Would you believe me if I told you that at 20 years old, I’d never been on a plane before? Well, it’s the truth. My first time ever stepping foot on an airplane was in January 2024 when I boarded my flight out of JFK to go to Frankfurt, Germany to connect me to Florence, Italy to study abroad. It was an eight-hour flight. And oh yeah, I was by myself. I knew nobody who was going, and didn't travel with anyone either. Just me, myself, and I.  

My name is Brian DeMuro. I’m currently a senior in college, and this past Spring I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence. I am full Italian, so it only made sense that my first time abroad was to Italy. I wanted to share my experiences as a young college kid whose first time out of the country was studying abroad. 

Me (left) and my brother (right) at JFK hours before my departing flight. 

Adjusting To Host Culture 

Anyone who goes abroad for an extended period of time understands the importance and challenges of adjusting to a new culture. For me, adjusting to Italian culture was not too difficult. As I mentioned, I have an Italian background with a mom who speaks the language fluently. I took all Italian throughout middle school and high school, so I had a solid foundation of the language. That was my biggest worry as I was arriving in Florence; am I going to be able to communicate with locals and order food and whatnot? Not only did they speak a good amount of English, but my Italian background paid off extremely well.  

I noticed right away some major differences. Firstly, in Italy, pranzo (lunch) is their biggest meal. Everyone gets off school or work and stores close around 1:00 p.m. for a few hours. It’s not a quick bite; it’s a sit-down meal. This led to dinner being served extremely late, often around the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Obviously, this is very different from the American norm.  

Lunch timeline outside the famous All’Antico Vinaio panini shop.

Another difference was the fashion. Admittedly, I’m not a huge fashion buff, but I do like to be put together. In America, it’s common for people to wear pajamas or sweatpants unless there’s a formal gathering; not in Europe. Everyone is dressed at least somewhat nicely. Sweatpants aren’t really a thing nor are hoodies. It’s jeans, chinos, jackets, and things alike. This was a bit of an adjustment because it feels unnatural, but also fun. 

Lastly, one of the biggest differences was the food. Not just the quality of the food, but the types of food served. McDonald’s is the only real fast-food restaurant. Fast food is barely a thing in Florence. This led to locals being a lot more fit and healthy than Americans, which immediately stood out. All in all, there were numerous differences, but I enjoyed the process of adjusting to a new culture.  

View from the rooftop of my hotel (The Social Hub - Firenze). 

The main thing I’d emphasize is buying into it. I knew I was going to be there for four months, so why not fully immerse myself in a new place? Isn’t that part of the reason one studies abroad in the first place? Once I put the American ideals and norms aside, I was able to adjust fairly quickly and easily. The locals were very kind and welcoming. If you’re not obnoxious and loud, they embrace you. Adjusting to and immersing myself in these cultural differences were just a few examples that made my experience so valuable during my time abroad. 

Advice 

I’m six months removed from this experience, yet once you’ve experienced studying abroad, it’ll constantly be on your mind. If I had the opportunity to give someone advice regarding the whole experience, I would tell them that studying abroad is going to be the best time of your life. There’s nothing that you’ve done yet, or maybe that you’ll ever do that will compare to the feelings and experiences you’re about to live through. So, with that, make a conscious effort to live in the moment.  

Me on the London Bridge. London was my favorite city outside of Florence! 

There will be times when you miss home but try not to rush the time. Because eventually you’ll be back home. At first, it’ll be refreshing, but then it’s back to normal. Studying abroad is anything but normal. Embrace that. In my personal experience, if you manage your classwork and assignments well, they are very reasonable. Teachers and instructors of education abroad understand your situation. They realize that studying abroad is a cultural experience and adventure for the students, just as much as it’s part of academics.  

When you have free time, and I found myself with a lot of that, take advantage of it. Explore your host city, travel to other places, try new foods, experiences, and cultural activities. And remember, everyone studying abroad is in the same boat as you. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people and form a friend group early so you have people to hangout and travel with.  

My friends whom I met at CEA CAPA orientation and I at the Ponte Vecchio. 

If it’s your first time abroad like it was for me, embrace it even more. If you’re at all like me, you’ve probably dreamt of going abroad and visiting certain cities and places. Do all of it. You have the chance to go see the world right at your fingertips, and you might not ever get that ease of access again, so take advantage of it. And lastly, don’t be scared. All your worries and concerns will work themselves out. Be courageous, have fun, do well in class, and most importantly, make the most of every day.