Early this past summer, the TF staff caught wind of one of the many studying-in-Italy-themed ‘listicles’ making the rounds on social media. This particular piece was called ‘39 Reasons Studying Abroad in Italy Ruins You For Life.’ The title may have been a bit over-the-top, but all the talk of richer coffee, fresher foods and prettier landscapes had us nodding enthusiastically. We thought the list could use a Florentine twist, though, so we asked the study abroad crowd among our Facebook fans to weigh in on what they missed most from their experiences, and what will draw them back to Florence in their future travels.
Sarah Varney
Exploring Boboli! There is always some new bench or hidden nook.
Jess Page
The gelato, the Arno and all the beautiful bridges, feeling accomplished after having a successful conversation in Italian, APEROL SPRITZ, and living in a city wthout feeling like you’re in a city. ALL OF IT!
Katie Ellis
I miss waking up every day and going to the Mercato Centrale. Also, there really is nothing like café culture in Italy. I have lived in both Rome and Florence, and I still can’t get the smell of Italy out of my nose. You miss the relaxation behind café culture, eating and just being with family or friends. You can wander around Florence and feel at home. When you leave, a part of you stays there.
Earl Owens
Living in Florence could never ‘ruin you for life’ as one will have the memories of a Florentine lifestyle ingrained forever and the dream of someday returning burning deep inside. It only gives life more meaning.
Kasia Kurdziel
I miss everything, but what I miss most is my everyday bike route from Novoli, where I lived, to the city center through Le Cascine and along the Arno (often accompanied by gelato). I was so charmed by all the surrounding beauty, so happy to be there (and on a bici!) that I would literally smile while riding!
Jessie Lynn Williams
In Florence, my heart found a home. My soul found peace, my tastebuds joy, and I learned the real meaning of beauty—in the people, the streets, the art and the language.
Jane Mjolsness
I miss the sounds of my boots on the cobblestones, the smell of exhaust and cappuccino, the taste of Chianti and real bread, the feeling of my heart finally being home. That experience changed me in so many ways.
Hannah Babineau
Everything! The pace of life, the food, the smells, walking around everywhere, the weather, and the local people who are passionate about everything. I miss the markets (even Conad), the late night strolls to the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, and even the quick runs to the euro stores. Florence always had something new going on and the little side streets were just waiting to be explored.
Justin Waldman
I miss the spine-tingling walk along via dello Studio to and from class—I knew I had been there before in a former life. I miss the walk home along via del Proconsolo every lunchtime, and popping into the Bargello to remind the Donatellos I was still there.
Eryn L. Chandler
I miss church bells waking me up, the loud street artists being my goodnight lullabies, killing time by wandering around quaint streets, traveling so cheaply via train, and about a million other things.
Hollie Taylor
The sound of loud motorini buzzing by on via Pandolfini as I fell asleep.
Suzanne Willever
That overwhelming sense that I had come home. I remember that feeling so vividly. And each time I return, I feel it again.
Gemma Early
Walking everyday from via Maggio across the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno to get to school. Looking back, I am even jealous of myself!
Peyowna Pyona
I miss getting lost!
Stephanie Kaye Larson
I miss how it was nearly impossible to wake up late for class because you were so eager for the day to come! I miss my leisurely, morning walks to class after buying an espresso and a pastry for a euro. You can’t do anything like that where I live.
Jan Galeano
I’m going back in December and I can’t wait. It’s been nearly 4 years and I can still smell the fresh coffee. Still see the Duomo so clearly that I ache. The bells still ring in my ears. I even miss the sounds of the ambulances as they sped past!
Michelle Erickson Sitting in the park behind my apartment and smelling the flowers while I did my class reading. And saying hello to the Dante statue in piazza Santa Croce on my way to class.
Maria Vallejo de Robles
Being able to walk around the city and feeling the history of Firenze. I was amazed thinking about the people who had walked the same streets hundreds of years ago.
Anne Becker
Reading my homework on the Ponte Santa Trinita.
Logan Stollenwerck
The Italian culture, where family comes first above and beyond anything else. The everlasting friendships. The food, wine, coffee and cigarettes, and the whole dining experience.