Americans : We Are Taking Over

If you are somewhat interested in studying abroad, it's very likely you have asked students who have studied abroad about their experiences. I'm almost positive you heard many of the same responses. Typically you'll hear everything from "the best life decision I've made", to "I grew so much culturally, emotionally..", and even to "the wine is cheaper than the water". Now, being a student abroad for almost 2 months I can relate somewhat to those familiar phrases. However, not a single thing or experience I share with you on this blog will ever, remotely even begin to inform you of my life as an italian citizen. Every experience I shared with my peers has effected every single one of us uniquely. I can't tell you about what life is like as a student abroad but i can share helpful tips. Be open. Be bold. Be emotionally ready. You get out of this trip as much as you give. I hope my pictures speak more than I could about how life changes when you accept to fully integrate into another culture. Till then I salute you with a nice bottle of chianti wine in my hands and hope you consider this program.

la vita è bella

Deciding to come to Florence with the UConn Fine Arts program was the best decision I have ever made. This unfamiliar culture and way of living has opened my eyes to an entirely new side of me that I am ready to explore. Thus far, this life changing experience has been a great deal of fun and has had enormous opportunities for learning. Classes here are hands on and extremely enriching. I am meeting people everyday and traveling Europe with good friends, life is good.

figurati

When coming to Florence I could not even fathom at the time the world I would step into. After the initial shock, there was a period of getting used to what my surroundings are and what they would provide in the future. Being thrown into a culture that differs so much from everything you know has its pros and cons. The learning experiences have its ups and downs but in the end you really can see the difference in yourself from what you have learned. So far it has been a positive difference and one that I will be able to remember for a long time.

Drawing Workshop: "Self Portrait As a Florentine"

Greetings from Storrs! Using the exclamation point is designed to make Storrs look exciting, but it's nothing like what you are experiencing in Florence.

In preparation for our workshop together (10/25-28) I'm posting a copy of the project directive we'll be working from. Please read it over and get excited- I am!


Self Portrait as a Florentine.rtf