L'articolo è scritto da Reilly Ferrie, studente della Kent State University. Il suo professore, il dottor Jason Lorenzon, ha chiesto a Reilley di scrivere questo articolo in cui spiegava il periodo trascorso a Firenze, dove ha studiato per un semestre. Reilley aveva un appartamento nel quartiere di Santa Croce. Descrive ogni settimana in cui viaggiava per l'Italia per visitare alcune città, come Venezia, Salerno e Roma. Reilly ha seguito il consiglio del dottor. Lorenzon. Lui ha detto agli studenti di immergersi nella cultura italiana. Reilley e i suoi amici hanno vissuto una bellissima esperienza perché hanno approfittato dei giorni in cui hanno potuto viaggiare. Per Reilley, studiare a Firenze non è stata solo un'esperienza scolastica ma anche un'esperienza di vita da italiano per un breve periodo.

As the proud son of an Italian immigrant, my heart beats to the rhythm of our rich Italian heritage. There’s a certain magic in sharing the magnificence of Italian culture – a blend of timeless beauty, passion, and artistry – with those eager to embrace its grandeur.

One of the greatest joys of my life is being a professor, shaping and inspiring the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about opening doors to new worlds. And what better world to explore than Italy itself?

Each year, I have the privilege of taking my students on an unforgettable journey – a four-to-five-week immersive adventure through Italy. Beyond the classroom walls, we delve into the soul of the country, traveling, tasting, and living the Italian way of life. From wandering through ancient ruins to savoring gelato in sunlit piazzas, my students experience a transformation that goes beyond academics.

Of course, their memories often revolve around the vibrant streets of Rome or the serene canals of Venice, sometimes forgetting the hard work they put into their studies. But that’s the beauty of it; learning becomes intertwined with life, leaving an indelible mark.

In this article, I’ve invited one of my students, Reilly Ferrie, to share his perspective on this immersive Italian experience. His story is a testament to how deeply the Italian way of life can inspire and transform.

Discovering Italy: A Life-Changing Study Abroad Experience

Diversifying your resume is key to standing out among peers with the same degree. While clubs, sports, and honor societies offer opportunities, few compare to the transformative power of studying abroad. It’s not just about exploring the world. It’s about discovering new cultures, making lasting connections, and learning about yourself.

As a Kent State University (KSU) student pursuing a commercial pilot certificate, I had the unique chance to study abroad in Florence, Italy during the summer of 2023. KSU’s Florence Summer Institute offers over 200 programs, including aeronautics courses taught by KSU faculty. This meant I could advance my degree while experiencing Italy’s rich culture. Scholarships also helped ease the financial burden, making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity accessible.

My apartment was in the Santa Croce neighborhood of Florence, a beautiful area conveniently located in the city. My four roommates and I lived in a spacious 4-bedroom apartment with two full bathrooms. My best friend and I shared the largest bedroom, and the remaining rooms were occupied by two other aeronautics students from Kent State. Our apartment, provided through KSU, exceeded all expectations with reliable utilities, an in-unit kitchen, laundry, and internet. The rooftop patio, overlooking Florence's stunning skyline, became our favorite spot. Whether enjoying cheap wine during sunsets or marveling at sunrises after late nights, it was a setting for unforgettable memories.

The first weekend included orientation at Palazzo Vettori, where we met professors, advisors, classmates, and even a local police chief. A guided tour introduced us to Florence’s essentials, markets, train stations, hospitals, and landmarks, ensuring we felt prepared and safe.
The first week was about finding our footing and building friendships. KSU students from diverse majors like fashion, engineering and criminology came together to explore Florence. Nights were filled with dinners, drinks, gelato runs, and visits to Red Garter, an American-themed bar and club near our neighborhood. Weekly pasta nights at a friend’s apartment became a cherished tradition, bringing us closer. Our study abroad group, nicknamed “Firenze Famiglia,” remains close even now, with reunions back at Kent State filled with laughter and nostalgia.

I love traveling and exploring new places. It certainly paid off when we were able to execute the travel plans we spent two months carefully crafting. Our second weekend was a highlight, beginning with a Kent State-organized day trip to Siena. Transportation, tour guides, and tickets to attractions like the Palazzo Pubblico, Facciatone, and the Duomo di Siena were all provided. My favorite part was marveling at the Duomo’s Gothic architecture, mosaics, and sculptures.

The next day, my friends and I traveled to Venice, arriving during their Festa del Redentore. The festival, commemorating the end of the plague in 1576, featured a mesmerizing fireworks display off Piazza San Marco. Exploring Doge’s Palace, cruising the canals on a gondola, and soaking in the city’s vibrant energy made this trip unforgettable.

The third weekend was our busiest. We traveled to Naples and Salerno visiting Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast. Highlights included the surreal experience of walking through Pompeii’s ruins, hiking Vesuvius for panoramic views, and taking a ferry from Sorrento to Salerno with stops at Capri, Positano, and Amalfi. In Salerno, we stayed with a delightful AirBnB host, Nonna, whose warmth and hospitality made us feel like family.

Our final weekend brought us to Milan, the global capital of fashion. We explored the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admired the Duomo di Milano’s intricate Gothic architecture, and connected with Delta Airlines pilots over dinner, gaining valuable insights into aviation careers. A day trip to Lake Como capped the experience, with breathtaking views of alpine waters and charming lakeside villages.

We saved the most populous, prominent, and historic Italian city for last. Rome is the most famous city in Italy for good reason. Sadly, due to our flight back to America, our time in Rome was shorter than our other trips. We only had two full days in the Eternal City but were able to hit all the bucket list items we most looked forward to.

Our first day started in Vatican City. The world’s smallest nation certainly has a lot to learn and admire when walking through. In its Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica lay some of history’s most important figures, artworks, and stories. These must-see attractions truly blew my mind. The Vatican Museums house everything from ancient Egyptian and Roman works to Renaissance masterpieces like “The School of Athens”. The museum’s most famous section is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement” and his legendary ceiling fresco of the “Book of Genesis” are bucket-list-worthy sights. My favorite part of our guided tour was St. Peter’s Basilica, with its monumental dome and Michelangelo’s “La Pieta”. Its grandeur made me feel wonderfully small.

In the late afternoon, my friends and I explored attractions across the city, from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and finally, the Colosseum at sunset. Taking in this breathtaking sight was the perfect way to end our day.

The next day, we joined a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. This tour offered a deep dive into the history of Rome’s ancient empire. Later, we explored the Circus Maximus and the Pyramid of Caius Cestius before heading back to Florence.

Arriving in Florence hurt so much knowing that the next morning we would be ending the greatest month of our lives. We believe that God sent us a sign warning us not to leave our new home in the form of the most beautiful sunset we’ve ever experienced projecting an aura of warmth off the duomo’s centuries-old terracotta tiles.

To everyone on our study abroad trip, the Duomo of Florence is now a symbol of joy, inspiration, and a sense of home. Joy is evoked when reminiscing on the memories we all made from the experiences shared together. Inspiration because it inspires us to be focused and work hard to hopefully get back to Florence one day. And lastly, a sense of home because we truly never felt like tourists at any point in Florence. We were able to befriend locals like Leo, a manager at 180 Grammi Burgers & Beers Sant' Ambrogio, one of our favorite restaurants. Or our next-door neighbor who laughed and promised he would not call the police on us for being a tad noisy during one of our first nights on our rooftop patio. We shared so many laughs and good times with the Florentines.

My professor Dr. Lorenzon always ended Thursday’s classes with a simple statement: “Go immerse in the culture.” My roommates and I took these words to heart and believe we could not have immersed ourselves more than we did during our month abroad. From our very first days, we had a sense of belonging and pride while living in the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Studying abroad in Florence was more than an academic experience. It was an immersion into a new way of life. It taught me to embrace spontaneity, cherish friendships, and see the beauty in everyday moments. For anyone considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: go for it. The memories and growth are priceless.

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• Pompeii’s ruins Pompeii’s ruins
• Lake Como Lake Como
• Vatican City Vatican City
• Roman Forum Roman Forum
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