by Fiona Faccilonga, ICCR Communications Intern
Being open to experiences in Italy both inside and outside of school allowed me to participate in daily life while studying abroad. This allowed for a better understanding of life outside of America. In school, the unique classes I took opened up new avenues of creativity and career possibilities. For example, I took a food writing class that taught me how to describe food through writing. My teacher, a food critic and writer, shared valuable insights from his own experiences, enriching the course. We took many field trips, in and outside the heart of Florence. One of my favorite days was going to a local farm and learning how bees make honey. Additionally, I enrolled in a Mediterranean Nutrition and Cooking class, which broadened my perspective on dietary habits and highlighted the contrast between Mediterranean cuisine and the processed foods commonly consumed in America.
Outside of school, I immersed myself in daily Italian life. I began each day with a
traditional pastry and an obligatory espresso, then walked along the Arno, admiring landmarks like the Duomo and the Bell Tower on my way to class. For an afternoon snack, I enjoyed a cup of gelato. Instead of shopping at grocery stores, I frequented farmer’s markets alongside Florence locals. On holidays like Easter, I participated in cultural traditions such as the exploding cart and attended the historic church service. I took cooking classes to master the art of making pizza and learned to distinguish authentic extra virgin olive oil from processed varieties. Most importantly, it was the connections I made with the people during my time abroad were what made the experience truly memorable. Conversing with the sellers at markets in Italian and asking for prices, speaking with my taxi driver in Bari and learning his family history, and discussing the best local foods with our Airbnb host in Sicily all added to the experience. Instead of just being an observer, I was an active participant in Italian traditions and culture. The Italian cities were classrooms themselves and I am glad I allowed them to teach me cultural understanding.