Leading a program with 26 students from Muhlenberg College has turned out to be a stress-free experience from an organizational standpoint, and this is all thanks to SAI. The SAI staff – in the US and in Italy – has been extremely organized, quick with answers, prepared with solutions, allowing me to focus on the class that I teach on the memory of WWII in Italy.
I get excited for my students, or any student, who has and takes the opportunity to travel and study abroad. What better way to open yourself to different cultures and new experiences. When I think about traveling, it reminds me of a quote by Anthony Bourdain (1956-2018) who said, “I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.” Those words are so true!
Christmas is an exciting time of year in Florence and while it may look a little different in 2020, there is much to look forward to. Italy officially ushers in the Christmas season on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the merriment lasts through January 6 with Epiphany. Throughout this period, Christmas lights enliven the city streets, and big trees bring cheer to every main piazza.
We have another delicious, homegrown recipe from GG this week! “Dell’orto” translates to “from the vegetable garden” which is perfect for this summery dish. Gather guests around your table to enjoy this simple yet satisfying dinner addition. If this delightful dish sparks your interest in culinary arts, hospitality or event management, check out our blog about SAI’s Career Certification programs.
On the menu this week from GG’s recipes is a sweet and colorful dish – the perfect addition to any summer table. Peperonata gives you the opportunity to hit your local farmer’s market, or better yet, your own garden to collect fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and basil. Your guests will love this refreshing and tangy recipe!
Reginette al pesto This week’s recipe “di GG” includes ribbon-shaped pasta and a Genovese delight! Pesto adds not only a tangy bite to this dish – but also a splash of color. Served with potatoes and green beans, this pasta will surely keep the guests around your table happy. Learn more about culinary arts, wine studies and hospitality by visiting our page “How to Expand Career Options with a Career Certificate?
This week’s culinary delight from GG’s recipes comes in the form of a tortino, or frittata. Simple ingredients make for delicious flavor. The dish can be enjoyed morning, afternoon and night! If these innovative yet classic recipes appeal to your creative side, head over to our blog, “How to Expand Career Options with a Career Certificate?” to explore professional opportunities through SAI.
This is a Tuscan favorite we never tire of – especially for its spicy kick! This week’s “Le Ricette di GG” feature is a Spaghetti alla Carrettiera recipe, a staple of Florentine families and restaurants alike. At first bite, you might feel momentarily transported to a ristorante in centro! This may also whet your appetite to explore our Culinary Arts Career Certificate program through Florence University of the Arts.
This week from “Le Ricette di GG” we are taking on an Italian classic: Eggplant Parm. There is an age-old debate over whether it’s better to dredge or fry the eggplant. Our version calls for grilling the eggplant at high heat, which can also be done the evening prior. This maintains all the flavor without frying!
Since most of us are at home these days, SAI felt it was a great time to share the inspired culinary work of our partner school in Florence. Apicius is the Culinary and Hospitality department of Florence University of the Arts – The American University of Florence. The kitchens at Apicius emit enticing smells from the delicious creations prepared by professional chefs and their students-in-training.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino 101 A great way of enriching your study abroad experience is connecting with locals, learning about their traditions and joining in the festivities! Florence is not only the birthplace of the renaissance but is also known for its ancient customs and Florentines take pride in practicing them even today. My favorite by far is Calcio Storico Fiorentino, also known as Calcio in Costume as it is a symbol of bravery and defiance.
Alessandra, SAI Florence’s Program Coordinator, provides a colorful description of Tuscany’s “green gold,” otherwise known as “delicious, unforgettable olive oil.” In ancient times, olive oil was considered not only as food but much more valuable. It was also used to produce both medicines and cosmetics. Hippocrates called it “the great healer” while Homer called it “liquid gold.
We caught up with Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Elizabeth, who highlights why you should choose Florence as a study abroad host city during the fall semester. There are many things to consider when choosing to study abroad so I’ve decided to shine light on some often overlooked things for you to consider before coming abroad. Drum roll… Let’s talk about seasons! Have you thought about which season you would like to experience abroad?
This month, SAI Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Elizabeth is contributing to our blog. Elizabeth highlights one of our student excursions to a Fiorentina soccer game. In March, SAI students were able to attend one of Fiorentina’s home games. This match was especially important, as it was the first one after the sudden passing of Fiorentina’s captain Davide Astori one week earlier. The stadium was sold-out and several homages were planned on the player’s behalf.
We caught up with SAI Florence Housing Coordinator & Assistant Program Coordinator Christy, who is contributing to our blog this month. Christy retells some of the unique parts of living in Italy. When I first landed in Italy from the US, I was in awe and also a little bit surprised. I was in awe of the beauty, the sound of the Italian language and the food was absolutely amazing!
We caught up with SAI Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Maurizio, who is contributing to our blog this month. As an Italian, Maurizio is including his insight of working with Americans in Florence. Here is his summary. Differences between Americans and Italians: a delicate issue to talk about, especially if 80% of your co-workers are American. I have been working for an American company (SAI, maybe you are familiar with it)
We caught up with SAI Florence Program Director Regan, who is contributing to our blog this month. Regan is including her on-the-ground insight on volunteering while studying abroad in Florence. You arrive in a new country, new city, new culture, new school, new people … new everything! How do you get involved in your new community and enrich your already dense experience of studying abroad?
We caught up with SAI Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Marisa, who is contributing to our blog this month. Marisa is providing her point of view on Ultimate Frisbee, a sport she loves playing in her spare time. One of the most difficult aspects of my transition to life in Italian was my inability to access community sports teams.
Italians love their coffee, and each person likes it in their own particular way. There are probably hundreds of different ways to order coffee here. All coffee drinks in Italy consist more or less of simple ingredients: espresso and milk. The True Classics: un caffè: single shot of espresso.
When you think of Florence, what comes to mind is probably the architecture of Filippo Brunelleschi, the sculptures by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the incredible collections of paintings in the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, and important frescoes in many of the churches in the city. What we view today as historically important records of human thought made manifest in art and architecture, were in their time, contemporary.
