By: Amina Ahmed, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Spring 2026

Before coming to Italy, I had watched TikToks and read stories about racism here, and I’ll admit, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and part of me wondered if I would ever feel truly comfortable as a Black student in a country where I might stand out. Landing in Florence, my apprehension didn’t immediately disappear. One of the first things I noticed was how much people stared. At first, it made me feel exposed, like I couldn’t just exist without being noticed. In the U.S., staring can feel intrusive or judgmental, so my instincts were on high alert. But over time, I started to see it differently. Many people weren’t judging; they were genuinely curious. It wasn’t rude; it was a cultural difference. That realization didn’t erase the discomfort entirely, but it gave me space to breathe and to slowly adjust.

Another challenge, and also one of the most eye-opening experiences, was noticing how often I was the only Black person, or even the only person of color, in a classroom or group setting. Back home, that was never really the case. Growing up in Northern Virginia, my schools were diverse, and most of my peers were children of immigrants. At UVA, my African American and African studies classes were full of Black students, and my psychology lectures, while larger, still had familiar spaces where I could see myself reflected. Here, though, I’m often the only one. That’s a different kind of awareness; it makes you hyper-conscious of how you show up in every space. I’ve become more intentional about how I move, how I speak, and even how I dress. At first, it was exhausting, but now it feels like a skill I didn’t know I needed.

I’ve been fortunate that my upbringing prepared me for navigating different cultures. Growing up around students from many countries taught me not to immediately judge behavior as “rude,” but to try to understand cultural norms instead. That perspective has helped me process the moments that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable here in Italy.

That said, I’ve also had experiences that were undeniably racist, like being called a racial slur by a drunk study abroad student, and another time when someone grabbed a fistful of my hair. Those experiences were jarring and hurtful. But I’ve learned that my story isn’t defined by those moments; they exist, but they do not diminish the joy and growth I’ve experienced abroad.

What has helped the most is grounding myself in community. Being near family, having classmates who support me, and connecting with other students of color. I’ve also found strength in my own sense of self, reminding myself that I deserve to exist in these spaces just as much as anyone else. Florence is teaching me resilience in ways I never anticipated. I’ve learned to navigate discomfort with curiosity and confidence. I’ve learned that even when you feel like an outsider, you can still find belonging.

If you’re considering studying abroad as a Black student, know this: there will be moments of excitement, wonder, and joy, and there may be moments of discomfort or challenge. That’s okay. Your experience doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s yours to define.

Studying abroad isn’t just about visiting a new country; it’s about discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. For me, being here has been about courage and embracing my identity in new ways. Even in the hardest moments, I’ve learned that I can exist fully, authentically, and unapologetically in spaces where I’m often the only one. And that lesson is something I will carry with me long after I leave Florence.