Reflecting On Lessons Learned During A Semester Abroad in Florence, Italy

Words and photos by Gianna Messia, an ASA Florence alumna who studied abroad during Fall Semester 2024. Photos are from her trip to Amsterdam!

While studying abroad in Italy last semester, Gianna participated on the ASA Jetsetters program, designed to take students deeper into their experiences. In one of her last activities, Gianna was asked to identify and reflect on ways in which she’s made accommodations to her host culture’s norms.

The post below was written by Gianna with the following questions in mind:

1.) How have your actions changed over the course of the semester?

2.) Have your behaviors, thinking, actions changed or shifted?

3.) What do you now do (say, think, etc.) that is different from the start of the term?

4.) What new perceptions about yourself and your host culture do you have?

5.) How will you incorporate this learning into your life once you return to the US?

I have certainly made accommodations to my host cultures norms! Over the course of the semester, my actions have changed and I have adopted new ways of living. At home, I would normally snack a lot and eat at strict times during the day. In Florence, I eat dinner a lot later than 6pm—usually around 9-10pm. The classes here are a lot longer, usually lasting 3.5 hours a day. It is very exhausting and not like school at home. Another behavior I have adopted is taking a siesta. Usually around 3pm, a lot of shops, restaurants and local places in the city close for a few hours during the day. During this time you can grab a coffee, nap, take time to yourself and prepare for the evening. In the United States, businesses peak during midday and places stay open all day long. It is very different, but a lot more relaxing having those few hours during the day to yourself.

My behaviors, thinking and actions have most certainly changed and shifted. At home, I was constantly anxious and found myself overwhelmed in the city I live in. Although Boston is beautiful, it is heavily populated and touristy. Being abroad, I have noticed my nervous system is a lot more centered and I find myself not getting as annoyed as I do at home. I really admire the culture here and fully understand that I am a guest in this country. I am new to their customs and traditions and want to learn as much as I can before I leave. Also, there is a stereotype about Italy that includes vespas, romance, coffee, and men that the United States fonds over. Living here has changed my way of thinking as I am physically experiencing Italian culture. Although Italy is old-school, there are still a lot of signs here of a more modern way of living. Florence has an Apple store, Burger King, Five Guys, McDonalds, and even a Starbucks.

At the beginning of the term, I was focused on living and adjusting to life in  Florence, Italy. Now, I have traveled all over Europe and have expanded my horizons to different cultures, cities, and countries, and no longer pin myself to just Florence. Although I love the city I live in, there have been other countries I have visited that I adore just as much. I have learned so much in Germany just from attending Oktoberfest and understanding the tradition of this event, for example.

A new perception I have about myself is that I am outgoing. I am not afraid to talk to new people, although there may be a high possibility of a language barrier. I have learned that I am independent! I traveled to the United Kingdom all by myself and learned transportation routes by plane, bus, taxi, and train. About my host culture, I have learned that it rains a lot - haha! The weather is not as warm as I thought it was going to be. I have also learned that the architecture and Renaissance work is a key part of the city of Florence. Michelangelo, with the help of Lorenzo and the Medici Family, contributed to a lot of the work that still remains around the city

today.

In conclusion, I will 100% incorporate this learning into my life when I return to the US. Throughout this whole journey, I have told my family at home that the biggest thing I learned was the geography around me. I was always terrible in school with learning the states, and continents, and remembering where everything lies on the map. Now, having traveled all over Europe, I am familiar with where each country lives and the countries that it borders. One important part of Italy I want to inform my friends, family, and colleagues about is the importance of wine-making, marketing, and production in Italy. I will also tell them about packing tips, transportation advice, and how to deal with homesickness. Although they may not travel or study abroad like myself, I have learned so many skills that can still be used in the US as well. 

Thanks for sharing, Gianna!