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.

One of my favorite places to go in Florence is Pitti Palace and its Boboli Gardens. The palace had begun being built in the FIFTEENTH CENTURY, and many affluent Florentine families have lived in it, each leaving behind a little bit more history and wealth. It’s now a museum with tons of famous paintings and artworks. Behind it is the gardens, designed by the same guy who designed the Gardens of Versailles. The gardens are overwhelmingly beautiful and there is so much space to see. Everywhere you go is a little treasure, like a Renaissance sculpture or a mesmerizing fountain.

For us FIT/Polimoda students, it’s free entrance, so there’s nothing better than taking advantage of this place. Here are some photos from my visits:

I haven’t written for a while but after a short break… welcome again.

I hope you’re all recovered after Sandy’s attack! I’ve heard that your pre-departure meeting was rescheduled but you ended up having a nice time in MODA Cafe that I used to visit quite often to grab a coffee while preparing myself emotionally to come to Italy

How have been these weeks for us, FIT students in Florence? Well, to be honest quite good. We attended an interesting Meucci milinery workshop and everyone had fun creating his or her own hat, we had also an amazing Thanksgiving potluck thanks to FITSA and obviously we’ve traveled a lot across Europe and even outside the continent on our own or with friends.

I’m also a part of the yearbook team and we’ve been working on it. It’s a lot of fun and you feel so satisfied when you see some results that look quite nice. If you enjoy writing, creating layouts or taking pictures, it’s definitely an extracurricular, you should join.

Now, similarly to the schedule of New York City’s campus, we’re approaching the time of final exams. Then, we’ll be enjoying the winter break and everyone’s so looking forward to it. However, December in Florence is not only about studying – FITSA is organizing a brunch in a place called Ganzo, we’re also going to see “The Nutcracker” and we’ll be ice-skating. I believe that on the 18th we’re also having Christmas dinner. I’m so exited!

I’ll see you in the mid-January! Can’t wait!

If you have any questions concerning you arrival or your stay in Italy, please feel free to ask.