THE PROGRAM
I am one of about 20 American students studying at AEF. There are other international study abroad students, however none of them are American, and the majority of us Americans don't have class or anything with any of them.
I am the only student from Bay Path, all the others in the program are from Elon University in North Carolina. Not only that, but I'm also the first person from Bay Path to come to AEF (and Florence). Ever.
I've been called "The pioneer." No pressure, right?
Classes are Monday through Thursday with Italian every morning at 9. I have two Italian classes: grammar and conversation. I'm also taking Art History Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, which brings us to see so many different, beautiful pieces of art and history. For example, today in class we got to go see Michelangelo's David! It was amazing! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me (and the museum didn't allow photos anyway) but here's a photo from the internet to remind you what I'm talking about.
He's about 16 feet tall, so you can imagine the presence this guy has in a room! There were also some unfinished sculptures, which helped show the techniques, time, and skill needed to create such magnificent works of art.
As a part of the Art History course, three trips are provided. This past weekend we spent the day in Sienna, this coming weekend we're going to Rome for two days, and near the end of April we'll go to Venice for two days. All our transportation and accommodations are included, we just have to buy whatever food we eat, as well as any souvenirs we might want.
On top of the two Italian and the Art History classes, I am doing an internship with an Interior Designer who works with/for AEF. Monday-Wednesday I go to her studio to work on whatever it is she needs me to do.
Right now, we've been working on "revamping" an apartment. So, taking the floor plan (on my computer) and figuring out the best way to divide it into two separate apartments (one side for the owner, the other to rent out), where to place a new bathroom, and other logistics.
It's more architectural than I want to do, because I prefer the decorating side more than the designing, but it's good experience and now I know what I don't want, and what to look for when I'm looking into another internship for next year. (Bay Path requires 6 credits of an internship, which is 240 hours, so I'm going to get 3 credits done here, and then I'll have to do another 3 credits at some point during my senior year.)
Thursdays we have a kind of "class" where the Professor is the same woman I have my internship with, but one other student attends. So far, we have discussed different techniques to sketching and thinking about a space and things to think about and consider when dealing and coming up with a space. Again, more architectural than I would like, but helpful, useful, and important information for me to have.
HOUSING
All of the Elon students are in apartments together. I, however, am doing a "home-stay". I use quotes because while I am staying in an Italian home, it's not with a family. There is one woman and three other American students.
While I was expecting more of an Italian family environment, this is nice because the five of us eat together every night (unless we are out with friends or traveling or whatever) so we get that "family" aspect. We also get the Italian aspect because our host-mother is Italian and she cooks for us, and speaks Italian. She does know some English, but not a lot. Luckily, two of the other students (John and Kelsey) have taken Italian before and so can understand what she is saying and can converse (for the most part).
At least more easily than I can!
None of the three of them go to AEF, so it's nice to meet and get to know some other people outside of my classes.
ACTIVITIES
The school has/is organizing different activities (in addition to the Art History trips) for us Americans to continue getting to know each other and experiencing all Florence and Italy have to offer. So far we have gone to Carnevale in Viareggio and had aperitivo together.
Aperitivo is when you go to a restaurant that offers it, pay a set price for what ever drink you want (usually 5-10 euro) and with that you get access to an all-you-can-eat buffet! I've only done it once so far, but it was delicious, and I'm sure we will do it again.
We are going to a cooking class in a few weeks where we will spend 2 hours learning Italian techniques and cooking Italian foods and then we get to eat everything we made!
Toward the end of April we are going to a Fiorentina soccer match.
Speaking of soccer, some of the Florence study abroad schools are part of a Calcio "league," including AEF. Starting Monday, we'll have weekly soccer games against other American students. I'm pretty excited about this, even though I'm not very good at soccer - also, I don't really know the rules...but it's going to be fun! And the others in my program are excited about it, and we are all pretty athletic so I know it's going to be a great time.
Also, I'm excited to be doing something active - more than just the daily walking to and from classes etc. - especially since I'm missing "spring season" for field hockey and I haven't done much since last semester ended in December...anyway, it will be a fun way to work toward getting back in shape!
If you are hoping to send me something, my address is:
Ruth Choate
C/O Accademia Europea di Firenze
Via Roma 4
50123 Firenze, Italy
I think that's everything for "housekeeping" and background on my program, but as always, if you have any questions or comments let me know!
Or if you just want to talk, I'm always willing!
(Just remember I'm 6 hours ahead of the East Coast)
I'll write again, probably Sunday, with updates about my weekend in Rome!
Until then, I leave you with a giant THANK YOU to Bay Path for this wonderful opportunity, my family and friends for supporting and loving me through all my ups and downs, and my wonderful parents for everything. I would not be the woman I am today without your constant love, support, guidance, and confidence. I LOVE YOU.
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