Emily Wrzos, a recent 2025 graduate from The American University of Florence's (AUF) Master’s Program in Organizational Management in International Hospitality, carries a rich journey of growth, change, and rediscovery. Originally from Moorestown, New Jersey, Wrzos’ academic path began at Rutgers University, where she majored in Public Relations & Communications with a background in Visual Arts. Her first encounter with Florence was during a study abroad semester in Spring 2020. Though that experience was cut short due to COVID-19, it left a lasting impression. Florence had sparked something in her, and when the opportunity to return through the AUF Master’s Program came up, she “couldn’t pass it up.”

Transitioning from a large-scale university like Rutgers to a more intimate academic environment at AUF was one of the most defining shifts in her educational experience. “Rutgers was huge, over 30,000 students,” Wrzos recalls. “Most of my classes had over 100 people, and I didn’t know any of my professors personally.” AUF provided the close-knit, community-based atmosphere she had been craving. “None of my professors at Rutgers knew my name, but here they all do. Classes are interactive. It’s a real community.”

Adjusting to life in Florence brought its own set of challenges and revelations. Back home in New Jersey, everything was spread out, driving was essential, and life moved at a quicker, more transactional pace. “In Florence, everything changed,” Wrzos shares. “It’s a completely different rhythm. Now I walk to class, grab coffee, see a friend, and work at the [Student Life & Developmet] office. It’s more balanced.” 

Despite the differences, Wrzos brought elements of home with her. Journaling, sketching, and painting creative outlets she’d long embraced became even more meaningful in a city that breathes art and history. Her professional journey before AUF also prepared her for this next chapter. After graduating from Rutgers, Wrzos worked in medical communications, contributing to biotech and pharmaceutical campaigns, patient advocacy, press materials, and corporate events. She found herself drawn to the hospitality elements of her work coordinating hotels, menus, and venues and realized that she wanted to deepen her skills in that space. The AUF master’s program, combining business, management, and hospitality, aligned perfectly with her interests. “It brought together everything I loved doing,” she says. 

Though she had previously studied in Florence, certain aspects of Italian culture still stood out. “There’s this homemade, personal feel here. Whether it's food or small businesses, you form relationships everywhere. Even at the coffee shop, they remember your order.” she states.

That sense of community, however, came with its own learning curve. “Grocery shopping was a real shock,” Wrzos laughs. “I was used to one-stop shopping at Walmart or Target. Here, I had to learn how to navigate small markets and local shops.” But these adjustments ultimately led her to feel more connected to the local way of life. 

The moment Florence truly began to feel like home came late in her first semester. One night in November, she and some classmates picked a small restaurant for dinner. They walked without GPS, laughed over Italian wine and music, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. “It hit me then, I wasn’t just visiting anymore. I had routines, favorite spots, and close friends. I have built a life here”, Wrzos recalls. 

Looking back, Emily Wrzos feels immense pride for the life she has created, both in New Jersey and Florence. “It doesn’t feel like a vacation anymore, it feels like home,” she concludes with a smile. “And I’ll always think of this time so fondly.”