We are so sad to see it go – our fabulous time in Florence has ended. School is over so it’s time to say arrivederci, eat one last cannoli, pack up our bags and head home. The FIT campus will never be the same after such a pleasant year at Polimoda Istututo.

Our time here has been amazing, but it will certainly be nice to return home to sunny weather – I’ve got family and friends who I haven’t seen for almost 9 months!

To end the year, the FASA board planned a picnic at the Boboli Gardens, behind Pitti Palace. With catered food from Panino Tondo (perhaps the best lunch place near the Polimoda campus with Italian-style BAGELS), it was “be there or be square.” We signed yearbooks, hugged goodbye, and hung out in the sunshine.

We’ll miss you, Florence – A PRESTO!

-Z

I’ve been living in Florence for past 9 months. I’ve met fantastic people. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. I’ve lived my dreams. I’ve learned to live. We’ve learned to live. The FIT in Florence group of classmates and professors has become my family. If I was to make decision about studying abroad once again, I wouldn’t change anything. It’s been one of the greatest time of my life.

I feel like I’ve experienced “abandoning my place” all over again. All in all, almost three years ago I moved to New York City from Poland. I had to adjust to new culture, a new way of thinking and studying. Almost a year ago I moved to Florence from NYC. I can’t deny that I applied for IFMM program in Italy to be closer to home (Poland is just two hours away by plane ). Though, I need to admit that my junior year abroad has exceeded my expectations.

Tha fact that I was almost home was significant but not as important as my overall experience while participating in the program. Florence is a beautiful city and being surrounded by all of the Michelangelo’s, Donatello’s and Brunelleschi’s artworks is such an honor. The Italian food deserves distinction, not to mention about the amazing Italian culture. Another approach of studying at school, multicultural teachers, stunning school campus… I would not be able to imagine anything better. And… the people I’ve met over here – they were the most important part of studying abroad and they were the main authors of my adventure. I would like to thank all students and professors for being such awesome peers, mentors and supporters.

Two nights ago I sat on my comfy sofa back in Poland and I watched the beautiful yearbook video (thank you, Hannah!) with my parents. I thought that I would never forget all of these moments because they are memories for life. At the end, I read all of the messages that my friends left in my yearbook and I was moved. This is the story of my life. This is a story of FIT in Florence program and if I were you, I would not hesitate and I would apply to come here!

Florence, in August we were waiting for you and now I know the world is waiting for us.

Ciao Italia! I’ll miss you forever.

Spring Break is very important to college students, and us FIT in Florence students were blessed this year with the opportunity of already being in Europe for our week off to do as we please. We all did different things and went to different places–some stayed in Italy, some went to Spain, Ibiza, Malta, Poland, and even some people went back home just to say hi. I personally spent the week in Greece, soaking up the sun and history in the Mediterranean capital of Athens (we did some other island hopping as well).

First things first– I highly recommend travelling to Greece. It’s beautiful and beachy, the food is incredible, there’s great shopping, and the Greeks are some of the nicest people. Our hotel looked up at the ancient Acropolis, which tells stories of times before Christ. The ancient ruins were mind-blowing and I feel so privileged to have seen them. All in all, Athens is a beautiful city with a ton of character and individuality.

Some highlights were the changing of the guards at Parliament, seafood dishes, ATV safari on the island of Corfu, sight-seeing and sandal shopping.