IU East students are about to leave for the next study abroad trip to Florence, Italy on May 12th!

These students have spent the spring semester learning about the history of the arts in Florence. They’ll spend the next three weeks in Florence studying at the Florence University of the Arts, taking a course of their choice, and visiting all the great artistic and historic sites that Florence has to offer.

I asked them what they are most looking forward to about their trip, and here’s what some of them had to say:

Haley Conway:

I’m looking forward to experiencing another country’s culture. What better opportunity than to explore Florence, Italy? I can’t wait to experience a country that is rich in history, art, music, food, literature, architecture, and so much more! I’m very excited to that we will get to see the Piazza del Duomo, Boboli Gardens, and David at the Accademia. I hear the gelato in Italy is pretty good too!

Shannon Dice: 

The reason I want to go to Italy is because I want to see the architecture and landscapes for myself. I love old buildings, rolling hills, fields, meadows and mountains. I am captivated by extravagant castles and limited quarters. I am in the honors program and will be doing my final project on Indiana architecture so when this program came about what better place to learn about photography then in the most one of the most photogenic places in the world.

Laura German:

I have always wanted to visit Tuscany, Italy. I am fascinated by buildings and works of art that have been around for hundreds of years. I also enjoy seeing beautiful landscapes rich in history.  I am so excited to have this opportunity. This is an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget.

Meagan Ratliff-Phillips:

I am looking forward to taking voice lessons at the University of Florence and growing more as a singer! I’m also looking forward to seeing the city of Florence and what their culture has to offer. I’ve always been intrigued by how other people live differently than I do, so taking in the culture of people in a different country will be an amazing experience!

Grace Rusche:

I am super excited for this chance to go back to Florence! I can not wait to see more of the art work and statues that were carved since the last time I was not able to. This is an amazing opportunity to travel, explore and learn and I am so lucky that I get to go!

 

Come back to the IU East blog to read about our trip over the next few weeks, and follow us with hashtag #iueinitaly!

Jessica Raposo, program director