how did you engage with the local community while abroad?
I tried to do as many authentic activities as possible while abroad. I am an EU citizen, so I took advantage of this by going to various gardens, museums, exhibits, etc. that I had a reduced entrance price for in order to visit as many of these as possible. I would have never visited many of these places if I hadn't had a goal to explore the unknown parts of Florence that would connect me to the local community.

what's one story or important aspect you always tell people about your time abroad?
I always tell people about the amazing friendships I made with students not only in my school, but in my major, that I did not previously know. Study abroad strengthened my bonds with these people in unimaginable ways as we had the opportunity to grow, explore, and be independent together in a very unique and special way.