Firenze, Ti Mancherò.

Happy New Year! After four amazing months, the time has come to write the final blog of my time in Italy. Thank you for joining me one last time. This blog will be shorter, sweeter, and slighly unexcepted.

Finals Week & Finding My Study Rhythm

As usual, the last week of the semester meant exams. After returning from Bolzano, I hit the books. I must have created over one hundred flashcards to keep track of the many concepts we covered throughout the term. They ranged from child psychology activity ideas to mitigation of specific trade tariffs. While this process took time, it laid the foundation for an effective and focused study routine.

Because I knew what to expect from finals, my preparation felt more streamlined than it had during midterms. I spent more time reviewing concepts I found challenging and less time on those I had already mastered. That strategy paid off. I walked into my exams feeling confident and prepared.

Course Recommendation and Quick Side Note

With finals done, here’s my recommendation for the kind of course you could take. 

My Made in Italy course was taught by a former luxury marketing professional. The class featured a newly designed curriculum that showcased the beauty of Italian culture alongside the complexities of business and marketing. When I saw the title of the course, the description of learning about industries across Italy, and experiential learning, I was hooked. 

From visits to the Ferragamo and Gucci museums to day trips to Modena to taste Parmigiano Reggiano and authentic balsamic vinegar, the course offered hands-on opportunities to experience Italy beyond the classroom. I learned more about Italian culture, craftsmanship, and branding than many traditional courses could have taught me.

My favorite component was analyzing marketing videos for brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Ducati. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in understanding how culture and commerce intersect in Italy.

A Bittersweet Farewell with Friends

Even during the chaos of finals week, I found time to connect with friends for a farewell dinner. We started the evening with a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina near Piazza della Signoria before heading to watch a Christmas movie and eat pizza. 

It was the perfect way to spend my final night in Florence. Sitting around the table, laughing at experiences during the semester, made it clear just how meaningful these friendships had become. I am incredibly grateful for the people I met during this experience and cannot wait for the day our paths cross again.

Unexpected Lesson and The Story of My Foot

This final week also taught me an unexpected lesson about health, patience, and learning to navigate challenges while abroad.

As much as I wish the final week had been all joy and celebration, it came with its challenges. About a month before returning home, I woke up with a strange red bump on my foot. It was swollen, painful, and made wearing shoes uncomfortable. Assuming it was caused by long days of walking or uncomfortable socks, I iced it and carried on.

A week later, the swelling had worsened and walking became painful, so I visited a doctor. Simple routines like walking to class or standing for long periods became tedious, especially in a walkable city. I was prescribed creams, Tylenol, and a wrap and told the pain should subside within a week.

It didn’t.

I returned to the doctor for an X-ray to rule out fractures. Thankfully, my bones looked great, and I was advised to continue treatment. When the swelling still didn’t improve, I went back again—this time for an ultrasound. While no clear cause was identified, doctors found inflammation between my toe joint. The conclusion? My body would likely heal itself over time.

Three weeks later, the swelling has mostly subsided. Although there is still some pain, it is manageable, and I should be back on the trails by mid-January.

Why share this seemingly small story? Because no one is exempt from injury or illness—even while studying abroad. This experience reminded me of the importance of caring for both physical and mental health. It also taught me a language lesson I couldn’t have learned elsewhere: while my Italian wasn’t quite at “doctor’s visit” level, I left knowing a few more essential words.

Coming Home & Looking Ahead

On December 20th, my friends dropped me off at the airport, and I boarded my flight home. The journey was filled with reflection and gratitude. I never imagined finding a program that offered a homestay, classes in my field, and opportunities to intern-- all in one experience.

Even more unexpected was the personal growth and friendships that came with it. The year leading up to Italy and my time in Italy taught me that careful planning, asking for help when needed, and being willing to start conversations can transform an idea into a life-changing opportunity.

Thank you again for joining me on this journey. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Florence will always feel like a second home, and I carry its lessons with me as I step into what comes next.

If you have not studied abroad and would like to learn more about the planning process, feel free to email me. You can also check out my next blog, where I share how the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship made much of this experience possible.