The following story was written by Cira Shaw '26, an English and Communications major who studied abroad this past fall in Florence, Italy. Cira gives us a first-person detailed overview of her memorable experience in Marist University’s largest study abroad program. 

March 18, 2025 — With my neck craned towards the sky, I squinted against the golden light radiating from the cathedral. An intricate weaving of stone and marble carvings, the Duomo towered above me as I let my first taste of Italian gelato dance on my tongue and mix with the bustling sounds of the city around me. I had arrived in Florence only hours before, yet already, I was enchanted by the city’s magic, a palpable energy that promised months of unforgettable joy, academic discovery, and memories to last a lifetime.

A view of the Arno River. Photo by Cira Shaw '26.

Classroom to Cobblestone Streets
As a part of Marist’s Italy’s Florence program, I spent my semester attending weekly classes through Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM), a renowned international institute that welcomes students from all around the world. Classes at LdM academically and culturally challenged students to engage with new perspectives in order to enhance and expand our worldviews.

LdM demonstrated a sincere dedication to making our education immersive and encouraged us to embrace every opportunity to explore Florence’s rich roots in history, art, and culture. My professors frequently incorporated activities into daily lessons such as observation walks around local neighborhoods and a field trip to an olive oil mill. But ultimately, with my classes dispersed throughout the city center, Florence itself served as a campus for curiosity and creativity. 

 

Cira Shaw '26 captures some of her favorite moments of her semester in Florence. 

The City of Florence
Once home to some of the world's greatest minds and visionaries, the city of Florence was the perfect destination for an enriching and inspiring study abroad experience. Florence offered a balance between adventure and serenity, with charm seeping in from every corner. It soon became easy to call it my new home for the semester.

Considered the most walkable city in the world, so much of Florence was accessible by foot which made the possibilities practically limitless. With museums, artisan shops, restaurants, markets, and study spots only a wander away, I found myself constantly eager to explore. The city is full of beautiful scenes of artistry and architecture. Inspiration permeated in the Florentine air as I journaled on a set of stairs or listened to a cello playing in a piazza.

Cira and friends in front of the Duomo, celebrating their last night in Florence. Photo courtesy of Cira Shaw '26.

Living Like a Local
While all my classes at LdM were taught in English, Marist students were required to take an Italian language course while studying in Florence which equipped us with the necessary tools to navigate daily tasks and interactions with locals as well as adopt Italian customs that helped us authentically appreciate the environment. 

For instance, Italians tend to practice a slower lifestyle with an emphasis on appreciating the moment. While adapting to this required me to break my Americanized instinct to rush, it ultimately shifted my perspective to recognize the value of patience and the beauty of being more present.

Marist’s International Spirit
While it was easy to miss the Poughkeepsie campus, I was pleased to discover how prominent Marist spirit remains in Florence. With the presence of the Marist Italy campus, I always knew that I had convenient access to LdM professors, Marist faculty, and a strong, supportive community. 

Similarly, Florence is one of Marist’s most popular abroad destinations, which meant the city was often filled with familiar faces of fellow Red Foxes. Marist Italy hosted numerous events and activities for students to attend and mingle with each other, including President Weinman’s Presidential Reception in October. Moreover, the program also included two overnight trips per semester, organized by LdM, complete with a full itinerary planned. I joined my peers in visiting the scenic Lake Garda, Verona, and hiking in the Italian Alps all within one weekend.

For her nutritional science class final exam, Cira made Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup. Photo by Cira Shaw '26.

Memories for a Lifetime
While I treasured my time spent in Florence, it was also extremely important to me that I ventured beyond the city. Day trips to the cities of Cinque Terre, Milan, Montepulciano, Venice, and San Gimignano were exciting and cost efficient ways to traverse other parts of Italy and explore new facets of Italian culture in each destination.

Additionally, I was fortunate enough to travel further beyond Italy to Barcelona, Spain; Split, Croatia; Interlaken, Switzerland; London, England; Galway and Dublin, Ireland; Prague, Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary; Vienna and Salzburg, Austria; and Paris, France. With each trip, I was afforded a few days to venture into and learn about different cultures, expanding my Italian study abroad journey into a globalized one.

By navigating different countries, I learned to achieve the awareness, adaptability and respect required of a global citizen. And as I grew empowered in my capabilities and independence, I simultaneously discovered a greater confidence within myself. This fueled a semester of self-discovery, where I strived to try new things and grew into the best version of myself. 

Even after four months, I never stopped feeling Florence’s magic. I’ll miss being greeted by it every morning on my stroll past the Duomo to class and reminded of it in the quiet moments of starry nights. But I also know that it persists in the unforgettable memories and the transformative changes within me that I’ll carry beyond.