MaryKate and Farfy in Florence!

Ciao from Firenze, Italia!

My name is MaryKate, and I’ll be a junior this coming year.  I am currently studying here at the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence (a.k.a Firenze), Italy, with my boyfriend, Nick, and my dragon, Farfy, and I just finished up my third week of classes.  The big news here right now is that it just rained for the second time since I’ve been here, which is amazing considering Florence is having a VERY hot summer.

As I come to the end of my study abroad experience, it’s a little hard to sum up into words my thoughts and feelings throughout this experience.  Frankly, it’s a little weird to jump from spending months planning this adventure, feeling that it was always far off, to suddenly watching the United States disappear far beneath my feet.  (Although if we are being honest, it’ll most likely take me several months to fully process this experience.)  But, with that being said, here’s my best shot at trying to collect my thoughts and observations:

The view from my apartment

Currently, I’m sitting at my apartment kitchen table with my dragon, Farfy.  It’s afternoon here, which is crazy because it is only morning back at home.  Not going to lie, it’s kind of hard to write this since my life back in the United States seems so far away.  That’s probably one of the hardest things about study abroad (with the exception of going home, which I haven’t experienced yet).  One moment you are living your every day life in the States, going to work, eating American food, like Chick-fil-A (gosh, that sounds nice), and sleeping in your bed, and the next moment, you are thrown into a different culture with a foreign language, really no fast food (although the food is amazing), and sitting in class for five hours a day.  In other words, the word I’m looking for here is surreal. 

Farfy at St. Peter's Piazza in Rome

Anyways, enough of me talking about the surrealism of it, my favorite thing here is, of course, the food, especially the pizza.  Anyone who knows me well knows that my favorite food is pizza.  And the pizza here in Florence does not disappoint!  Even the frozen pizza is incredible.  If you don’t believe me, buy a plane ticket and come try it!  The best part about here is that you can walk into almost any restaurant and order anything off the menu, even if you have no idea what it is, and it’s fantastic.  This includes foods you don’t like back in the States.  For example, I am not a fan of spaghetti, but I tried some spaghetti here and as far as spaghetti goes, I couldn’t complain.  I could go on about the food for days, so I’ll spare you the rant.

Pizza!

For those of you who have never studied abroad, I encourage you to get excited.  This is like no other trip you will go on.  For those of you studying abroad currently or about to go, enjoy the moments.  It goes so fast.  I know that seems cliché, but it’s so true.  The experience flies by so make the most of it, even when you are tired or homesick.

For those of you who aren’t studying abroad this fall, I’ll see you August!  It’s about time for dinner for me, and yes, I’m going to eat pizza!

Ciao!

MaryKate Rogers

Lorenzo de Medici

Firenze, Italia

Nick and Pirlo in Florence!

Buongiorno, Ciao!

My name is Nick and I am a rising senior majoring in history with minors in classical studies and political science. I am updating There Be Dragons from Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici in Firenze, Italia! This post is dedicated to my girlfriend MaryKate, who you will hear from as well, her dragon Farfy, and my very own dragon Pirlo!

Farfy taking a picture with the Ponte Vecchio

If you have never been abroad, I would highly suggest taking every opportunity you get to do so. This is my second time abroad, having spent five weeks in London last summer, and I am learning new things here that I didn’t learn there while also benefiting from the experience I gained living in a foreign country previously. On top of that, there is a language barrier to overcome in Italy that I didn’t have in London, which is a whole different experience in its own right.

So let’s start things off! First things first… it is hot. Under the Tuscan sun feels a bit more like on the surface of the sun. I don’t think it has gotten below 98 the entire time we have been here. To top it all off, there isn’t really air conditioning. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed sitting in front of a fan the way I have here. They keep telling us that it should cool off soon… it is never going to happen. On the bright side though, it becomes a bit more bearable when the sun goes down, which works out well because it means that Florence has a pretty lively nightlife, whether you are walking around to see the sites at night or just catching dinner at a Trattoria with friends. (Speaking of which, the food here is absolutely incredible) Don’t let the heat deter you though… this is an absolutely fantastic place to study abroad.

The Duomo at sunset

Classes are going really well. I am taking two courses here in Florence; one is called Palaces of Florence (which is pretty cool considering I can literally see one palace from my seat in class) and the other is called Wines of Italy. In Palaces of Florence I get to learn all about the architecture and history surrounding the 5 billion (exaggeration) palaces in the city, and learn about the families who built and inhabited them. All I am saying is, the Medici and Borgia make House of Cards look tame. In all seriousness though, it is an awesome opportunity to take this class because we also get to take “field trips” every single day where we go and visit the actual palaces, and even get to see parts of the palaces that most people don’t.

The Ponte Vecchio

 In Wines of Italy I get to learn about the wines… of Italy. In all honesty though, it is probably one of the most fun classes I have ever taken, and not just because I get to drink wine in it. Lol. We get to taste 4 different wines each day (in small amounts) and learn all about the region each wine comes from, the process of winemaking, the various nuances of each wine, and figure out which wines we like best. I feel incredibly sophisticated knowing that I can now take a wine and give a full analysis concerning its visual qualities, being color, viscosity, and fluidity amongst other things, olfactory qualities, being the intensity and persistence of the smell and what the wine actually smells like, and gustative qualities, being the intensity and persistence of the taste and what the wine tastes like in relation to its visual and olfactory qualities. Going beyond this, our professor Giovanni takes us out after class to meet his friends at various Enotecas (wine shops) around Florence and taste wines there as well. It is a really cool experience.

We are going into our last week here though, and now it is time to start reflecting on experiences and preparing to return to the US (reverse culture shock is real). I have had the opportunity to visit Vienna, Austria and Rome, to walk around Florence, and literally see history every single day. On top of that, I am spending a week in Paris to continue my summer in Europe for just a little longer (and to actually use the French I studied for 2 years at UNCG), and on the way back I get to spend one more day in my beloved London.

MaryKate and I in front of the Pantheon while visiting Rome

This truly is a once in a lifetime experience, although I hope I get to come back and visit here some day. For current students and incoming freshmen… study abroad is not easy, it has its ups and its downs, and you will come back to the US a little different than how you left it. You will have a new perspective on things, and you will have experienced things that a lot of the people you talk to won’t understand. But there is beauty in that, and encouragement, because you will be better off for it. As for me, I can tell you right now; I wouldn’t change a thing about this incredible experience, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life. One of the best things the Honors College does is require its students to study abroad. The value of this experience can never be underestimated. So for everyone who hasn’t gone abroad yet, get excited, because you are about to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Ciao, Grazie, and See you all in August!

Nick Grant
Lorenzo de Medici Institute
Florence, Italy

Madelynn in Florence!

This update is dedicated to my dragon Afro Puff who at the last minute had to stay home due to her sore throat after she decided to have a fire breathing contest with her friends the night before we left. I still love you and miss you and you better stay out of my closet!

Ciao from Florence, Italy;

My name is Madelynn and I am a rising senior in the Acting program with a minor in American Sign Language at UNCG. For my study abroad experience I chose the Lorenzo de Medici Institute located in the beautiful historical city of Florence. 

Boat ride on the Arno River in Florence, Italy

On July 1^st I waved Arrivederci to my mom and home state of Virginia and began my 14 hour journey across the ocean to Europe. With gummi bears and Lays potato chips in hand, earbuds at the ready for defense against screaming toddlers and a long cardigan for the chilly plane ride I conquered my first international flight with ease. While in route to Italy I dreamed about the Italian streets filled with men with roses, children skipping singing catchy tunes and cheese, so much cheese. As my plane descended over the lush green Tuscan landscape, I stared at the stunning view confined to the small airplane window. The tapestry of vibrant landscape was to be my home for the next 30 days, and an uncontrollable smile crept onto my lips. But upon landing the excitement dancing in my eyes became fear, the wonder on my cheeks withered and I realized I was not Charlie this was not the Chocolate Factory and my Delta Airline boarding pass was not some golden ticket: this was real life. After navigating three airports, lost and damaged luggage, no cell phone service, bustling Italian alleys filled with mopeds and speeding taxis and a severe language barrier, I arrived at my apartment with swollen feet, a shirt drenched in sweat, and a lump in my throat. Unable to even unlock my door I pressed my moist forehead against the wood and sobbed. Was this how this month was going to go? Where was the magic? Where was the romance? And more importantly Where was the pizza?!

Caprese pizza at the Central Market in Florence, Italy

After wiping my tear stained cheeks and a well deserved nap, I met my roommates who I immediately befriended. We became the fantastic four as we conquered the tourist sites by day and shared stories of of lives in America at night. 

 The Fantastic Four in The Duke’s Palace Venice, Italy

l-r: Alex (Iowa State University), Me, Sarah (Iowa State University)

Front: Maya (UNCG)

Friendship on a private boat in Venice, Italy

 

The first weekend we ventured to the picturesque beach town of Cinque Terre spending a day lounging on the rock beach with the cerulean blue Mediterranean Sea kissed our toes. 

On top of the world in Cinque Terre, Italy

Feeling sassy in Cinque Terre, Italy

Our nights were spent laughing over endless bowls of spaghetti and house wine. My earlier tears became a distant memory as I danced the night away on the Duomo steps and munched on fresh croissants with espresso. 

Before I knew it the random collection of letters became familiar street signs, ciao and grazie trickled from my tongue, and I felt at home. Classes began and my days were no longer filled with Instagram selfies and fresh pizza. I am taking two courses, one in oil painting taught by a restoration painting master and the other the “Quarters of Florence” which combines history lectures with daily field trips exploring the rich history of Florence. I now can paint sculptures and renaissance style portraits all while telling you the about Florence from its founding in 59 B.C. to present day.

Ponte Vecchio at sunset in Florence, Italy

Santa Croce Church in Florence, Italy

The Duke's Palace in Venice, Italy

Now that I have lived here for a little over two weeks and it is the eve of my 21^st birthday I am in a  time of reflection of my experience. I can say that I learned so much about myself and my abilities. Never before did I think that I could handle such adversity on my own, from broken phones to broken Italian crumbling out my lips, I have survived and will continue to. For those traveling abroad I wish you the best of luck and my advice is simple—breathe and stay positive. Being overwhelmed is inevitable but staying overwhelmed is a choice. Though my experience has been far from perfect, it is my own and unique just like me and something I will never forget. And every morning when I brush my teeth, comb my hair and look out onto the world below as the sounds of horse driven carriages galloping on cobble stone, street performers tuning their instruments and ecstatic tourists fill the air mixing with the aroma of fresh breads and ripened fruit, I am reminded how blessed I am to be a part of this world even for a little while.

With Love,

Madelynn Poulson

Lorenzo di Medici Institute

Florence, Italy

Elsa and Rosso in Siena, Italy!

WHERE OH WHERE IS ROSSO?

Rosso's and Elsa's trip begins in Washington, D.C.

I started my journey on June 21^st and have officially checked off Siena Italy as a top place to visit. I had no idea how beautiful a city could be until I was living inside the walls of such powerful history that I understand why people don’t leave Siena very often.

I moved into a stunning fourth floor apartment where two Italian girls, Mariangela and Alessia, at Siena University’s are currently residing. These two girls have made my stay in Siena that much more enjoyable. I couldn’t have asked for a better hand on experience with the Italian language then being able to get dinner with them at local restaurants or just hanging around the apartment watching Italian reality TV shows. They truly are becoming lifelong friends, an experience I wasn’t expecting to find but am thankful for. 

Me, Katie, Mariangela, and Alessia, Piazza del Campo Siena Italy 

 

Our study abroad program consisted of learning spoken Italian, Italian Sign Language, and Italian Deaf Culture. Talk about incredible. Everyday I was encouraged to communicate in a new and foreign way. My perspectives on the world were constantly being changed due to the variety of languages I encountered here in Siena on a daily basis. 

Rosso and Elsa at the Siena School for Liberal Arts

Can you find Rosso?

Rosso taking a break from class and enjoying the view

Through our studies we were able to experience two different Italian Deaf communities. We visited the local ENS, Ente Nationale Sordomuti, which consisted of many older Italians who spoke more than they signed. We were fortunate enough to meet an older Deaf gentleman who had once walked the halls of the same school we attend today. I am still so fascinated by his stories from his time at the Siena school and wish I was able to learn more from him. 

Italian Deaf Gentleman, Siena School

We were also given the opportunity to visit Bologna, a city about two hours from Siena. We arrived and were greeted by two Deaf Italians who were gracious enough to show us both their city and their Deaf bar called Senza Nome. Through this experience we got to see individuals who were communicating through sign language, even the hearing individuals who didn’t know sign were required to order through sign language. A difference in the generations here in Italy made me appreciate their language that much more. I am still over the moon because of all the experiences that I have been given and both of these experiences will leave a place in my heart forever. 

Bar Senza Nome, Bologna Italy

 

Luckily our program overlapped with one of Siena’s biggest events, the Palio (a horse race). This tradition in Siena has been going on for centuries and includes much more history and pride than I had originally anticipated. Siena is separated into 17 Contrades, individually they each are represented by mascots and proudly show off their spirit with parading through the streets of Siena whenever they can. (Which can mean a rude awakening to the sounds of drumming in the middle of the night). The elephant Contrade recently won the Palio and as tradition says the Contrade that wins is born again, meaning this Contrade has been seen with pacifiers walking around the city. The race itself lasted about three total minutes but the buildup to the race lasted around four hours. People are allowed into the Piazza del Campo for free but must arrive early enough to get a good vantage point, some individuals lined up as early as five in the morning. The greatest moments come from finding the true spirit of what you see and luckily I was able to experience a great Palio race. 

Katie and me enjoying the crowds during the Palio de Siena 2015

Rosso's hideout during our time in Italy

Although my time here seems shorter as each day passes I have grown so much through this experience that I am unable to think of a better way to have spent my last three weeks.

La Dolce Vita

Elsa Sylvester & Rosso 

Deaf Studies Summer Study Program in Siena

Italy

Summer Study Abroad Map!

We've reached a transitional moment here at There Be Dragons: all our students studying abroad in the spring 2015 semester have finished their programs and are traveling onwards or heading home.  We're now shifting our focus to our students who are traveling on one of the several pre-approved summer study abroad programs!  We've already heard from Monique, Catherine, and Britney, who are all studying in Spain; Olivia, who just got back from Rome; and Zoe, who is still in Florence.  We'll hear from other students in programs in Italy and England in the coming months.  For a look at where our students are right now, check out the updated map below!  You can access the interactive version via this link, or under LIHC Links at the top right of the blog.

Even as our summer study abroad students are seeing the sights, our fall 2015 study abroad students are making their packing lists.  We'll start hearing from them in September, when we'll update the map once again!

Keep your eyes on the blog for the next update!