University of Wisconsin–Madison

Italy: Caitlin Wrobbel

Program: CET Florence, Spring

Caitlin’s Major: Communication Arts

Three students, on a bridge over water, holdings up Badger finger-Ws at dusk. Beige and brown buildings line the river.
My friends and I in front of the Arno River.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?

One custom that I am taking forward from my time abroad is being more present in the moment when going out to eat. In Florence, restaurant service and the pace of eating are much slower than in the US. Although this was a shock at first, I enjoyed how it allowed me to, for a moment, escape from the fast-moving nature of life. Furthermore, many of the restaurants did not have cell service inside the restaurant, which forced me to put my phone down and have deep and engaging conversations with my friends.

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

Overall, the academics were fairly similar to taking classes at UW-Madison. My class schedule was very similar to how it was in Madison, except less heavy as I was enrolled in fewer classes. The academics differ, however, in that some of the classes may seem a bit more disorganized than a Madison class would due to different teaching styles of the professors.

A selfie of five individuals wearing life vests while standing along a red raft on the bank of a river. Behind them, other individuals are carrying a raft away from the water.
My friends and I during the program’s rafting activity.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

My most memorable experience from my program was when we went rafting on the Arno River. This was extremely memorable because it was such a fun experience that I got to do with all of the friends I had made before and during the program.