Christina DeFiore, a fourth-year strategic communications major at The Ohio State University, turned Florence, Italy, into her classroom for four months through Arcadia Abroad - ISI Florence.
“I would not change a single aspect of my study abroad experience,” DeFiore said, “Spending months wandering around Florence without GPS, taking an Italian class and practicing with locals, while traveling to a different country every weekend, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was able to share it with some of my roommates from Ohio State, and for that I am incredibly grateful. I built relationships with fellow students, locals and people I met on weekend trips. These memories and friendships are ones I will never forget.”
For DeFiore, studying abroad was about more than travel.
“I firmly believe that interacting with people from different backgrounds is the best way to become open-minded and a better citizen,” she said. “My family is from Italy, so it was important for me to study in the country where my family’s roots lie. Before going abroad, I had never traveled to Europe. It was important for me to take advantage of studying abroad to experience living in another country and broaden my horizons.”
The experience challenged her to step outside her comfort zone.
“Through this experience, I have grown confident in stepping outside the box, overcoming challenges, and viewing everything in a positive light,” she said.
DeFiore recounted planning a trip to Switzerland with people she had never met before and later creating a friendship bond.
“They are now some of my forever friends. Take risks and say yes to everything – I promise it’s worth it!” she said.
She also practiced speaking Italian wherever she went, even when it wasn’t perfect, which furthered her skills outside of the classroom tremendously.
DeFiore faced challenges while abroad, from unpredictable travel plans to bad weather and occasional illness.
“It was important for me to take a step back during these moments and reflect on how privileged I was to be across the world having these experiences. Even the bad days were some of my favorites!” she said. “When it was pouring in Florence, and I got soaked on my way to class, my classmates and I danced in the rain. When there were train delays, we adjusted our travel plans and laughed at the situation. When I wasn’t feeling well, I kept reminding myself that being sick in Italy is better than being sick anywhere else.”
Her study abroad experience has influenced her academic and career plans.
“This experience has made me prioritize traveling and living in new places in my future,” she said.
After returning, she interned in Chicago, a city she had never visited before, and realized she could handle new transitions with confidence.
“Before studying abroad, I wasn’t considering doing graduate school. I am now strongly considering master’s programs abroad to continue learning and living in new places! I am also looking into roles in global communications and international relations as I prepare to graduate in the spring,” DeFiore reflected.