University of Wisconsin–Madison

Italy: Sophie Wooldridge

Program: UW in Florence, Spring

Sophie’s Majors: Journalism, Communication Arts

Sophie standing on a bridge over water on a sunny day. Yellow, white, and beige buildings line the riverbank behind her.
Me standing on the famous Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River.

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

The courses here had many opportunities for site visits and hands-on activities, which I loved. For example, our UW professor-led history course included weekly site visits to churches and museums around Florence, which provided such a valuable way to get to know the city. I loved learning the history of a building during one class meeting, and being able to see the impact of that history in person the next day.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

My time abroad taught me valuable lessons in both slowing down to appreciate the people and places around you and learning to take on difficult situations as they come. Being in a brand new country with a new language and traveling a lot on weekends means encountering hiccups. But the more I traveled and experienced the world, the less seriously I took the mishaps. It’s a great skill to acknowledge that whatever happens will happen and be able to move forward, acting proactively to better the situation. I also learned that I’m able to enjoy life better when I slow down to pay attention to the small things that happen in passing. Little rituals throughout the day, like stopping for an espresso or noticing the sunset over the Tuscan hills in the distance, were something I really came to notice and enjoy in Florence.

I loved learning the history of a building during one class meeting, and being able to see the impact of that history in person the next day.

Sophie standing on a walkway inside the Roman Colosseum on a sunny day.
Visiting the Roman Colosseum!

What is the moment you are most proud of?

The moment I am most proud of is when I solo-traveled to Naples. I was a bit nervous, because it was my first solo trip. But after I took the speed train and made it to my hostel (where I met some Australian friends), I was very proud and happy to be in a brand new city for the first time by myself. I think it was a very special experience and something that made me a more well-rounded traveler and individual.