Ciao amici! Il mio nome è Valerie e io sono uno studente di moda a Firenze Italia. For those of you that don’t speak fluent Italian (unfortunately, myself included) this means: Hello friends! My name is Valerie and I ‘m a fashion student in Florence Italy. It’s hard to believe that I moved to Florence just shy of two months ago. I blinked and the semester was halfway over (insert distressed emoji here.) These past two months have by far been the most exciting, unique, challenging and beautiful months of my life.
Read on to hear about just a few of the things I’ve learned so far.
1. How to shop for and cook actual meal.
Italy is known for its outstanding cuisine; however, eating out every night isn’t always practical. Also, a large part of the Italian culture includes going to the stunning markets (the Mercato Centrale is my favorite) and buying fresh ingredients from all the vendors. It’s the best feeling when you walk up to a vendor and they remember your order! This is a great way of embracing and taking part in the culture.
2. Try new foods. Try new foods. Try new foods.
I cannot stress this one enough. If you’re in a new country then chances are you’re already out of your comfort zone. Might as well go ahead and try the weirdest thing on the menu. Chances are it will be tasty and you will have a fun story behind it. The strangest things I have tried so far are lard and cow stomach; and, you guessed it, they were both delicious!
3. How to expertly dodge Vespas and buses in the street.
In Italy, sidewalk etiquette does not exist. It is perfectly normal to walk in the middle of the incredibly narrow sidewalks or even come to a complete halt. Because of this, it is also normal to forgo the sidewalks and walk in the street. After being here for two months I have learned that there is no need to jump on the sidewalk when there is an oncoming Vespa. Simply stay to the side and they’ll go around you; I better leave this one in Italy!
4. Trying and being wrong is better than not trying at all (cliché I know).
I have found that most residents in Florence either speak or understand English. However, it is still important to remember that speaking in Italian (or at least trying to) is an important part of learning the culture. I will never forget the smile and thumbs up that I earned from the barista at the coffee shop I visit everyday before class when I successfully placed my order completely Italian for the first time.
5. Your Guru Gang is your lifeline.
I believe that having a great group of friends is SO important when studying abroad. No one else can understand what an adventure like this is like other than the people you’re experiencing it with. Also, they are your support system when you feel homesick or overwhelmed.
6. It’s okay to be clueless.
In my opinion this one is the most important. It is very easy to become overwhelmed with how different everything seems. That. Is. Okay. Moving to a new country is bound to have its challenges and it’s okay to ask for help! The fun began when I accepted that getting lost; not understanding or sometimes saying the wrong thing was not a matter of if but when. Being able to laugh at myself and learn from my mistakes rather than getting overwhelmed is by far one the most valuable things I have learned.
