By Becca Baitel
From the smells of fresh pastries blazing through the air on a warm, sunny morning to the vibrant hubbub and personality of the city, Florence has truly grown to be a second home to me after living here for a month. However, my study abroad experience has exposed me to a myriad of different emotions, many of which have been unpleasant and difficult to handle without the comfort of my family, friends, and most importantly, the gluten-free bakery down the street from my house. As time passes and reality begins to set in, battling homesickness, FOMO, and the stresses of school, traveling, and budgeting simultaneously can feel quite stifling. Learning how to radically accept and welcome feelings of joy, excitement, anticipation, and pleasure to coexist with ones of anxiety and stress is key to making the most of your study abroad experience.
When many students reflect on studying abroad, struggling to feel independent, gain confidence, and be empowered and present in an unfamiliar place are often part of their narratives. There is so much to be immersed in that it sometimes feels overwhelming to feel the urge to check everything off your to-do list within eleven short weeks. The unintentional, yet burdensome guilt we place upon ourselves to stretch ourselves thin and operate in auto-pilot mode limits our ability to remain present and enjoy our time here when we are constantly racing around. In order to truly treasure every minute, making peace with the discomfort and being in tune with your body and its needs are essential in preventing burnout. Be grateful and proud of whatever you accomplished today, whether you explored a new city, booked a trip, or ate a bowl of homemade pasta in bed and watched Parks and Recreation for three hours.
When I first arrived, I had the intense desire to book all of my weekends with travel plans in fear of not taking advantage of my short time here. But then, my perspective changed: instead of staying up late to get deals on trips, I began stretching at night, going to bed earlier, allotting time aside for Netflix, and incorporating more joy into my life that I had found solace in at home. If I couldn’t enjoy the comforts and smells of my home, I wanted to bring those to Florence. Before leaving for Italy, I researched things to do in my neighborhood and was immediately drawn to the nearby Boboli Gardens due to the ample amount of green space that mirrored my New Jersey suburb. For me, setting that goal was essential in establishing my footing here and eased my anxiety. Walking at a slow pace allowed me to fully and presently take in the beauty of the sculptures and the fresh smell of roses. This is when I realized how much I had been wearing myself thin, and visiting the gardens was a necessary (and therapeutic!) reality check.
Having the newfound independence to live in a new setting is exciting, yet daunting for someone who lacks that experience. This is why achieving goals abroad while simultaneously checking in with yourself is a great way to track your progress and ease adjustment. Starting with smaller goals, such as learning conversational Italian from locals, can help adapt to a new culture through communication. If you are more of an introvert and conversation is too intimidating of a starting point, begin with preparing one or two meals a week, and gradually, increase that over time as you establish routine. Every design, etching, and mosaic tile has a story- so take it all in and enjoy the beauty and spirit within Florence itself.