Upon arrival in Florence, I was immediately surprised by how the city was a blend between the traditional city landscape and the cultural landscape. It seamlessly intertwines Renaissance styles with more modern architecture. It is a unique environment that I have loved experiencing so far.
Additionally, the global business program is very well-structured. It allows students to have time to learn the history of Italy, while also having time to explore on their own. From the guided tours to local companies, the program is already proving to be both academically and personally enriching. My favorite tour we did was through the Florence city center. Seeing and hearing about all the history that Florence had to offer was uniquely interesting, since I will be living here for the next month. I also enjoyed the cooking class we got to take. It was extremely interesting to learn about the pasta-making process from real Italian chefs. I hope to further gain more information about how Italians conduct business. Beyond academics, I aim to grow personally by becoming more adaptable and independent. As of now, I can already sense how this program is shaping me into a more responsible person.
Some differences I’ve already seen are the daily routines of Italians vs. Americans. Italians take the day more slowly, enjoying long meals and family time. They care more about enjoying their lives, and they value having a good work-life balance. On the other hand, the United States is more fast-paced. It is not unusual for people to stay at work most of the day. Another major difference is the way Italians present themselves publicly. In the U.S., it is common for people to go to the grocery store or to the bank wearing athleisure; however, in Italy, I have yet to see people walking around in athleisure. Italians are extremely fashionable, and they present themselves in such a way. They “dress for success.” Unlike the U.S., even in casual settings, Italians dress in a more stylish and formal fashion. I have loved being in Florence so far, and I am excited to see what comes next on the trip!
