Andrea was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. She is a current student at Kansas State University studying at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) in Florence, Italy during the Spring 2015 term.

Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to give myself a diverse learning experience while I am still in college. I wanted to take Italian language and dance courses and pursue an internship while “seeing the world” so to speak! I chose Italy because of the extremes cultural relevance with dance, and other courses needed for my degree, but also because I am passionate about the history of Italy.

Tell us about your school, major, interests, clubs (you in a nutshell).
I am one of 12 kids and I was homeschooled! Currently, I’m studying at Kansas State University majoring in Elementary Education with a science emphasis, as well as minoring in Dance. I am the Public Relations chair on campus for the Kansas National Education Association student program, as well as performing in dance and musical productions every semester on campus! I am a 6th grade girls volleyball coach and I am passionate about dancing and working with kids! My interests include playing the piano, performing in theatre productions, running, singing, playing volleyball and eating!

What are you most excited about re. studying abroad?
I am most excited about eating the food and being able to see all of the historical monuments! I feel so blessed that I am able to experience this semester abroad and there are going to be so many cultural experiences that I am going to be able to take and multiply the benefits throughout my future classrooms when I’m a teacher!

What are you most nervous about re. studying abroad?
As much as I am excited, I am nervous to travel so far away from home alone! It’ll be an adventure and rather than nervous, it’s more of an anxious and anticipated feeling. I’m going to have to learn traffic, currency, language, transportation, places, etc., and I’m anticipating all of these aspects of my study abroad!

What are three goals that you would like to achieve/accomplish while abroad?
It’s hard to condense my goals down to three, but I would have to say that the three goals I would like to achieve while abroad are:

1. dancing/acting/performing in a production
2. seeing as much of Europe as I can in my free time
3. becoming well versed in the Italian language and culture!