Writings

This is my response to the blog about International Programs.

Man Statue in Florence, Italy

Professional Blog

I have not been out of the country, but I love the Italian culture. I am part Italian and I believe this has a lot to do with why I love the culture so much.  The closet experience I’ve had with some Italian culture other than my grandfather was when I worked at Macri’s Italian Bakery.  The current owners are George and Carmela Macri and it was George’s parents that started the bakery.  While working there, I was around their Italian dialect, which is Calabrese. Working at the bakery reminded me so much of being around my grandfather and his siblings. My grandfather, his siblings, George Macri’s parents, and Carmela and her parents were all from Calabria, Italy and they all knew each other. 

Before going on this trip I would like to know more about the living arrangements. I have heard that you stay with host families. When staying with a host family, do they speak any English or is it only an Italian dialect?  Also, I have read that there are activities that are already planned and set up for this trip but is there any down time where the students would be encouraged to do any site seeing with at least one other person?  If someone wanted to take this trip more than once, do they visit the Florence, Italy area? 

Now with the blog I have noticed there isn’t very many links to give more information and it seems like it would be better to get a hold of the professors in charge of the Italy trip.  Personally, I would like to be able to find as much information on my own then go speak to someone just because I don’t want to feel like I’m wasting his or her time. Also, I feel like having a comment section would be a nice addition. This would be very useful and make navigating simpler and easier.

The targeted audience is current students, future students, staff, faculty, and parents or guardians interested in doing a study abroad program.  The writings are from students, faculty, and or staff that have been on this trip. There are pictures and stories form the students, faculty, and or staff members that tell their about their experiences.  The repeating theme appears to be the formatting of the blog and comments.