STUDY ABROAD IN FLORENCE, ITALY
Spending a month in Italy was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as both a student and a Vietnamese American navigating the global fashion world. Studying in Florence allowed me to step into a completely different cultural environment while also reflecting on the identity I brought with me. From the first day, I found myself balancing curiosity with self-awareness, taking in the art, history, and liveliness of the city while also noticing how my background shaped the way I moved through it.
As a Vietnamese American, I often found myself in conversations where I had to explain who I was beyond appearances. Many locals assumed I was visiting from Asia, and those quick clarifications turned into small but memorable cultural exchanges. These interactions helped me reflect on how I carry multiple cultures at once and how valuable that is in a place where tradition runs deep. Exploring Florence’s markets and shops, I found myself connecting Italian craftsmanship with this careful attention to detail that’s so present in Vietnamese textiles and tailoring. Even though the two traditions come from different corners of the world, both share a deep respect for history and storytelling.
Academically, my courses in Fashion Sustainability and Fashion Forecasting came to life in Florence in a way they couldn’t have anywhere else. Learning about sustainable practices while seeing artisans create pieces by hand, or studying forecasting while walking through centuries of design history, gave me a new level of appreciation for the industry. It also helped me recognize how my multicultural background allows me to approach trends and consumer behavior from a broader perspective. I naturally compare influences (Italian, American, and Asian), and that helped me understand fashion as a truly global conversation.
What stood out to me most was realizing how much my identity strengthens my future career. In fashion merchandising, understanding different cultures, aesthetics, and values is essential. My time abroad made me more confident in the fact that being Vietnamese American gives me a unique lens. One that helps me analyze trends, understand diverse consumers, and contribute to conversations about representation and authenticity. These are all qualities that today’s fashion industry needs more of.
Italy didn’t just expand my academic experience, it broadened my perspective on who I am and the role I want to play in the industry. I returned home with a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange, a stronger sense of purpose, and a clearer vision of how I can bring together my background, education, and creativity in my future career in fashion merchandising. It was only one month but it reshaped how I see fashion, culture, and myself.
