Written by Ava Marcus (Cornell University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2026
I’m a pre-medical student at Cornell University who is from Long Island, New York. I am involved at Cornell as the Distance Captain of Track Club, a Genetics Teacher’s Assistant, and a Biology Tutor. In my free time, I enjoy reading at the beach, running, cooking new recipes, and listening to music. I typically take STEM based classes, so I am enjoying learning about other disciplines with the CET Academic Program!
Since arriving in Florence, I have been the most busy in my life than ever before in the best possible way. Florence is an incredible city with an abundance of sites to see, corners to explore, and excursions to act on. Everyday, I have experienced something new and stepped outside of my comfort zone—tried a new food, visited a new historical landmark, or talked to a new friend. Come walk with me through one day in my life inside my photos.
Anyone Can Cook
Every morning, I start my day by cooking myself breakfast in the kitchen within my apartment. All CET students live in authentic Florence apartments that come furnished, so I definitely recommend buying groceries and taking advantage of your kitchen to cook yourself your favorite meals a few days a week as a healthy and affordable alternative to eating out.
Stroll Across the Arno River
On my walk to class, I observe pastries entering cafe windows and leather bags being hung up in shops. I then stroll across the Ponte alle Grazie over the Arno River, where I take in the beautiful natural elements of Florence and watch kayakers row. CET has two academic centers located in close proximity on either side of the river. Both are walking distance from every student’s apartment.
Immersive Class
Instead of meeting in the classroom today, my Leadership Development class had a site visit to the Gucci Garden Museum. The visit acted as a team building event to explore the displays as a class and apply our current course topics about company structure to Gucci.
Many classes offered through CET have site visits where class time is held at a different location across Florence. Also with my Renaissance Art and Architecture class, I will explore tons of historical works through our weekly museum trips.
Sandwich Shop Stop
In between classes, I meet up with a few of my new friends to try a new sandwich shop for lunch. Florence is filled with plenty of places to eat a massive and delicious sandwich, each with an extensive menu of a variety of combinations of meats, cheeses, and sauces.
Sandwiches are clearly a popular lunch item, because the lines are typically very long but move very quickly. The shop in the photo is called Schiacciateria De’ Neri 18R, which offers great service, food, and prices. We walk to Palazzo Melenchini Alberti to sit, eat, and talk before our next classes.
The Premier Study Spots
After class, I head over to Giunti Odeon, which is a library stacked with books and a cinema with films rolling on the large screen that are free to enjoy. I love sitting in the cinema seats and reading my articles for my classes while the movies play in the background.
When I am feeling tired, the best place to study is at my apartment with my roommate. We love sitting at our living room table and enjoying each other’s company while getting our work done. These are both great examples of free places for students to unwind.
Conquering the Duomo’s 463 Steps
After studying, I join many of my peers in the CET program to climb the iconic Duomo of Florence. Its construction was completed in 1436, and features stunning murals on the ceiling and an incredible view of the city after ascending up all 463 narrow and windy steps.
CET offers a large variety of activities all semester that students can participate in. I highly recommend signing up for every one. They are an amazing opportunity to meet new people, experience true Italian culture, and find a new interest.
Smiles for Pizza
After working up an appetite, my roommates and I decide to go to a pizzeria for classic Italian pizza for dinner. My Italian family at home loves to order a few dishes and all share. So, I introduced this dining style to my new friends here when we go out to eat. We ordered multiple pizzas and ate a slice of each one, so we all got to indulge in multiple different types. I love trying new Italian foods and engaging with this aspect of the culture when we go out to eat.
Architecture all Around
My roommates and I live right near the Piazza Santa Croce. It features the stunning Basilica of Santa Croce, many restaurants and leather shops, and a large open space that houses many vendors for the weekend market. Whenever we are walking home, we get to pass this massive building that is especially lovely at night when it is lit up. It is convenient to live on a private street that is only a few steps away from a bustling plaza.
I hope you feel you got to immerse yourself in my new world by picturing yourself in each photograph. Walking around Florence, I am still marveled by the architecture, rich history paved in every cobblestone street, and welcoming locals. I always find myself discovering novel experiences and aspects of myself. Living here and adjusting to a new culture, I have widened my perspective of the world and sense of independence. While studying abroad can seem overwhelming, it is important to take it one day at a time!