Ciao tutto! Hello everybody! My name is Rachael Reagan and I'm studying abroad in Florence, Italy for the Spring 2011 semester! I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to post an entry, out internet has been in and out since I arrived about 2 1/2 weeks ago!
Even though I've only spent limited time here, it feels like I've been living in Florence for months. The city is very easy to get around (it actually reminds me of Fayetteville in that sense), and you walk EVERYWHERE!! Bringing a good pair of walking shoes was definitely a good call, because I find myself walking probably close to 3 miles a typical class day. My class are going really well- all of my professors are very passionate about what they teach, and take ever opportunity they can to extend our learning our of the classroom! One of my favorite classes is my Food of Italy class, where we learn the history and practice of the Italian culinary tradition. Last week we went to the chocolate factory, and learned about the history of chocolate in Italy. It was amazing!
I live in an apartment with 3 other girls in my program. We're literally from all over the US- which is cool, because I get to learn even more about different parts of my country while learning about different parts of the world! You meet a lot of people really fast, just because you're all in the same situation of being somewhere completely new!
While I was thinking about this post, I thought about some "words of wisdom" I could past down from my study abroad experience thus far. First one I can think of is to NOT expect everything to go the way you plan. My flight to Florence got re-routed to Bologna, and I had to take a 2 hour bus ride to get to Florence! Also, laundry isn't anything like it is in America here (no dryer in my apartment, it's all hang dry!). Also, ladies, be sure to stock up on feminine products once over here- they are NOT the same!
That's all for now-with my study abroad program, I am able to take faculty-lead and school-sponsored excursions to various places in Europe. This weekend we are heading to the French Riviera, which I am very excited about because I can finally put 3 years of French to use! If your program offers this, seriously take advantage of it! I've met so many people through these excursions, and they are a BLAST!
Arrivederci!
Rachael
Even though I've only spent limited time here, it feels like I've been living in Florence for months. The city is very easy to get around (it actually reminds me of Fayetteville in that sense), and you walk EVERYWHERE!! Bringing a good pair of walking shoes was definitely a good call, because I find myself walking probably close to 3 miles a typical class day. My class are going really well- all of my professors are very passionate about what they teach, and take ever opportunity they can to extend our learning our of the classroom! One of my favorite classes is my Food of Italy class, where we learn the history and practice of the Italian culinary tradition. Last week we went to the chocolate factory, and learned about the history of chocolate in Italy. It was amazing!
I live in an apartment with 3 other girls in my program. We're literally from all over the US- which is cool, because I get to learn even more about different parts of my country while learning about different parts of the world! You meet a lot of people really fast, just because you're all in the same situation of being somewhere completely new!
While I was thinking about this post, I thought about some "words of wisdom" I could past down from my study abroad experience thus far. First one I can think of is to NOT expect everything to go the way you plan. My flight to Florence got re-routed to Bologna, and I had to take a 2 hour bus ride to get to Florence! Also, laundry isn't anything like it is in America here (no dryer in my apartment, it's all hang dry!). Also, ladies, be sure to stock up on feminine products once over here- they are NOT the same!
That's all for now-with my study abroad program, I am able to take faculty-lead and school-sponsored excursions to various places in Europe. This weekend we are heading to the French Riviera, which I am very excited about because I can finally put 3 years of French to use! If your program offers this, seriously take advantage of it! I've met so many people through these excursions, and they are a BLAST!
Arrivederci!
Rachael
