University of Wisconsin–Madison

Italy: Pyper Scullen (Food in Florence)

A clear plate has stuffed pasta, a sauce drizzled around it, and three slices of tomatoes.
First time trying a pear pasta dish from Murales Bistro.

Not only has Italy been the best place to study fashion and arts, it has also been the best place to eat! From fresh gelato to the absolute best pasta, I have no complaints. Not only have I been able to taste a variety of tuscan specialties, I have also been learning about Italian cuisine and traditions in my Italian Foods and Culture class. Something seemingly bland but also new that I have been able to taste during my class is olive oil of the new season pressed freshly that morning. The olive oil was so fresh that it was green and we learned about the various qualities of olive oils, health benefits, and production processes. In addition to the olive oil, we were able to sample tuscan bread which is a regional delicacy but in my opinion underwhelming as it is unsalted. The tuscans make their bread unsalted because it is intended to be used to soak up, not interfere with, the flavor of whatever it is being eaten with.

In addition to experiences with food in the classroom, one of my favorite dinner dishes that I have never had prior to my time in Florence is pear pasta. It is often a ravioli served in a white sauce with pear and parmesan cheese and it is one of the best things that I have ever tasted, I will miss it dearly. For any future Florence abroad students, the dish can be found at 4Leoni, La Giostra, and Murales Bistro – Buon Appetito!

Pyper wears a white shirt and smiles in front of a dark green background.

Pyper Scullen 

Hometown: Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Major: Fashion and Textiles; Cert. in Entrepreneurship

Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art

I am extremely excited about the course offerings via this program and the technique and skill that I will gain from taking classes including patternmaking and fashion illustration. I am also excited to learn about Italian history and culture as I believe that history and the world offers incredible inspiration for design. Lastly, this program offers the opportunity to attend Milan Fashion Week which is an amazingly unique opportunity for insight into the interworking’s of the fashion industry – an industry that I am working to have an important place in and impact on.