A Summer in Florence: My First Leap into the World

HLOs:

By: Connie Ho, Esthetician/Spa Management student

For Connie, studying abroad in Florence was more than just an academic opportunity; it was her very first experience leaving Canada on her own. What began as a leap into the unknown quickly became a summer of personal growth, professional discovery, and unforgettable cultural immersion.

In her reflection below, Connie shares how she embraced new challenges, gained confidence, and discovered the beauty of blending history, wellness, and community in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.

Spending a summer abroad in Florence with Humber and the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) at Apicius International School of Hospitality was an incredible and unforgettable experience. As someone who had never left Canada or been on a plane without my parents, this was a huge leap into the unknown. Humber really helped make it all possible. They organized everything so we could connect with amazing institutions, and the pre-departure orientation was super helpful in getting us prepared. It made the whole idea of travelling abroad feel exciting and doable.

Adjusting to La Dolce Vita

Arriving in Florence, I was immediately immersed in a living museum, where history wasn't just in guidebooks—it was woven into the very fabric of daily life, especially at my internship placement at the Sorgiva Spa. This integration of past and present was the most profound difference from Toronto's spa industry. In Toronto, wellness is often clinical and technology-driven, focused on measurable results. In Florence, I learned firsthand about il benessere—a holistic philosophy where well-being is a ritual steeped in tranquillity and historical tradition. My most awe-inspiring moment was at the Vita Nova Spa, located in the ancient Palazzo Portinari Salviati. While there, I literally touched a preserved section of a millenary Roman road exposed beneath the modern gym floor, a direct physical connection to Florentia's ancient roots. This seamless blend of centuries-old history with modern wellness was a beautiful contrast to the more clinical, results-oriented spas I’ve experienced in Toronto, and it taught me that true relaxation comes from feeling part of something timeless.

Beyond the spa, I signed up for a cooking tour where our guide and chef were so positive. We learned to make cacio e pepe and tiramisu, and I ended up making lasting connections with both the chef and his assistant. The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to living with a large group of 24 other girls. No matter how many times we tried to bring it up, cleanliness was always an issue and a real cultural adjustment in hygiene standards.

Exploring Tuscany and Building Confidence

Our chaotic, "hole-in-the-wall" apartment, which initially seemed like a challenge, quickly became the heart of my social experience. It was a blessing in disguise, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with other students—mostly from the U.S.—who were just as eager to explore and make the most of our time abroad. Together, we became a tight-knit group, exploring sun-drenched piazzas, cheering each other on at a lively karaoke night at Sing it Firenze with supportive locals, and chasing breathtaking sunsets from Piazzale Michelangelo. We maximized our weekends, travelling to the jewel-toned villages of Cinque Terre (a place I adored so much I visited twice), the rolling hills of Chianti, and the historic streets of Rome and Pisa.

This journey beyond Canada’s borders was my ultimate lesson in self-reliance, teaching me how to find comfort far outside my comfort zone. Navigating travel, a large living situation, and a new culture forced me to find a real confidence in myself I never knew I had and proved that I can adapt and turn any situation around. I not only discovered the endless opportunities within the global spa and hospitality industry, but I also built a lasting network of incredible professionals and friends in Florence that I know I can always reach out to.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Self-Discovery

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