I had always dreamed of traveling to Italy or anywhere in Europe, but I never imagined it could really happen until I found out it was part of my Presidential Scholar curriculum. With the opportunity from the Honors Program and Presidential Scholar requirements, as well as the financial support from the Honors Program Student Abroad Scholarship, my dreams were finally able to come true this past June.
As an elementary education major, I have a passion for learning and know the importance of learning about a topic I am interested in merely to learn and grow as a person. In college, many students get caught up in taken classes just because they meet a requirement or push you closer to completing a degree. Because of this, I took the study abroad opportunity to learn about things I was simply interested in. Although these courses didn’t necessarily apply to my major, they were still extremely valuable because I was able to expand my worldly knowledge by taking them.
While I was in Florence, I chose to take both an elementary Italian language class and an art history course. Both courses were more than I could ever hope for. I actually only had six people in my Italian class! This allowed for a lot of interaction and one-on-one time with the professor. The professor also focused on Italian we could actually use while we were there. From ordering food at restaurants to getting around at a train station, we learned a lot of survival Italian that was actually beneficial to our stay. My art history course will also be remembered as one of the most interesting courses I have ever taken! There was never a week where we simply sat in class every day. We were constantly going on field trips to see the real artworks of Florence and discuss their qualities while standing right in front of them. I got to see works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Cimabue, Brunelleschi, and many more. Because of this course, I have a new found appreciation for art, and I look forward to extending my learning about art history throughout my lifetime. Both professors also took into consideration the fact that the students were in Italy both to take courses and to make the most of their time. With that being said, the homework and out-of-class activities were very manageable.
I didn’t spend all of my time on coursework, however. I enjoyed many aspects that the beautiful city has to offer when I was out of class, too. I took a one-day cooking course and learned how to make a three-course traditional Italian meal. I spent many nights atop of Piazzle Michelangelo watching the sunset over the city. I climbed the Duomo, saw Michelangelo’s David in person, went to various museums and church services, and just got lost and wrapped up in the wonderful city. Whether my afternoon consisted of a walk along the cobblestone streets or a trip to the market to pick up souvenirs or fresh fruit and vegetables, every day I spent in Florence was truly a gift.
On the weekends, I did a lot of traveling as well. The school offers two-day excursions nearly every weekend, so I took advantage of them and actually participated in every single one. My first weekend was spent along the Italian Riviera. I spent time on the beach, swam in the Mediterranean, and hiked through the five cities that are known as the Cinque Terre. The following weekend, I went to the French Riviera and Monaco. I once again spent time on the beach in Nice, but I also got to see where the Cannes film festival is held as well as many of the other beautiful places the French Riviera has to offer. Rome was my final destination. I was able to see the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and many of the other wonders of the ancient city. In Rome, I was even able to attend a free Lady Gaga concert. You never know what a month away in another country may have in store for you!
Overall, my experience was more than I could ever imagine. My time spent in Florence and other parts of Europe allowed me to uncover a newfound passion for traveling around the world. I look forward to visiting Florence again, as it is my new home away from home.
