My Semester in Florence So Far: Meet Ambassador Abroad, Hannah
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Meet Hannah, a junior studying abroad on CIEE’s High School Exchange in Italy, living and learning in Florence for the semester. We wanted to check in halfway through her program and ask her a few questions about her experience so far.
CIEE: What is it like living with a host family in a homestay?
Hannah: A homestay is meant to help you achieve full immersion, and that’s honestly how it feels. My Italian mom is just as much my mother as my actual mom. She cooks me and my roommate dinner, sets rules and expectations, celebrates our birthdays, and offers advice and comfort. She has also helped me experience a unique part of Italian culture I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten. I have had authentic home-cooked Italian meals almost every night and been to so many dinner parties and family gatherings. My homestay has made my time in Italy so much more enjoyable and comfortable.
CIEE: What has been the biggest culture shock since arriving in Italy?
Hannah: My biggest culture shock was realizing the way Italians view Americans. American culture is a very common topic of discussion because it is seen everywhere. There is American music playing on the streets, American movies constantly shown in Italian theaters, American slang used by my classmates, and many American celebrities constantly referenced. American politics is also discussed much more than I thought it would be, by adults and teenagers alike.
CIEE: What is your favorite part of the program so far?
Hannah: My favorite part is how much I’ve been able to experience and grow in such a short amount of time. I haven’t had one weekend that’s been boring. I’ve taken yoga and art classes, explored the city, navigated public transport, gone on hikes, and met new people all in such a short time. We are given a lot of independence, which makes all of these experiences a lot more rewarding and meaningful to me.
CIEE: What has been the hardest part of the program?
Hannah: For me, it was homesickness. The first two weeks after I arrived were really hard because I didn’t know anyone yet and everything was so different from what I was used to. However, after those two weeks, my homesickness faded, and I started to really enjoy myself and embrace the unfamiliarity of being in a new country without my family or friends.
CIEE: If you had one piece of advice for someone thinking about studying on a CIEE High School Study Abroad program, what would it be?
Hannah: Just go for it! Studying abroad is such a unique experience that can’t be replicated in any way. You will grow and learn so much. There are a lot of hard parts about studying abroad, but they make room for all of the really fun and amazing experiences you’ll have. You’ll also make the most amazing friends and bond so tightly with them that you’ll never stop being friends.
Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your CIEE experience!