Student Bloggers

FLORENCE, Italy — For Ohio State University senior Grace Mirande, studying abroad in Florence wasn’t just about exploring a new city, it was about rediscovering education itself. An Industrial and Systems Engineering major with a minor in Humanitarian Engineering, Grace ventured far outside her typical curriculum to embrace art, culture, and language in the birthplace of the Renaissance. The experience has been nothing less than transformative.

“Engineering is very structured, logical, and analytical,” Grace explains. “My courses at ISI Florence—Italian, oil painting, photography, and Florence art history—are the opposite. They challenge me to think creatively and approach problems from new perspectives.” These courses, which fulfill her general education requirements, have pushed her to develop skills that are invaluable in her future career in humanitarian engineering.

Reflecting on how this artistic journey ties into her technical studies, Grace draws a fascinating parallel. “In engineering, especially industrial and humanitarian work, you have to understand how specialized parts fit together into a larger system. It’s the same with art—learning about the social, political, and cultural context behind a painting at the Uffizi Museum has been like piecing together a system of influences. It’s made me a better problem solver and a more holistic thinker.”

Immersing herself in Italian culture has also equipped her with soft skills critical to her career goals. Grace plans to design sustainable water systems for underserved communities after graduation—a task that requires not just technical expertise, but also cultural sensitivity and adaptability. Living in Italy, she’s had to navigate a new language, a different culture, and new ways of learning. She found that these experiences are great practice for working with diverse communities: picking up Italian in an immersive environment has taught her how to listen, adapt, and build bridges, which will be invaluable in her future work.

Her favorite learning moments came from conversations with local Italian students. ISI Florence arranges for these students to visit Italian classes, giving Grace the chance to practice real, spontaneous conversations. “These exchanges have improved my conversational skills dramatically,” she says. “When I don’t know a word, I have to think creatively and find another way to communicate. It’s fun, challenging, and rewarding, and has prepared me for situations where clear communication is essential.”

Florence itself has been a classroom like no other. She thinks that the phrase “Florence is a ‘living laboratory’” resonates so much with her experience, as she found herself learning about a famous piece of art in class, and then walking a few blocks to see it in person. Her exploration of Florence has also inspired her to reflect on how art shapes society—a perspective she’ll carry into her humanitarian work. “Art reveals so much about a community’s values and history,” she explains. “Understanding that is crucial when designing solutions that truly fit their needs.”

Beyond academics, Grace found joy in simple, everyday experiences, such as visiting Piazza Santo Spirito. Through a work-study news project for ISI Florence, she wrote about this vibrant neighborhood square and its role in her life abroad. Preparing to write about it made her intentionally spend more time there, immersing herself in the local markets, enjoying aperitivos, and observing the rhythms of the neighborhood. It made Florence feel like home.

When asked what advice she’d offer to other Ohio State students considering Florence, Grace doesn’t hesitate. “Do it!” she says enthusiastically. “Florence is beautiful, lively, and full of history. It’s a great introduction to Europe, even if you’ve never traveled before or don’t speak Italian. And for STEM majors like me, don’t shy away because you think studying abroad won’t fit into your program. Be creative with your course planning! This has been the most rewarding experience, and stepping outside my major has made my education more well-rounded.”

As she prepares to return to Ohio State, Grace is confident her time at ISI Florence has left her better equipped to face the challenges of her field. “This experience has made me more adaptable, culturally aware, and creative,” she says. “I’m grateful for how it’s shaped me, not just as a student, but as a future humanitarian engineer—and as a person.”

For Grace, Florence wasn’t just a semester abroad; it was an invaluable opportunity for personal and academic growth.

About ISI Abroad - ISI Florence

ISI Florence is an American study abroad program located in the central Italian city of Florence. Florence is an ideal setting to study abroad in Italy, with a vast variety of fine arts, architecture, communication, liberal arts, and even STEM courses. The Institute offers a variety of community engagement opportunities [integrated into classwork but also in the form of volunteering] and co-curricular activities that help students explore the city and beyond. ISI Abroad manages the admissions and pre-departure (visa) support for all ISI Florence students, ensuring a smooth start to their time in Italy. For more information about ISI Florence or ISI abroad programs, see the website above.