Italy: Hima Shringeri
Program: UW in Florence, Spring
Majors: Neurobiology; Psychology
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
The classes that I took at CET were way smaller than the classes that I take at UW Madison, which are usually very big lecture halls with 100-300 students. These classes were around 8-15 students where discussion was a very big part of the lesson. Coming in, I was not used to this type of lesson since I was just used to listening to a professor lecture for 50 minutes and taking notes. Most of my classes in Florence didn’t allow technology, so students are fully engaged in the conversation. I was scared at first since I have never been someone to participate or raise my hand much in a classroom setting. As the semester went on, I started to really enjoy these discussion-based classes since you get to hear so many different perspectives on a topic and hear about different experiences from a diverse set of people. I also felt like I was learning the topic much more clearly by being able to participate in the discussion and talk about my own experiences and perspectives.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from this program was joining the volunteer program and having the opportunity to volunteer at a local food bank. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone since I had never volunteered abroad, almost everyone there didn’t speak English, and I barely knew any Italian. When I got there, I was greeted by the sweetest, most welcoming staff. Even though they couldn’t really understand what I was saying and vice versa, they had such big smiles on their faces, which made me feel welcome. I was able to meet more locals and learn about their lives. I also learned more common Italian phrases and could translate what I was learning in Italian class to real life. I got to experience another side of Florence other than the center of the city, which is very touristy. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to give back to the city that has given me so much over the past 3 months.
As the semester went on, I started to really enjoy these discussion-based classes since you get to hear so many different perspectives on a topic and hear about different experiences from a diverse set of people.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
One of the skills I have learned while being abroad is being able to talk to people from different cultures and backgrounds and understanding different perspectives. In the future, I hope to become a doctor and will likely have many patients from different backgrounds who do not always speak English, or who are from a different country. It will be a very important skill to be able to treat them and understand that they have different experiences and meet them with empathy and care.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
I would advise students to take advantage of the activities CET hosts. They offer so many fun and enriching activities that truly allow you to experience Florence. Through these experiences, I have been able to meet locals who live in the city and learn more about their lifestyle and culture. They also had opportunities to go climb the Duomo, hike in the hills, explore the history of Florence, take cooking classes, and so much more.
I would also recommend taking time to get to know Florence instead of travelling every weekend. During the week, I am either exhausted from traveling or focusing on classes, so there isn’t much opportunity to explore Florence. I felt like I really got to know the city during the weekends I stayed and was able to walk around, try new places, and go to new sites.