SAI - Florence, Rome, Milan, Sorrento, Siena & London

Student Blogger: Michaela, Florence – Spring 2013 (#4 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:52:12 +0000

April has brought in the beautiful Spring weather to Italy. It has been absolutely amazing to enjoy Italy with the beautiful weather. Walking around the streets has become something of a dream now that everyone is bustling around outside and just strolling and enjoying the weather. My friends and I have enjoyed many walks around Florence in which we walk from Santa Croce over the bridge to Piazza Michelangelo down to the Ponte Vecchio and then up through the leather market. The city has truly come alive.

I have travelled a lot in april. I went to Cinque Terre on the FUA school trip. It was a beautiful day and to see the five villages was amazing. The trip was filled with wonderful moment, breathtaking views, and delicious food. Also, with friends from school I travelled to Croatia and Barcelona. Both places were a blast. I did many activities I would never think of doing before coming here. I cliff jumped, white water rafted, and in Barcelona stayed up so late that I watched the sun rise. The experiences I had on these two trips are times I will always treasure and remember.

The last night of April in Florence was Notte Bianca. This was the best experience I have had in Florence. My friends and I ate an appertivo and then wandered through the city. The city was filled with people in every little corner. The squares were filled with crazy shows and spectacles that seemed to be out of a dream. Santa Croce was filled with animal blow ups and mystical music. Over near the Uffizzi were swings made of chimes. In Petti there were people hanging from cranes dancing like in a ballet. I tried to explain it to my dad and he laughed because as I was speaking I realized how crazy it all sounded. These cultural experiences are ones me and my friends agreed we would never forget.

- Michaela, University of South Carolina

Student Blogger: Ezra, Florence – Spring 2013 (#4 of 5)

micaela — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:05:16 +0000

As May arrives and our time abroad nears an end you can’t help but to look back and think about all the great times that have already been experienced. April has been packed with some of my favorite trips so far with the highlights being Croatia and Stockholm.

Croatia was one of the cooler places I’ve been too with its old school feel and position on the Baltic sea, you really feel as if you are in a coastal town. White water rafting, and exploring the many other islands around Split are must do’s. Stockholm was totally different experience weather wise but it was definitely as enjoyable. With its many canals and beautiful scenery Stockholm definitely left a wonderful impression on me.

As time nears I really start to appreciate how blessed I have been to have this amazing experience and we should all be thankful to everyone who has made it possible to have these past few life changing months.

- Ezra, Pace University

Student Blogger: Patrick, Florence – Spring 2013 (#4 of 5)

micaela — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:56:07 +0000

I really cannot believe that it is almost time for me to leave Italy. The experience has been truly life changing, and I don’t think I can adequately describe it in a few words. I have spent the last month traveling quite a bit, but mostly within Italy. I visited Milan, Venice, Siena, Lucca, Assisi, and Arezzo. Each city is beautiful and unique in its own way. I especially enjoyed my trip to Arezzo. It is not one of the most popular tourist cities in Italy, but it is well known for its antique market, which takes place the first weekend of each month. I spent hours wandering through the endless stalls of old things. There were so many cool things I wanted to buy. It took a lot of self-control not to buy everything I wanted!

This last week will probably be pretty crazy. Once I finish with exams I have to pack and say goodbye to my friends. I think returning to the US will be difficult for me. I have started preparing myself for “reverse culture shock” that many warn of. There are certainly things I miss about the US (my dog and a dryer topping the list), but there are so many things about Italy I will miss. It has been a bit of struggle for me to come to terms with leaving Italy. I have promised myself that I will be back soon. And it is something that I truly believe. In so many ways, Florence has come to feel like home.

- Patrick, College of William and Mary

Student Blogger: Cristina, Rome – Spring 2013 (#4 of 5)

micaela — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:51:33 +0000

Time to go back I am very sad that this semester has come to its end. Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed this semester abroad, I truly recommend every university student to do the same. The experience is something that goes beyond words, it is something that has taught me a lot and that has also showed me that there is much more to see and to learn. The world is just so big, and it has been magical to have been able to experience different countries in this experience. I have also made true friends, that even though I am very sad to separate from them, I am certain that I will reunite with them in the near future. Now it is time to head home. I will miss my Italian class, and hearing everyone around me talk Italian. It will for sure be weird to come back home and be able to understand 100% what people are saying around me. I will not be surprised to find myself talking Italian to Americans out of habit as well as refereeing to the dollar as “a euro.”

This last month I did more and more travel, without any doubt the more you travel the more you want to explore. I also put a lot of hours in for my final school projects as well as for my finals. In all of my classes I had finals, and therefore I stayed in Rome for the last 2 weeks. This last weekend I did visit the place I always saw in Pinterest thinking “that place is gorgeous, and I want to go there” well I did go to Cinque Terre Italy. Friday night we had a very nice dinner with the SAI group, which eventually turned into a dancing floor-J it was a great night. It was very sad to leave Rome, but by no means will this be the last time I am there! But please everyone, please study abroad. I went through some many things while abroad, moments of tough homesickness, but like my study abroad advisor would tell us before departing to Rome “I guarantee you that you will not want to come back” and that is so true right now. But all things have to come to an end and now it is someone else’s turn to live up this wonderful life by exploring other areas that will give them a whole different perspective of the world we live in. For me it was life-changing and the best experience of my life!!! Thank you to my school St Norbert for motivating me to study abroad, and Thank you SAI for making this semester abroad an unforgettable one.

- Cristina, St. Norbert College

Student Blogger: Michaela, Florence – Spring 2013 (#3 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:20:39 +0000

March has rolled around and is quickly coming to an end. The time seems to be disappearing before my eyes. With March came spring break. During Spring Break, I finally had the time where I was able to visit two of my very best friends. One friend is in Paris and the other is in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. I was astounded how easy it was to find affordable flights, buses and trains around Europe but with cheap travel comes long hours and lots of different forms of transportation.

I arrived in Paris the first Thursday night of my Spring Break. Early the next morning we were off to sight-seeing. We were able to see all the main attractions in the four days I was there. My friend’s apartment in Paris made me very much appreciate the apartment SAI set me up with. Her apartment was a tiny 2 bedroom for three people where you could not ever be alone. Paris had a lot of beauty and I loved seeing my friends but it was not easy getting around the city since it is so large. Being in Paris made me miss Florence and Italy in general. As I was flying back to Italy from Paris there was an Italian man and his wife sitting next to me. The man started screaming “Che Bello, Bellissimo!” and motioned for me to look out the window. There was a very bright bottom half of a rainbow over the runway. This moment made me realize how much I love the Italians passion for life and missed it when I was in Paris. The attitudes of many people I have found in Italy are unparalleled anywhere I have traveled.

The Wednesday of Spring break, after relaxing in Florence, I was off to Villingen-Schwenningen Germany to see my best friend that has moved there from Florida for University. As I walked out of the airport it began to snow very hard and I had never seen so much snow coming from the sky being as I am from Florida. As it fell, I began to uncontrollably laugh and my friend took a picture of me. Moments like that are unforgettable. I spent the five days I was there catching up with Marvin. We walked the streets of many little villages and visited Frankfurt. The people in Germany are so organized. Everything in Germany worked so well. I enjoyed my time getting to know many Germans while I was there. I admired their way of life in which daily life was filled with well-planned recycling programs, highways in which driving went smooth and unparalleled social programs. I could not have asked for more out of Spring Break and the month of March than seeing two new countries and two good friends.

Michaela, University of South Carolina

Student Blogger: Molly, Milan – Spring 2013 (#3 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:14:59 +0000

March has been a busy, yet amazing month! We were able to travel to Cinque Terre, Pisa, Siena, and Lucca. Could it get any better? Cinque Terre was absolutely amazing and might be my favorite place that I have been to so far. It’s an incredible place; made up of five villages and right on the water. The day was very rainy and the trails to hike were closed, but it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The rain created a beautiful eerie setting with the dark clouds and letting the bright colored villages really pop. Pisa, Siena, and Lucca was our next trip which are all apart of the Tuscany region. Tuscany was exactly what I picture when I think of Italy. It was gorgeous with the green hills and the mountains. We stayed in Pisa for the whole weekend, but traveled to Siena on Saturday. Siena was a cute little town with a famous plaza where their annual horse race takes place. We shopped and explored the town before heading back to Pisa. Pisa is a small city, but very busy. The leaning tower was not what I was expecting; very small with a lot of amazing detail to it. But, boy does that thing lean! Sunday morning we left Pisa, and headed to Lucca. Lucca was beautiful with very good gelato! After Lucca, we traveled back to Milan and went right to bed after a very eventful weekend.

The classes at NABA have been absolutely terrific! In my shoe design class, we got to tour the Manolo shoe factory and were actually able to see the shoes be made right there. Throughout the semester, we have been creating our own shoe line through sketches, so after attending the shoe factory I was able to apply what we have been learning in class to reality. However, Fashion Styling has been my favorite class throughout the entire semester. This past week, we were able to style our own editorial shoot. The class had to gather inspiration from around Milan and apply it to our shoot. A professional photographer was brought in and everything! The entire class had an amazing time and we will be able to see the final product in the next couple of weeks. I am learning so much in Milan, not only at NABA, but within the culture, people, the way of life, traveling etc. Being able to study abroad has been so eye opening and a wonderful experience. Now, we have a week off for Spring Break where my roommates and I will be heading to Santorini, Greece. Until next time, Ciao!

Olivia, Columbia College Chicago

Student Blogger: Cristina, Rome – Spring 2013 (#3 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:04:59 +0000

This month I begin to see everything around me with even more appreciation, since I know that soon my study abroad experience will come to an end. I really feel a lot of gratitude towards the SAI program which has made this study abroad experience an unforgettable and unique time of my life. I have had some time to reflect and I can see that I am truly having the time of my life here, and that I am so lucky to be here and also that I want to encourage my friends to go abroad when I go back. I have seen myself grow so much and I have experience things that make me appreciate everything that I have back home, such as a simply thing of not having to pay to use the restroom everywhere I go.

This past month I have traveled a lot too, I went to the Tuscany trip with the SAI program, it was the best weekend I have had so far. I loved every single town we visited; I did not know such beautiful places even existed. We got to enjoy the thermal baths at the nice villas we stayed at and I also got to go horseback riding. The whole weekend was amazing. I also traveled to Spain, which I loved since I was able to see my ancestor’s culture. I have also been able to explore many places in Italy which include: San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi, the Amalfi Coast, and Pisa and I loved them all. For my spring break I went to Greece and I finally got to meet Santorini which was in my bucket list, not to mention that it was a gorgeous.

I really cannot believe this experience that I will be able to remember the rest of my life. I go crazy taking pictures because I know that pictures will be my form of remembering all that I am living right now. I could have not come at a better time to Rome, being able to once again experience and be part of history is just unbelievable. I was able to presence the conclave and see the first Latin American pope ever elected, I am very proud! My only goal this last month here is to enjoy and appreciate everything I have right now to the max.

Cristina, St. Norbert College

Student Blogger: Patrick, Florence – Spring 2013 (#3 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:44:43 +0000

It is very difficult for me to believe that it is already April! This past month was incredible. The beginning of the month was quite hectic as I was applying for summer jobs, as well as dealing with midterms. I was able to get everything done, and then it was time for spring break! I spent five days in Paris, two days in the Netherlands, and three days in Brussels. My journey began in Paris. A good friend of mine is studying there, so I had the opportunity to meet up with her and her friends. The first two days were dedicated to the major sights: the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and Saint Chapelle. The Louvre is absolutely incredible and more than a bit overwhelming. I spent four hours there, and I just hit all of the highlights. Notre Dame might be my favorite church I have seen so far (and there are tons in Italy). The churches of northern Europe have such a different architectural style, and I really enjoyed the differences. The stained glass of Saint Chapelle was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. While in Paris, I also visited Napoleon’s tomb, which was incredibly ornate. The French would have nothing less for Napoleon. Perhaps my favorite part of Paris was my visit to Stade Roland Garros, the venue for the French Open. I am a huge tennis fan, so it was extremely exciting.

I then headed for the Netherlands to visit two other friends who are studying abroad. We visited Amsterdam, which was a really fun city, and the Hague. We toured the Dutch parliament in the Hague. As a political science major, this tour was extremely exciting. The tour was given in Dutch unfortunately, but we still enjoyed it. After the Netherlands I went to Brussels. It may be my favorite city that I have visited so far. It is a quirky city, with modern architecture situated next to structures dating from centuries before. I study European politics, so I especially enjoyed the European quarter of the city. I visited the European Parliament and spent one morning exploring its museum.

I could not have asked for a better spring break. After ten days, though, I missed Italy and especially Florence. It was such a good feeling to be back home. It was a little tough adjusting back to the life of a student, though.

This past weekend was Easter, which is quite important for Italians. I spent the day with my Italian family. They invited me to their house for Easter dinner with their family. I was so honored, and it is one of the experiences I think I will treasure most.

I have one more trip planned for outside of Italy, and then several others to Italians cities and towns. I am so looking forward to taking advantage of every opportunity I have.

Patrick, College of William and Mary

Student Blogger: Laura, Florence – Spring 2013 (#3 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:38:25 +0000

This has been a month filled with adventure and discovering new places in Italy. After our midterms, I headed down to Naples with a few of my friends from my program. One of my favorite parts about Apicius is how people come from all over the world and that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet them unless I was here studying. We spent a few days seeing the city and eating lots of great Napoli style pizza! We even took a day trip to hike up Mt.Vesuvius and see the ancient city of Pompeii. It was amazing to be walking through such a historical place! It almost didn’t seem real.

Returning from break meant returning to some big projects at school. The first week back was my first shift to work in the restaurant that is run by the school, and although I was nervous at first, I really enjoyed seeing what goes on behind the scenes. I’ve never worked in a restaurant before, so I loved the fast paced atmosphere. Other projects include working on dessert menus for two dinners based on the idea of sustainability One of the dinners was at Ganzo, the school’s restaurant, and the other will be this next month at a small resort outside of Florence. I am excited for these opportunities, and I look forward to the memories April will bring!

Student Blogger: Maday, Florence – Spring 2013 (#3 of 5)

micaela — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:04:28 +0000

Buona Pasqua, or Happy Easter! If I thought Florence was amazing before, I hadn’t experienced it during holy week or settimana santa. Coming from a Catholic family it’s been incredible to experience first hand all of the religious rituals and traditions Italy has to offer. It’s been great to fully discover and understand how big a role religion plays in the history of Italy including, but not limited to, its politics, economy, and architecture. From the small town of Orvieto to the Walls of the Vatican, the religious richness of the tuscan region continues to draw the attention of the world. Walking through the towns of Tuscany is like walking through a storybook. Coming from an architectural background, I appreciate the history of the buildings so much, especially since I am studying about architecture and art in my classes here in Florence. I’ve learned to visually decipher the city, I just find myself constantly wishing I could travel back in time and see what was happening in these different towns hundreds of years ago.

What’s been most incredible is traveling to many parts of Italy that are within minutes of each other yet carry such a different history and evoke a completely different feeling. Not only has traveling enhanced my personality, culture, and understanding of the world but I have now arrived at a point in my study abroad experience in which I am reflecting. Traveling and being away from my everyday habitual life has untapped a different mentality. This experience has brought forth answers to questions I did not know I had. It’s prioritized my life, and had motivated me to continue on my career path. Being away has stripped me of doubt and has inspired me in a way that nothing else could.

There is still a lot to see and a lot to learn. Being away and taking the beauties and wonders of Europe has been a fantastic appetizer. It’s given me a small taste of travel, and I now know that this does not end here but I will be back to Italy after this experience. I will travel the world and marvel at all it has to offer.

Maday, Parsons The New School of Design