Written by Ava Marcus (Cornell University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2026
Florence has been an incredible city to study abroad in, offering wonders everywhere I turn. While it was initially difficult to settle down roots in a new country and find ways to adapt, Florence is filled with an abundance of life that helped me establish a new home. Instead of finding ways to make this city feel like the home I am accustomed to, I established a different type of home that is still a place I feel like I belong. The more I become familiar with this place, the more I feel a sense of comfort here. Come along as I describe the top aspects that helped Florence feel like a home away from home.
The People Make the Place
Firstly, the people I surround myself with bring a sense of comfort. I have met so many new fellow students from all over the United States and the world, all with various backgrounds and stories to tell. By traveling and studying together, we have gotten to know one another and have developed a friendship that feels like a community.
Art All Around
Growing up, I was extremely passionate about art and even wanted to be a professional artist one day. While my career goals have changed, art is still a fascination of mine, but I do not have time to study it on top of my science courses at Cornell.
Here, I am taking an art history class, Renaissance Art and Architecture, where I learn about artist styles and the influence of politics on artists, and take many visits to museums and churches.
Additionally, every street I walk down is filled with statues, paintings being created, buildings with intricate designs, and I have to stop to take it all in. Living in the birthplace of the Renaissance has allowed me to reconnect with the artistic and creative side, bringing back this crucial part of my identity.
A Cultural Center
The Italian culture is beyond prevalent at every street corner in Florence. Whether it is live music, a conversation with a local, or observing the art and rich history, I have been able to resonate with the way of life here.
I appreciate the value placed on moving at a slower pace to enjoy the little moments around you and acting warmly to bring family and friends together. Growing up in an Italian family, I have felt a greater connection to my heritage by interacting with the local people and understanding the cultural values I was taught.
Sightseeing
The views from all across Florence are absolutely stunning—from Renaissance architecture to blooming gardens— it is impossible not to walk around with admiration. Living in a place that contains such a wide range of beauty has increased my inclination to see every part of it. The view in the photo is from Piazzale Michaelango, and I recommend hiking up to the top at sunset to take in the whole city and picnic in this scenic spot.
A Thrill for Tastebuds Too
Food, obviously! Florence is known for its Bistecca alla Fiorentina, but every single bite of pizza, pasta, prosciutto, gelato, and pastries has been incredible. As a big foodie who loves to try new foods and experience the local cuisines of the areas I visit, I feel a greater sense of belonging when I eat like those who live here.
Learning Italian cooking techniques for making pasta from scratch with just two ingredients has led me to appreciate simple and quality food, and how the kitchen is a fun space that brings people together. A hobby of mine is experimenting with new recipes with my mom, so I am beyond excited to cook the dishes I have tried here with her and bring some of Italy back home to my family.
Branching out to all of Italy
Tuscany’s location offers the opportunity to travel to countless other places across Italy to fully experience the diversity each region has to offer. For example, I have seen the greenery at a vineyard in Chianti, marveled at the structure of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, watched an Olympic hockey game in Milan, and have plans to swim through the ocean at Cinque Terre’s beaches. Each region has such diverse geography, food, and atmosphere, so it is important to understand each one in order to appreciate the country as a united whole.
Never Bored
I never thought my most difficult task when studying abroad would be planning itineraries for when friends and family come to visit me. The city is filled to the brim with sights and activities that I do not know how to pick and choose what to include in the few days they are here. The museums go beyond just housing artworks, such as the museums of the Gucci Garden, Ferragamo, Serial Killer, and more. There are also cooking classes, viewpoints, the Duomo, rooftop restaurants, famous monuments, and I could keep listing. I am always learning more about Florence’s history as I experience something new.
The small and big wonders of Florence are all pieces I used to build this city into a home for myself. Reconnecting with elements of my identity, discovering new connections to my family heritage, and learning from peers and locals have made me feel like a member of this country and culture. Every day, I have a novel experience that I can reflect on, and I cannot wait to keep uncovering gems across Florence.