Italy: Sophia Blashack
Program: UW in Florence, Spring
Sophia’s Major: Psychology and Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Having the opportunity to study abroad this semester has been nothing but joy in learning more about myself and the world surrounding me. Not only have I met people from other American universities, but also local Florentine people that have made my experience super enriching. Whether it is the barista I routinely ordered from at the coffee shop near my apartment, or those selling produce in the Sant’ambrogio market I feel fortunate to have met new people from all over the world. While Florence, Italy was my homebase I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience other parts of European cultures. Traveling by myself was transformative for gaining a greater sense of independence while exploring new places throughout Europe. While I came into this program by myself, I was truly able to gain a greater sense of independence, confidence, and create lifelong friendships.
To anyone considering applying to UW in Florence – do it! You will not regret it.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
I took four classes this semester through the UW in Florence program. I took International Marketing, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Secrets and Legends of Florence, and Beginning Italian Language. Two of the mandatory classes within the UW program we took were Secrets and Legends of Florence and the Beginning Italian language course. The Secrets and Legends of Florence class was taught by UW professor Stefania Buccini. I appreciated how in a class full of only Wisconsin students we were able to discuss the content we were learning in class in a smaller setting. Similar to many of the classes I have taken in the School of Human Ecology, the smaller discussion-based format was nice to have within my classes in Florence. Furthermore, I appreciated how we went on many class visits to local monuments that are special to Florence such as the Santa Croce church, and the Galileo Museum. One of my favorite class visits for my Cross-Cultural Psychology class was when we went to Scuola-Citta Pestalozzi. Educationally, it was super insightful to learn about the differences in the school systems in Italy. We were able to learn about their approach to child development, and this school in particular valued a mindful structure in their school day. I also really admired how the students at this school were given two different periods for recess. Their value of play-based learning for positive child development was super intriguing to learn about. All in all, educationally I was truly able to grow from this experience of studying abroad and I am super grateful!
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
UW in Florence, CET Academic Programs has been the most helpful, enriching, and organized experience to take my classes through this semester. Not only does CET offer an array of classes that helped count towards both of my degrees, but also plans many organized activities that are a fun way to meet other students from Wisconsin and other American universities. The class sizes that CET has involved around 16-20 students per class, so it was great to be able to converse with other students and CET staff in a smaller environment. Prior to coming to Florence, I was worried about the language barrier aspect of living in a different country for four months. The UW in Florence program requires that you take one Italian language course based on one’s experience with speaking the language. I have been able to learn Italian, and even order at restaurants now at the end of the semester due to the language learning requirement. I came to Florence by myself, ready to meet new people and experience new things and CET has been a large part of how I have met and created new friendships. Whether it is the fun planned program activities making tortellini in Bologna for the day, or hiking in Pulgano, Tuscany to see beautiful sights just right outside of Florence, CET made it a seamless experience to get accustomed to a new environment. I am forever grateful for the lifelong memories I was able to create due to this program. To anyone considering applying to UW in Florence – do it! You will not regret it.