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Editor’s note: This is the second in a five-part series spotlighting ’s global centers.

One diverted flight. One friend doused in clam pasta. One night in a pub basement, too choked up to sing “Piano Man.” Mairead Connolly ’28 went to Florence with a plan and came back with something better—the kind of stories that don’t fit in a caption and a confidence she didn’t know she was looking for.

Connolly, a resident of Watertown, Massachusetts, is a forensic science major and psychology major in the . She studied abroad for the fall 2025 semester through Syracuse Abroad and now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

“I went during the fall for a fresh start, but also because I believe it makes so much sense to experience warm, cool and a bit of cold weather than to arrive there when it’s cold and dark,” Connolly says. “During the fall, you can experience the summer vibes but also experience the Christmas markets.”

Here are her recommendations, in her own words, of five things to do to get the most out of your Florence study abroad experience.

Focus on Your Own Experience

“Before going abroad and while you’re actually there, it’s easy to compare your experiences to what you see on social media. It made me set unrealistic expectations that every aspect was going to be perfect or as close to perfect as I can get.

“But there are going to be moments where things don’t go as planned, you feel a little out of place or you have to adjust on the fly. Those moments end up being just as meaningful. They push you to adapt, figure things out and learn more about yourself. You get through them with a great story!

“There was a night when my friends and I had a reservation at a popular restaurant in Florence that is known for their gnocchi. We believed we had to go. We never made it to the restaurant. Instead, we passed a place that sold gelatoshakes (called “Venchi,” please try them, they are amazing) and stood by The Arno watching the stars come out.”

Be Open to Going Solo

“I loved traveling with friends and my family when they came to visit, but the solo trips I did are some of my favorite memories from being abroad. Going on a trip solo gives you time to think in a way you don’t usually get. You can process what you’re experiencing and learn more about yourself.

“One of my favorite solo trips was while I was on fall break with friends in London. I’ve always wanted to see Stonehenge so I marked a whole day for that trip. Later I went to Bath. I went to lunch by myself, met new people, tried mead for the first time and followed a tour with a really funny guide. There was no schedule, no pressure, just me experiencing everything at my own pace. It gave me a level of confidence I hadn’t felt before.

“Even just going for a walk to the Boboli Gardens in Florence had me romanticizing my day as I walked down the narrow streets listening to Billy Joel. Moments like these reminded me of why I wanted to go abroad.”

Stay Present and Embrace Quiet Moments

“Step back from the moment and look around, notice the people you’re with and pay attention to how you feel. I started doing this, especially in places that felt significant like in Bath or in the Louvre.

“Being in a different country with so much history and culture, I slowed everything down and made the experience feel more real. Those moments stand out clearly in my memory, and I feel like I actually experienced them.

“I visited the Sistine Chapel in Rome. When I reached the main chapel, I looked up to see “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo. I intentionally slowed everything down and let myself really feel it. That moment has stayed with me far more clearly than any picture ever could.

“On our last day of studying abroad, my friends and I were at a pub and there was karaoke in the basement. The song “Piano Man” by Billy Joel came on, and everyone started singing and swaying together. It was bittersweet, as we were leaving Florence and each other. I stopped singing and watched my friends smiling and swaying, and it felt like everyone in the room was one.”

Recognize Your Growth Along the Way

“Not every moment abroad is going to feel like a big, life-changing experience, and that’s okay. Sometimes growth shows up in smaller ways, like figuring out transportation, adjusting to a new routine or becoming more comfortable in unfamiliar situations.

“There will also be moments that really push you. One of mine was when my flight was unexpectedly diverted, and I ended up landing hours away, late at night with no plan. I had to figure out how to get back to Florence on my own. It was so stressful, but looking back it’s one of the experiences I’m most proud of. It showed me that I could stay calm, problem solve and handle things independently. It’s important to recognize those moments because they’re where you realize how much you’ve actually grown.”

If Your Program Offers a Signature Seminar, Do It!

“I participated in the Hands on History seminar, a 10-day trip through different parts of Sicily with a small group. It was intense and exhausting at times, but it was also one of the most memorable parts of my semester. I formed strong connections with some of the people on the trip, and those friendships have lasted beyond the trip and shaped the rest of my time abroad.

“One moment that I still laugh about happened during one of our group dinners. We were all starving and ready to eat, and the waiter accidentally spilled pasta with clams onto my friend’s head. It turned into one of those moments where everyone was crying laughing, and it completely broke the tension from the day. It sounds small, but such moments brought us closer so quickly.

“I also went on a half-day trip to the Carrara Marble Quarry, which was one of the iExplore opportunities. This was the quarry where Michelangelo got marble for his sculptures. A tour guide showed us around their small outdoor museum and gave us some background information on the history of the quarry, how they cut marble and what they do with it now.”