and vineyards. Initially, I thought Perugia would be my first choice, but after considering all my options, I decided Florence would be a better fit for me. It offered more opportunities for me to experience more of the things I felt passionate about, and I couldn’t wait to get started. Eventually, I made my final decision to participate in the ISI Florence Program for Fall 2025, and in case I didn’t get into Florence, I reserved Perugia as my backup program.

Preparations

I spent time during my winter break working on my written responses and completed the other sections for my EGL application. I wanted to get a head start on everything in case I had to make changes before the deadline. During the Spring semester, EGL was hosting workshops for students to get feedback on our drafts, which was very helpful in the application process. Luckily, I only had a few adjustments to make, and I was almost done with this section, and it was an amazing feeling.

Commitment

Soon after I submitted my application, I got the news that I was accepted into the ISI program. Attached to my email were two dates for seminars in March about preparing for my trip and how to plan accordingly for a steady transition for my study abroad experience. We had until March 24th (which gave us two weeks) to commit to the program and complete the post-acceptance sections of the application. I was so happy that I didn’t waste any time. I committed to the program right away and started making my travel plans.

Travel Insights

As I began planning my next semester in Italy, I recalled that one of my roommates spent a semester there and thought he could give me some recommendations about places to visit while I’m there. He shared his study abroad experience and how he made the most of his time by engaging in activities that were exclusive to the places he visited. During our conversations, he gave me tips from navigating the airport to watching the locals in how they eat, dress, and communicate with one another. He also told me the first thing I’ll notice is how, when I get off the plane, even the air quality is different, and he was right. Everything he shared with me was very informative and helped me plan out what to prepare in advance before I left. When our conversation came to an end, I thanked him for his help, and he was glad to share his study abroad tips with me.

Game Plan

During the summer, I kept a list of everything I would need before my departure date. For the most part, everything seemed manageable, but my only concern was acquiring my visa on time. Thankfully, EGL told students they were offering a batch visa process, which would help us get our visas sooner. I immediately began working on the application and completing everything before the first drop-in date. After reviewing all the paperwork and additional documents, I was all set and delivered my visa materials on their first day of drop-ins. It was a huge relief to have my visa items taken care of so that the rest of my to-do list would take me no time at all to finish. A majority of the things I needed on my list could be found online, such as travel locks, power adapters, and passport holders, so that made things easier. I was ahead of schedule and started to prepare for my trip. Once I had everything I needed, I checked them all off my list, and I was ready for my trip.

Into the Unknown

Once I made it to the airport and said goodbye to my parents, it was then that it all started to hit me. I was a little nervous, but also excited to be on my way and explore everything Italy has to offer. It was my first time traveling by plane and out of the country, and everything was so new to me. Once I made it to Florence, everything felt magical. After meeting everyone at orientation and seeing my apartment, I just took in every second and couldn’t believe I was finally here! The first week, my roommates and I spent a lot of time exploring the city together, and it was a great way to get to know each other and learn a little more about Florence. As I write this, I’m looking out my window at the beautiful Duomo, and I still can’t believe I’m here. I’ve just finished my first month in Florence and I’m so happy I made the decision to study abroad. I’ve gained confidence and independence within myself, and I’ve shared so many great experiences with my peers. I love living in “La Dolce Vita” and I can’t wait for what comes next.