Arjun Jain
Arjun Jain (he/him) - Stanford in Florence
Major: Computer Science
College year while abroad: Junior
About the photo: Getting photobombed while taking a birthday pic in front of the Duomo!
Contact
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Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Florence?
I chose to study in Florence for three main reasons. First, the program's accessibility was a significant factor; it does not require prior knowledge of Italian, which allowed me to immerse myself in the culture without facing a language barrier initially. However, I still had the opportunity to learn and practice Italian while I was there. Second, as a Computer Science major, most of my academic focus is on technical subjects, leaving little room for my interest in the humanities. Florence offered a unique chance to delve into humanities courses, exploring subjects such as film, art, and religion, without the pressure of my usual CS coursework. Finally, the positive feedback from peers who had studied in Florence greatly influenced my decision. They praised the engaging classes, the vibrant Italian culture, the incredible food, and the city's charm, which all contributed to my enthusiasm for the program.
What were your expectations before you went and how did they change once you were in Florence?
Before I went to Florence, I expected to know many people in the program, especially as a junior. However, I ended up meeting a largely new group of peers, which was surprisingly refreshing. On campus, it's often challenging to meet new people, particularly as an upperclassman, so the Florence program provided a valuable opportunity to connect with a diverse set of individuals I hadn’t interacted with before. Additionally, I anticipated that the courses in Florence would resemble those at my home campus, but they turned out to be quite different. The class sizes were much smaller, which allowed for a more interactive and hands-on learning experience. The courses featured a lot of open-ended projects, enabling us to explore and pursue our own interests within the topics, making the academic experience more engaging and personalized.
What were some of the academic benefits from studying abroad in Florence?
Studying in Florence offered me the chance to delve into a variety of fascinating subjects, each vastly different from my usual coursework. From learning Italian and exploring human anatomy and biomechanics to studying Italian cinema, the experience was both diverse and enriching. The classes were highly hands-on and immersive. For instance, in my biomechanics class, we visited "La Specula," a natural history museum, to examine wax anatomical models firsthand. In another class, "Italy through Florentine Piazzas," we explored a different piazza each week, learning about its historical and cultural significance while experiencing the location directly. The small class sizes fostered an interactive learning environment, encouraging active participation and lively discussions. Professors were approachable and available for one-on-one conversations, which greatly enhanced the learning experience. Additionally, the open-ended nature of many assignments allowed for creative exploration. For example, for our biomechanics final project, my friend and I investigated the biomechanics of weapon-wielding sculptures and attempted to predict their future motion, making the project both enjoyable and fulfilling.
What did you learn about yourself while studying abroad?
I discovered that I don't need to constantly be with others to have meaningful experiences; I can explore and enjoy things on my own. Although I spent most of my time with my cohort, there were many occasions when I walked to class alone or visited places in Florence (museums, parks etc.) by myself. While initially daunting, these solo experiences proved to be incredibly fulfilling. I learned to be comfortable with solitude and embraced it as an opportunity for deep personal reflection. These moments alone allowed me to fully immerse myself in what I was seeing and to truly process and appreciate my experiences.
What was the most challenging experience you encountered while abroad and what did you learn from it?
One of the most challenging aspects of studying abroad was maintaining connections with friends and family back home. The time difference and the demands of the program often made it difficult to stay in touch with people from campus and my loved ones. I worried that being away for three months might cause me to lose touch with them. Despite the difficulty in finding the right time to call, I realized that even sending a weekly message or sharing a photo could help bridge the gap. It allowed me to update them on my life and inquire about theirs. Knowing that my friends and family understood the challenges of staying connected and appreciated my efforts to communicate, even if sporadically, made it easier to manage this aspect of being away.
What was the biggest cultural adjustment you had to make?
The biggest cultural adjustment I faced was feeling like an outsider. At first, not knowing the language and being unfamiliar with Florence made me feel like just another tourist, and I struggled to find a sense of belonging. Instead of withdrawing, I tried to immerse myself in Italian culture and pushed myself out of my comfort zone by speaking Italian with locals. I made an effort to learn about local food traditions and how to interact with people of different ages. Over time, these efforts helped me become more comfortable and develop a sense of belonging in Florence. It was a challenging journey, but ultimately a fulfilling one.
What was your favorite part of everyday life?
My friends and I established a fun tradition of visiting a pizzeria called “Gustarium,” which was just a 10-minute walk from the Stanford center. Since they were only open for a very limited time each day and would run out quickly, we would briskly head there as soon as class ended, eagerly waiting in line for their delicious pizza. We quickly became friends with the owners, and we enjoyed ordering in Italian while high-energy music played in the background. Having this weekly ritual was a comforting and consistent part of our routine. It was also fun to see more and more classmates join us over time, so by the end of the term, everyone in our cohort knew and loved Gustarium. It even became a running joke among us that we would often visit Gustarium multiple days in a row!
What was the most memorable experience you had while in Florence?
My most memorable experience in Florence was celebrating my birthday. The night of my birthday, my friends and I went to Piazza Michelangelo for sunset, where the view of the city was magical. With live music and people dancing, including a spontaneous dance to "Bella Ciao," it was an unforgettable experience. From Piazzale Michelangelo, we walked back through the city at night. Seeing the street lights reflecting in the Arno and musicians singing and playing in the street and walking with close friends on the cobbled streets, it was truly a night I will never forget.
What 5 words would you use to describe the experience?
Embracing new and embracing life.
What was your favorite food or music?
Through my film class, I was introduced to a lot of Italian music, and my favorite song is the “Love Theme” from the 1988 Italian film "Cinema Paradiso." The theme plays during a poignant moment when the main character returns to his hometown and reflects on his past. The emotional depth and nostalgia captured in the music almost always bring me to tears whenever I listen to it.
What was the most valuable item you took on the program?
A portable charger was essential for my time abroad. There were countless moments when I was exploring the city or traveling and lacked access to a power outlet or forgot a converter. Having a portable charger ensured my phone stayed charged, which made me feel secure, especially when venturing out alone. If you're studying abroad, investing in a portable charger is a must!