Word and photos by Vanessa Pollari, who studied abroad with ASA in Florence, Italy for spring semester 2025.
Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa Pollari, and I’m an ASA Alum from Spring ‘25!
Today is one of those days where I’m thinking of Florence a little extra–going through all of my pictures and posts, reminiscing about my time there.
From the start, I didn’t know if I fully wanted to study abroad. I always wanted to since freshman year, but actually committing to it was the hard part for me. I went alone, with no one from my school, and only myself to lean on in the process. The process of getting a visa, applying, deadlines, and preparation isn’t easy, but it is so worth it in the end.
Going alone was a little daunting at first, but once I was set up in the program, I didn’t feel alone at all. Choosing ASA for my program was a bit by random, but I’m so grateful for my choice. No question was left unanswered, and I had continuous support throughout the entire application and departure process.
From Katia and Katie helping out until and beyond arrival, to our amazing program leaders
when in Italy—Federica, Chiara, and Valentina—there was no shortage of people willing to
help out. Managing so many students in one program with so many questions could seem
overwhelming, but to our program leaders, it is a passion.
When you’re away from your friends and family for so long, these program leaders become that sense of family for you. They’re always checking in, planning little events throughout the semester, and are always there for you in a time of need.
I know when a few of my friends were feeling a bit homesick, they didn’t think twice about
texting Chiara to grab lunch or a coffee. When my roommate was a little scared about a
suspected spider bite from a hike, they sent a doctor to our apartment within the hour. Small things like this helped the process and discomfort become so much easier.
The insurance we got with the ASA program was the best it gets. Everything is covered, from the taxi to the doctors, to a translator there to help understand your diagnosis. When one of my roommates had to get a few stitches within the first week, the scary process was made so easy. A program leader (I believe Valentina) brought her to the pharmacy, they directed her to the hospital, got into a taxi together, went in, had a translator there for her, and there was no question that Valentina would go to the follow-up appointment with her.
In comparison to another friend we had in a different program—she got a pretty bad stomach bug early on in our time there. Her program told her to get a taxi to go to the doctor; she had to go alone, pay out of pocket to be reimbursed, could not understand the doctor very well while she was there, and overall, it was a pretty scary situation for her. I couldn’t imagine doing that on my own.
Overall, studying abroad isn’t an easy process and comes with a lot of discomfort and
uneasiness while being so far from home. Though what is so beautiful about it is that you come home as a new person, well-traveled, someone who overcame adversity in one way or another, and with a lifetime of friends and memories from the experience.
I’m so thankful for all of the support from ASA, and couldn’t imagine the process without everyone involved!
Thanks, Vanessa!