I can’t believe it has already been a few weeks since my last blog! It is officially midterms here in Florence. I am currently taking 4 classes: Italian Here and Now, Renaissance Art History, Introduction to Oil Painting, and International Marketing. I definitely think Renaissance Art History is my favorite. I have truly learned so much about Florence and Italy in general. It is pretty cool to walk around and know all the history and architecture of the buildings!
In Renaissance Art History, we have site visits and go to museums every week. Some of the Places we have been are Palazzo Medici Riccardi (my favorite place so far & see below!), Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, the Bargello Museum, and il Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. I am excited to keep exploring all of these places. I am most looking forward to our visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze to see Michelangelo’s David.
Italian is also a really interesting and fun course. We recently visited a cafe and had to order in Italian to practice what we have learned so far. For Oil Painting, we visited San Marco, and we got to see the artwork in the museum and where the monks lived. For International Marketing, we will be visiting the Ferragamo Museum. I really enjoy how the classes here get us out of the classroom and into the city. It helps me feel truly immersed in the place where I am studying.
Being in Florence, being adaptable and open-minded has been essential when it comes not only to taking classes, but experiencing everyday life. In the beginning, classes were an adjustment, as I am used to large lecture halls at Pitt. Here, the classes are around 15-20 students. While it was definitely different at first, I am really enjoying my smaller classes and getting to know everyone in them. The teachers here know all of us, and ensure that we are always engaged in class.
Outside of the classroom, I have been exploring different parts of Florence on my own and with my friends. I recently went to the Uffizi Museum, and it was definitely one of my favorites in Florence. We have also been trying new food and gelato all across the city. I can’t believe this experience is nearly halfway through. I cannot wait to keep exploring and learning all across Florence!
