The City as a Classroom

written by Paula Simon Borja for SPEL: Journalism

This fall semester, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) launched a new, one-week intensive version of the course - Art and Community: Secret Florence Walks. The course provides an exciting opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Florence, using the WWAC method: Walks Without a Classroom.

Essentially, the premise is precisely what it sounds like– to transform the city itself into a classroom. Students learn about art, history, and community life by walking around the city and visiting local sites. The course is designed for students who are seeking a unique educational experience and a way to engage with Florence on a personal level. The goal is to gain knowledge through ethnography, a methodology that traditional teaching is unable to achieve.

Ethnography is a qualitative method for collecting data, often used in the social and behavioral sciences. Data gets collected through observations, which then leads to conclusions about how societies and individuals function.

In addition to the one-week session, the course is more traditionally offered as a three-week, or semester-long course. Sofia Galli instructed this most recent week long version of the course. She mentioned that there is something more special about the intensive lectures. The intensive format combines academic learning with hands-on experience.

“The whole idea is that of embracing the open space as a canvas for learning,” said Galli.

The course also features a pre-departure orientation, allowing the opportunity for students to ask any necessary questions, and to gain a full understanding of what will be expected through the course's duration. Students are also provided lunch and transportation, ending each day with free time for dinner.

Each day begins with a guided walk through different areas of the city. Students kick off their first day at Piazza della Libertà, where they explore the historical significance of the ancient gates that symbolize Florence's evolution. Later in the week, they visit local markets, community gardens, and residential neighborhoods outside the central part of the city.

Galli shared one particularly memorable stop, that of a community garden in the Arapettini neighborhood. Here, students have the opportunity to participate in communal gardening activities, discussing themes of sustainability. This experience allows students to engage with the local culture and visit places not otherwise accessible on a day-to-day basis.

“We spent some time in this beautiful garden. Discussed what community means, what identity means and what heritage means. It creates this sense of belonging,” Galli added.

After that particular activity, the neighborhood walk continues, leading to lunch at a local restaurant. For lunch, students sample local products, giving local cuisine a more sophisticated type of eating. “It was an opportunity for them to try traditional food in a non-touristic place, made with fresh and local ingredients,” Galli explained.

Daily wrap-up sessions are also an essential part of the course structure. Overall, these sessions are meant to be both informative and entertaining, creating a collaborative learning environment where students form meaningful relationships between each other.

Galli assured that feedback from the preliminary participants was positive, having noted that many of the students expressed appreciation for the immersive format and the chance to explore Florence's less-traveled pathways. Students expressed that the experience allowed them to develop a deeper connection with the city and its people, making their academic journey more impactful.

Art and Community: Secret Florence Walks is expected to be offered again in January 2025, creating another optimal opportunity for students seeking an intensive, short-term, study abroad experience. This one-week format allows students to earn three credits while gaining a profound understanding of Florence in just a week time.

It’s a fantastic way for students to jump into their life in Florence at the beginning of the semester, especially for those interested in stepping outside their comfort zones. International students usually tend to inhabit the city center, places that are familiar and comfortable. What better way to challenge oneself than to visit the most local and non-touristic places of the city guided by a local Florentine?

It’s a chance to explore the city with someone who is an expert themself and knows the city extremely well. It’s an ideal method of exploring the city beyond the traditional boundaries, while feeling safe enough to explore a new city outside its respective borders.

This course offers a transformative opportunity to experience the city in a way that combines academic rigor with practical engagement. It is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of urban culture and community dynamics. The hope is that after experiencing a glimpse of the local lifestyle with a local, students may find the courage to go explore even more of Florence on their own after.

For more information about enrolment and course details, visit the university website and check the Academic Schedule tab. Take advantage of the incredibly unique opportunity to go beyond the classroom & experience the life of Florence in a whole new light!

Connecting to Florence’s LGBTQ+ Community with IREOS

written by Jack Wardynski for SPEL: Journalism

In divisive times, it is important for individuals from vulnerable groups to seek guidance and support, and that is what IREOS aimed to do with its “Unveiling Pride” night at the Palazzi Community Center's Fedora Garden. Hosted by Florence University of the Arts (FUA), guest speakers Arianna Bontà, Matteo Petito, and Sonia Vecci took the time during an hour lecture to inform FUA students about Italy’s LGBTQ+ history, the current conditions for queer people, and the services that IREOS provides for those in the community.

IREOS is an association for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, and intersexual people living in Florence and Tuscany as a whole. The goal of IREOS is to empower LGBTQ+ individuals, encourage solidarity of marginalized groups, and bring awareness to issues facing the community. The association provides a variety of services and resources in order to accomplish these goals.

The association unofficially began working in the 1980s as a response to the HIV crisis that was directly affecting Italy during that period. IREOS was formally organized in 1997 and has been providing support to LGBTQ+ people in Tuscany ever since.

The IREOS counseling center offers advisory sessions both over the phone and in person. The association employs professional psychologists to help LGBTQ+ individuals with issues they may not feel comfortable seeking guidance for elsewhere. Group counseling sessions and general socialization are also offered through IREOS’s advisory center.

There are a number of social groups available through IREOS, covering a wide range of issues that may be faced within the LGBTQ+ community. The self-help group for LGBTQ+ senior people offers assistance to elderly queer people in and around Florence. The facilitated support group for parents is for guardians of trans children who are considering or have begun the transition process. There are also general support groups, parent and family groups, a meeting group for combating homonegativity, and a group focusing on assertiveness training.

“Besides all the services we offer, the main thing we do is create a safe space, of course for queer people, or anyone that needs a place to talk,” said Bontà. “We are basically a whole, big family, and everyone is welcome.”

At IREOS’s office at Via de’ Serragli 3, rapid HIV tests are offered upon appointment. The tests are free and anonymous. There is also a legal help desk available for dealing with family or labor law issues, threats, violence, or abuse.

The IREOS documentation center is tasked with collection and conserving LGBTQ+ documentation, literature, and film. It also gives individuals in Florence the opportunity to have their works published. The documentation center includes archives of a variety of queer newspapers in Italian, as well as essays on gender and fiction focusing on themes of homosexuality.

The library, along with IREOS as a whole, is supported completely by volunteer workers who are dedicated to improving the lives of people in marginalized groups in Florence. The invaluable and necessary work carried out by the association is dependent on individuals, both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community, dedicating their time to make their city a better place to live for everyone.

“We are looking for volunteers to come,” said Bontà. “We are even getting more volunteers from foreign universities.”

“We actually have two volunteers from Florence University of the Arts,” Petito revealed and said that IREOS is always looking for more people to pitch in, regardless of if they are native to Florence or not.

Anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment remains extremely prevalent within Italy even to this day. Gay marriage is not legalized in the country, and while couples can enter a legally binding Civil Union, they are not allowed to adopt children. Often, in response to the limited option available, homosexual couples seek adoption services outside of the country, with the unknown of whether the government will allow it upon their return. Italy also does not have universal anti-discrimination laws that would protect LGBTQ+ individuals from becoming the victims of hate crimes. Additionally, access to hormone replacement therapy has been threatened in recent years in certain regions across the nation as well.

“All the laws for inclusion came from queer people,” said Petito. “If queer people in Italy don’t act, probably nobody will… for all the work that we are doing with the association, it is very important to speak to people that are not in the community, because if they do not see us, it is not their problem.”

“But if they do see us and they do hear us, it means we’re there, it means we’re doing something, it means we’re sharing the message, so it’s very important for us,” said Bontà.

Volunteering remains a valuable way to contribute to the cause at IREOS. Additionally, activities like game-night Fridays, the queer book club, and the annual Florence Queer Festival offer opportunities to participate and show support for the association. Those interested in getting involved can e-mail info@ireos.org or come to Via de’ Serragli 3 during open hours.

A Walk Through One of Florence’s Hidden Treasures

written by Jack Wardynski for SPEL: Journalism

From the top of Piazzale Michelangelo, one can see what seems like Florence in its entirety. The maroon tiles lining the city’s rooftops stretch into the far distance, occasionally broken up by monoliths like the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Cars and pedestrians flow along the path of the Arno River that bisects the historic city into its northern and southern segments. On a clear day, like it was on this particular Friday, a beautiful blue sky blooms above a crowd of tourists and sightseers, with the cloudline blanketing the hills to the north.

The students in Florence University of the Arts’ Health and Fitness Walks class take in these sights while simultaneously catching their breath after a 45 minute, one-and-a-half mile walk (uphill) to reach the palazzo. This course, taught by Fabrizio Polloni, promotes physical activity for FUA students and also pushes them to see sides of the city they probably would not otherwise.

“We will get to know the city through walks,” Polloni declared. “Most of the students, they come here, they can spend a semester, but they only know certain places… with this (class), they absolutely will know everything.”

It is difficult to imagine, when standing in Piazzale Michelangelo, that there could be an even better vantage point of Florence, but Polloni assures the class there is one. Thus, after a brief stop for photos with the replica of Michelangelo’s David, another walking session begins, first along Viale Galileo and then through Parco della Rimembranza.

This is just the latest in a series of walking tours that the class has taken during the three week intensive session. The students have seen many of Florence’s most famous sights, and others that are lesser known but equally impressive.  “I remember two places he took us,” said Morgan Falconer, one of the students. “The place where the Medici family used to keep their horses, and it’s now a high school. He also took us to the stadium where the Florence soccer team (Fiorentina) plays.”

The stable-turned-high-school is Liceo Artistico Statale di Porto Romana e Sesto Fiorentino, just outside of Giardino di Boboli south of the river. Fiorentina plays on the opposite end of the city at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Students who enroll in this class are given the opportunity to explore the historic city from all different angles.

The class stops below a bronze statue of an Italian infantryman, dedicated to the Florentines who lost their lives in World War I. Polloni takes the opportunity to regale his class with details of Florence in the past. Originally, students studying abroad were housed in villas south of the city, many of which are visible from this spot. Eventually, the change was made to bring the students into the city center and closer to the heart of Florence.

“I think it’s nice that (Polloni) has lived here his whole life, so he knows a lot about the city,” said Falconer.

“He’s a very youthful spirit, he’s intelligent, he’s fun, he’s funny,” revealed Mary Craddock, another member of the class.

The journey continues through the rows of trees that weave through Parco della Rimembranza. Along the way, Polloni continues with stories of his childhood: his days as a devoted soccer player, when he got his first scooter, and even how he used to skip school to come visit places like the one his class will soon arrive at. The students take advantage of the hike to snap photos of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, as the morning sun shines down on rolling hills and green olive trees.

Around eight thousand steps into the day, the class arrives at its ultimate destination: Basilica di San Miniato al Monte. The church’s faded white and green facade towers above the hillside, overlooking the surrounding cemetery and the city far below. From up here, the view from Piazzale Michelangelo seems almost quaint; Florence rolls out even further than before, and the city appears somehow more three-dimensional. A wandering tabby cat perches itself on a column, enjoying the view with the class.

Inside the basilica are the typical Italian standards: beautiful frescoes, elaborate carvings, and rows of elegant marble columns. Polloni’s students are silent as they enter, taking in the beauty of the structure that they hiked miles to witness. The only audible noise within is a monk quietly sweeping the floor towards the back of the basilica. This is one of the places where Polloni sees the real beauty of his home city.

“I can bet 95% of the students that spend four months here, they don’t know about San Miniato al Monte,” said Polloni.

Back outside, the class takes one last opportunity to capture photos of the area before heading back down the steps to the city. One last lengthy trek takes them back to Via Ricasoli 21 where class will be adjourned for the week. The students’ only assignment is to submit a screenshot of their fitness tracker to show Polloni how far they walked: over 15,000 steps in under three hours.

Born and raised in Florence, Polloni believes the city is best experienced by simply being out and observing it in the simplest manner. He takes the opportunity to see museums and exhibits when he visits other cities, but in Florence he feels there is no need.

“Florence is an outside museum,” Pollino stated. “I was born here, I’m pretty old. Every time I go out I see something new walking around, that is a piece of art.” That is the core idea of the Health and Fitness Walks course: not simply to burn calories, but also to take in the birthplace of the Renaissance in its purest form. Sometimes that comes by hiking miles from home to a church on the tallest hill in the city, and sometimes that comes from taking a look around when you walk down your street.

Blending Magazine: A Call For Contributions

written by Paula Simon Borja for SPEL: Journalism

At some point in history, Opera was the most popular music of a generation and the star was Giacomo Puccini. He was born in Torre del Lago, Tuscany, yet forever linked to Florence. We now approach a significant milestone: the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s death. The theme of the Blending Magazine’s 14th annual Fall issue is inspired by this event. We invite you to join us in capturing the essence of this legendary composer. This is your chance to explore Puccini’s influence and share your voice with our community.

Here’s how you can participate: we’re looking for unique perspectives, beyond mere biographies of Puccini. Explore themes such as food influenced by his music, the local culture of Torre del Lago, or the experiences of modern composers inspired by him. Additionally, we are looking for students who can help us refine the articles as proofreaders. If photography is your strength, capture the essence of Puccini’s world through images of Florence, operatic performances, or the vibrant life surrounding his legacy.

If you are eager to contribute, reach out via email to: blending@auf_florence.org. Or stop by the communications office located at Corso Tintori, 21 for a conversation. We are excited to welcome fresh voices and ideas. Through this process, you will engage with a real audience, contributing to a publication that is taken seriously and holds real copyright, something tangible for you to add to your resume.

It is not just a tribute; it is a chance for students from all fields to discover the rich cultural influences that Puccini has created, which are part of our lives in Tuscany and around the world. It stretches across the Atlantic, where his works are still cherished in the United States, especially in New York City. By highlighting Puccini, we are not only honoring a local artist, but also creating cultural connections between Italy and the United States.

Florence is a city where the magic of music and community thrives. Musicians fill the streets, bands perform in the piazzas, and beautiful operatic voices resonate in indoor spaces. That sense of community and shared experience is a big part of what makes this city special, and more people are starting to recognize that magic.

Everything started about 500 years ago. A group of men convened in a Florentine sitting room to discuss art and culture; they aimed to challenge the popular singing style of the time. This led to the creation of a new style featuring a solo voice supported by instruments. It encouraged composers to observe the behavior of nobles and translate their interactions into songs. Florence then became the birthplace of one of the most important musical genres in which music, poetry, costumes and scenography are combined into a single performance: Opera.

Giacomo Puccini was one of the artists who truly distinguished himself with his remarkable talent. He had the ability to blend beautiful melodies with powerful emotions, which is why his operas like "Madame Butterfly" and "Tosca" still resonate with people today. He understood how to create unforgettable characters and gripping stories, making his work feel relatable and timeless. He had a unique attention to detail that took opera to a whole new level, establishing his legacy as one of the greatest composers of the genre.

But this project is not just about Puccini, it is about your journey in Florence. By contributing to the magazine, you are invited to explore the city beyond the typical tourist attractions, uncovering its artistic and cultural layers. The experience will deepen your appreciation for the environment you're studying in and living through. Remember that creativity often flourishes outside of our comfort zones, so do not hesitate to step outside traditional narratives about Puccini. Instead, explore the lively streets of Florence and share the stories that resonate with you. Your perspective can illuminate aspects of his legacy that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

For submissions, please keep articles to a maximum of 700 words and feel free to include relevant photographs. Final article submissions should be submitted to blending@auf_florence.org no later than November 7th. Join us in making this a memorable tribute to one of Tuscany's greatest sons.

Positive Vibes at the FLY Vintage Market

written by Isabella Tecchio for SPEL: Journalism

Funky patterns, bright colors, leather bags, boots, and shoes beyond your wildest dreams. When walking into the FLY - Fashion Loves You Vintage Store, eyes light up. It is not far from the center of Florence, and hosts vintage markets every few weeks. To begin the fall semester, FLY and its students custom picked racks of clothes to display in the market, going for an Emily in Paris theme this time around.

FUA student, Ilyana Zuniga says that they chose pieces that stand at a more affordable price over other options in the store. She also mentions how they all have very different styles, but they are able to bounce off of each other's looks to create and combine looks together.

Students completing the course are participating in an experiential learning internship. The idea is that real life experience will help prepare you better for the world, this includes the integration of culture in Florence, and speaking with the community.

“I personally have never had an experience like this, where it’s going from the class to experiential learning, so I definitely think it is something new and interesting to try out,” said student Anna Voichin. She mentions how many factors there are to work out, such as deciding the prices and if it is going to work for the community.

Students participating in the organization of the event sat in the courtyard, a small stone ground and plants surrounding the small space. It is unseen when walking in the store, but once in the garden it is a very serene environment to do some great shopping.

Student supervisor and co-manager of the store, Catia Ballerini, talks about the students choosing the items for the market, based on the theme. Students use their creativity and common sense, select different pieces, and learn how to display the clothes. Additionally, they learn techniques to make the store look a certain way to the public. Making the store look fuller and more busy is a specific tactic the students learn. Finding a theme is another story, this can be more of a challenge.

“Sometimes it can be a certain type of merchandise, sometimes it can be that we have a lot of white. It’s Summer, so let’s give discounts on the white and let’s place a lot of white in the courtyard. It can be a variation from time to time,” said Ballerini.

Professor Cristina Ferro speaks about the experiential learning internship students are involved in with FLY. Also the organization of the vintage markets. She emphasizes that the students started picking pieces out at the beginning of the week, and continued to reorganize and rethink everything later in the week. In the main store, students research social media, go to different vintage stores, and popular stores in general to see what is trending. What color are people wearing, what seasonal pieces are coming in and out.

“We generally have many people coming here, but especially students during the vintage market because they are curious, we take something interesting from the stockrooms and the students always find a gem,” said Ferro.

For the vintage markets, this is where the funkier pieces come out. Colorful and fun, the students use their creativity to put looks together.

When walking through the vintage market, the market itself holds trendy pieces. From a display of short heels and trendy flats, to blazers and sweaters, the market held a chalkboard sign for fifty percent off everything. From designer clothes, to handmade student looks, the variety of items available at FLY is aplenty. Although creating looks and pieces, they are also learning the business aspect of how to run a shop.

Typically, students are working. They take shifts, some students everyday, but many shifts are dispersed between Monday through Thursday. Student’s responsibilities are important. Ballerini mentions how crucial it is to have the store organized as well, as she hints that some students may have a hard time putting things where they belong!

“So, we know when we have new students... we start the first two days to explain the space, to give them small tasks like for example to reorganize what is in the store, to try and match the colors. We give them some suggestions,” said Ballerini.

Student involvement is imperative in the store, as they help run the shop. Looking into the back room, students' creations stand, beautiful fabrics and dresses, and many times students are able to sell their pieces in the shop. This is not only an amazing opportunity for the community to shop student-made items, but so exciting for students who sell something they made, their idea, their piece.

Follow FLY on their all student-run Instagram account, @fly_fashionlovesyou and watch out for the next vintage market!

Tiny Florence On Display

written by Ava Lees, Sydney Kerrihard & Pedro Calderon for SPEL: Public Relations

Students from Florence University of the Arts presented their latest photography exhibit Tiny Florence, detailing a collection of tiny images taken by study abroad students that capture the city’s beauty and culture. This display features intimate snapshots of Florence’s vibrant streets_,from candid portraits of locals to the majestic arches of the Duomo. For many students, this exhibit marked both their first time exploring the city and their first experience with photography, making the project an opportunity for discovery and creative challenge.

Tiny Florence is an exhibit that is done every year, four times a year. The students are instructed to use the same format with big limitations, black and white and square photos. The big change to the exhibit is the photographers. With Florence being a big city, and the frequency of the exhibit, students still manage to capture unique moments and sights that catch their eye.

Students taking the Introduction to Digital Photography and Introduction to Street Photography courses spend their time exploring the city, taking photographs of architecture, monuments, people candidly, and scenery. They spend time editing the photos in Adobe Lightroom, using methods learned in the classroom to tune them for submission into the exhibit.

Consequently, students in an Intermediate Digital Photography course curate the exhibit. In total, about 20,000 photographs are taken, around 400 are submitted for consideration, and only 65 make the Final Cut. You can see the excitement on student’s faces when they spot their work on the walls of the Palazzi Community Center.

“I’m proud,” states photography student Jessica Miller. “I’d never taken a photography class before so it was really cool to get to learn everything and then get to present these,” she continued. In fact, for many students in this course, this was their first time taking photos with a camera. Marco Gualtieri, the course instructor, highlighted the students' rapid progress, noting, “Two weeks ago, some of them had no idea how a camera worked, so to be already here in a first exhibit… I admire their confidence.”

Sara Giangrande, who delivered a welcoming address to attendants and has work on display at Corridoio Fiorentino said, “It feels really surreal honestly. If you told me even a month ago that I would have work at an exhibition in Italy I would have looked at you crazy. It’s been really rewarding as well to be able to practice a different type of photography than I’m normally used to and having work hanging in an exhibition has just been really cool to be a part of. I’m really excited and happy about it.”

The purpose of Tiny Florence is to display students' photography, but many other students also worked behind the scenes. Taylor Deuel, for example, had multiple photos on display but was also capturing pictures of attendees enjoying the exhibit for her photography internship. She admires the collection, stating “I think it’s awesome, it’s really cool to see everyone’s photos come together and they’re all the same here but we all have different perspectives of the city.”

Adam Serfilippi agreed, saying, “It’s a really unique experience, I know a lot of people who have been doing photography a lot longer than I have and it’s just really awesome to display my work and have it put up on the wall. I’m very excited.”

Valentina Monacò, who helped to plan and lead this event states, “It is always exciting to have students be able to exhibit because our teaching method is based a lot on experiential learning. We want our students to feel as though what they do in class is able to be seen by the local community. So that’s why we try to organize events like this where students are able to practice and show what they have learned in class.”

Tiny Florence will be on display at the Palazzi Community Center until October 16 and photographs that did not get chosen for the exhibit can be found online at Corridoio Fiorentino's website. The photos in Corridoio Fiorentino are for sale and all proceeds will go towards scholarships for future FUA students. Unframed photos are 15€ and a framed copy is 30€. They can be purchased at Palazzi Community Center by speaking with the front desk.

The next exhibition coming to Palazzi Community Center will be an external artist named Nicoletta Salonon, who is a talented artist and a member of the FUA staff. This exhibit will open on October 17th.

All in the Family: Italian Family Club Fosters Cross-Cultural Bonds

written by Savvy Sleevar for SPEL: Journalism

When international students arrive in Italy for their term at Florence University of the Arts on the tail end of Tuscany’s blistering summer, culture shock meets claustrophobia. The streets are flooded with tourists, sticky cones of melting gelato in one hand, at-the-ready cell phone cameras in the other. There’s something ornate and historic to admire almost everywhere you turn, but sometimes it feels like everyone else on planet Earth wants to be there, too — all at the exact same time.

Even after peak tourist season dies down, though, FUA students might still feel overwhelmed. Especially with so much to do in each corner of the cobbled city, what’s one of the best ways to truly get a taste of what everyday life, culture and connection in Florence are really like? It’s almost like you literally need to knock on a Florentine’s door, say “buonasera” and join their family at the table for dinner.

And for a handful of curious students, that’s exactly what they’ll do this semester.

Through FUA’s Italian Family Club, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, students are paired with “adoptive” Italian families and meet with them throughout the semester. Depending on the pairing, a student could potentially accompany their Italian family on trips, join them for meals, practice their language skills with them or even hang out with the family’s kids for an afternoon. So not only does Italian Family Club foster cultural exchange, it also creates genuine connections.

“We had a student that stayed two semesters, and she wanted to continue with the same family,” says Camilla Magini, a Student Life & Development advisor at FUA. “And that’s something that, like, never happened. And it means that the matching side of it was really good, and then the program went really well.”

The connections forged in Italian Family Club are made possible by Magini and the SLD team. Each year, SLD advisors encourage students to take part in a range of semesterly extracurricular activities, whether it’s a pick-up soccer game or picking up a pencil and drawing at an art therapy event.

But with FUA opening its doors to hundreds of students from all over the world every semester, the SLD team isn’t just responsible for ordinary extracurricular events and student services. Instead, the department is also a catalyst for cultural integration, emboldening students to explore their host country, embrace the rich new culture that surrounds them and engage with the Florentine community. Additionally, Magini says joining Italian Family Club is one of the most transformative opportunities for students aiming to make all that happen.

“I think that’s the best activity,” Magini says. “At the end of the semester, you can see differences [in students] and how the pair really match to each other.”

Students interested in being paired with an Italian family do have a few things to keep in mind. First, this activity includes an application process, along with an interview. SLD advisors do their best to pair students with a family that will be compatible with them in terms of shared interests, availability and the kinds of experiences they want to gain from the program.

Depending on the number of applicants, there may also be more interested students than there are available families. Magini says the number of Italian families in the program can vary by semester. In Fall 2023, around six families participated, and this past spring semester, that number bumped up to around nine. Sometimes, though, participating families are happy to take more than one student per semester.

For students who are eager to apply for Italian Family Club this semester, here’s a sense of what the full process will look like for Fall 2024: after an initial informational meeting, which is set to take place September 18, applications roll in over the next few days. Students who apply will then be interviewed, usually over the course of one week. To get involved, send an email to: sld-studentservices@florencecampus.org

After that, matches are finalized, and students have the opportunity to chat with their Italian families over a meal at a meet-and-greet event in early October. Typically held at either Fedora, FUA’s pastry shop and bistro, or Ganzo, the school’s restaurant, the event allows families and students to break the ice, get to know one another and lay the foundation for a cross-cultural connection that will span the entire semester — or even a lifetime.

Sprouting the Italian Language Through Gardens

written by Valerie Tiscareno for Special Poject: Experiential Learning in Journalism

The class, Grow Green and Learn Italian opens up a space where students get to tackle growing their knowledge of the Italian language in a new light. The class teaches students Italian through the lens of horticulture and the importance that it has on Florence.

Often, the class goes on walks to visit the many important gardens of Florence; for example, students got the opportunity to see the Boboli Gardens, which were established in 1549, and so elegantly deploy the Italian Renaissance garden design of symmetry. The structure and layout of these beautiful gardens in Florence shows how the city adapted other cultures and philosophies, leaving remnants of the past, rooted deep within its soil.

Student, Paige Homan who took the class said, “The class allows us to see Florence first-hand and visit places we might not otherwise. I would never have thought to visit the botanical gardens.”

When students get to visit the many botanical gardens in Florence, not only do they get to learn Italian vocabulary that is applicable to these spaces, but also the important connection plants have to the city.

Homan comments on how taking Grow Green and Learn Italian has affected her outlook on Florence. “Being able to see how other cultures have influenced Florence while also separating out the parts that are traditionally Florentine are very interesting to see,” she said.

Once students return from their adventure outside the classroom, they get to work on more common phrases that they would use in everyday life. They group up with their peers and practice conversational skills, such as ordering in Italian.

Often they are asked to practice coming up with synonyms for adjectives, or emotions nurturing their Italian vocabulary. FUA’s Growing Green course not only works on helping students expand their Italian language skills, but their outlook on Florence and its rich cultural heritage. This immersive approach makes learning both engaging and practical, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Italian language and the city.

FUA’s Travel Week Course: A Modern Trip Through Italy’s History

written by Margaret Hann for Special Project: Experiential Learning in Public Relations

Florence University of the Arts offers students the unique experience to travel throughout Italy prior to the beginning of the semester. The course is named "Cultural Introduction to Italy" and allows students to participate in a trip from Rome to Florence, while visiting and learning about historical landmarks along the way.

Pre-Departure

Students prep for the course by reading the book, Italian Ways: On and off the Rails from Milan to Palermo. A virtual meeting is also held before arriving in Rome, where the details of the course are outlined for students. The virtual call consists of meeting the professor, discussing details of the class, a quiz on the pre-departure reading, and the opportunity for students to ask questions about anything regarding the trip.

Overview of the Course

Each day is intertwined with the assigned reading, covering historical facts or myths connecting to the sites that are visited. It is also heavily encouraged for students to explore the different cities and locations visited during the allotted free time. Throughout the Cultural Introduction to Italy course, we traveled from Rome through Tuscany and ended in Florence, visiting sites such as The Colosseum, Vatican City, and Cinque Terre. Every day we were provided with at least one meal that was often specific to the region we were in, which allowed us to embrace the unique cultures found throughout Italy. Students would join together at the end of every day for a cultural recap with their professors. We would discuss every place we had visited and all that we had learned that day.

Daily Breakdown: Day One

The first day is meant for introductions. We landed in Rome at the International Fiumicino airport and were met with guides from FUA. We were instructed on how to use the public transportation system and were given directions to our hotel in Rome. Once all of the students arrived, we met as a group for dinner, and afterwards, reviewed the pre-departure book reading assignment. Throughout the dinner, we were given time to connect as a group and form friendships while preparing for the week of travel.

Day Two

The following day focused mainly on historical sites throughout Rome. In the morning, we visited the famous Spanish Steps that lead up to the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti. Following this, we traversed towards Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Later in the afternoon, we were taken to the Colosseum for a guided tour for the class. The instructor led us through the Colosseum and displayed the history and drawings that depicted the original statues. Here, we learned about Nero’s Lake, which was the original structure occupying the land the Colosseum was eventually built on. The man-made lake was eventually drained and replaced by the Colosseum.

The class continued with our tour through ancient Rome, by climbing stairs to the top of Palatine Hill, and walking through the Imperial Forum. As a group, we discussed the different Roman myths connected to some of the buildings and sculptures, which were also discussed in the daily readings, such as the Legend of Romulus and Remus. At the end of the day, we were given free time to find restaurants, shop, and relax after our busy day of immersing ourselves in the history of ancient Rome.

Day Three

We traveled as a class using the subways to visit Vatican City. Many of us learned that Vatican City is actually its own city-state. It is an important cultural site for both Christians and non-Christians alike. Students engaged in a guided tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica, where we learned about the tomb of Saint Peter, Michelangelo’s La Pietà, and experienced the rich history of Vatican City.

After our guided tour, we had free time to explore Rome before returning to the bus for a trip to Villa Farnese, the first of the Italian Renaissance gardens we would visit. We traveled north to Caprarola where the villa is located. Villa Farnese is an Italian villa shaped as a pentagon atop a hill overlooking the rest of the town. The day ended in Viterbo, slightly further north than Caprarola, for our cultural recap and group dinner for the day.

Day Four

We continued our journey of visiting the different Renaissance gardens found throughout three different cities in the central region of Italy: Bomarzo, Bagnaia, and Capalbio. In the morning, we visited the mythical garden of Sacro Bosco (Sacred Wood). Sacro Bosco is also known as the "park of monsters" due to the mysterious statues found throughout with incomplete captions. The meanings behind the statues and sculptures in the garden are unknown, but many have theories of them being connected to mythology, including Hercules killing Cacus.

We continued on to our next Renaissance garden: Villa Lante, located in Bagnaia. This garden displayed some of the peak values at the time: controlling nature, order, and geometry. However, the final garden was the most unique of the gardens we visited.

Although we were guided through the other gardens by the professors, for Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden, we were given no guidance. Students were free to explore and interact with the park. Decorated with psychedelic sculptures, the garden was inspired by both Tarot cards and Niki de Saint Phalle’s personal life experiences.

Day Five

On the morning of the fifth day, the group ventured to a vineyard in Tuscany for a wine tour and participated in a wine tasting. Students sampled three of the vineyard’s local wines, their olive oil, and paired it all with breads, cured meats, and cheeses, while learning from the owner about the best wine and food pairings.

After the wine tasting, we gathered back on the bus to head to one of the most ancient areas of Tuscany: The Etruscan Necropolis. Existing between the 9th and 3rd Century BC, the Etruscans were metalworkers who lived in a mineral rich area, specifically of iron and copper. The iron can still be seen today as sparkles in the dirt of the tomb site of the Etruscans as well as the surrounding beaches. Students were able to enter two of the tombs, view the interior, and walk around the gravesite while discussing the history and the importance of the Etruscans to Italy.

Finally, we ended the day by visiting the Cittadella del Carnevale, which is a museum for Carnevale. We ventured through the museum learning how the floats are constructed, viewing different award-winning floats from past years, and interacting with small sculptures that demonstrated the movement of past floats.

Day Six

The main focus of day six was marble. We visited Pietrasanta, home of famous sculptor, Giorgio Angeli’s marble workshop. The town, also referred to as "Sacred Stone," is renowned for its artistry and marble sculptures. Over centuries, Pietrasanta has become renowned worldwide for its marble carving workshops, and is even the world capital of marble carving.

Throughout the town, marble can be spotted lining the streets, being sold in stores, making up countless statues, and is even incorporated in many buildings and piazzas. Students were given the chance to explore the town for a scavenger hunt to find and research some of the different marble statues featured throughout.

We then traveled further up the west coast of central Italy where the day ended with a trip to Viareggio, the town where Carnevale is typically hosted. Here, we were allotted 4 hours of free time in the beach town to enjoy the ocean, find local food, and shop.

Day Seven

The last travel day of the week consisted of a trip to Cinque Terre. We arrived on the coast in La Spezia where each student was given a ticket for the trains. Students were instructed to dress in athletic attire as we would be hiking between two of the towns. We started in the town of Vernazza and hiked along a path in the mountain following the coastline leading to the city of Monterosso. The hike took around an hour.

After reaching the bottom of the hill, students were allowed to spend four hours in Monterosso exploring the city. Students lounged at the beach, sampled local cuisine, shopped for souvenirs, and of course, ordered gelato. After we took the train back to La Spezia, we drove back to our hotel for our final night in the beach town of Tirrenia before heading to our final destination, Florence.

Concluding Statements

As a whole, the Cultural Introduction to Italy course offers an enriching pre-semester journey that combines educational content with immersive travel experiences throughout Italy. The course facilitates deeper understanding through guided tours of iconic landmarks, daily readings, and cultural recaps, while also allowing students ample free time for personal exploration. This unique blend of structured learning and experiential travel not only broadens students' knowledge of Italian history and culture, but also fosters long-lasting connections.

‘Lost in the Big Picture’

written by Valerie Tiscareno & Kyla Pehr for Special Project: Experiential Learning in Journalism

It’s interesting that we associate historical things with beauty. A longing to go back to the past, when life was more beautiful or more simplified or maybe even romanticized, and yet, we don’t acknowledge the beauty that is the now, the beauty that is living in the present.

This beauty, the intersection between now and then, can be seen in 6x6 compositions of photos scattered across the walls of Fedora in a spotty array. The miniature photographers invite viewers to lean in and maybe — just maybe — even squint their eyes a little.

Tiny Florence is a reflection of observing the microscopic details that make up beauty. Photographers are given instructions to take photos of historical sites around Florence, the outcomes of which are unique perspectives highlighting each photographer's selective eye of beauty.

“It’s fun to appreciate the little things in Florence,” student photographer Addison Wallenkamp said. “Look at the little details of things, because sometimes, you can get lost in the big picture.”

In photography, and even in life, you’re trained to look at the bigger picture. At Tiny Florence, however, we as viewers are stripped of that ability. Normally, in photography, the frame is not what is taking up most of the space; the photo is typically what is emphasized. At Tiny Florence, the choice to frame the photos with a large, white background makes the already small black and white images feel even smaller — a playful illusion of size.

Looking out of the arrangement of floating photos, viewers are challenged by a busy display of smaller pictures making up a larger whole. In each frame there are details of bigger pictures framed in abstract ways — some zoomed in, some from afar, some rotated ever-so-slightly. At first glance, these mosaic collages can be daunting and disorienting to look at. Despite this, viewers taking a longer gaze at the organized chaos making up famous frames of Florence might make sense of it, even finding aspects that they can personally connect with.

“You had to have a head on perspective of it,” Mackenzie Housler, another student photographer said. “So you're moving like a foot, a foot, a foot to get the whole structure in [the frame].”

“And then you go through all your photos and choose which ones you actually like, and you can put them together in a cool way,” Wallenkamp added.

We thought this served as a reflection of beauty or noticing the smaller things in life. Too often in American culture do we get caught up waiting for the next thing. Being oriented toward goals, toward the bigger picture — waiting to graduate highschool, to graduate college, our first big job, moving out of our parents home, finding love, starting a family, growing old and retiring — it’s all just so easy to get caught up in.

Life gets busy. We don't slow down. In a way, we can’t slow down.

The beauty that is daily routines, the people we interact with, and who we are as individuals are, in ways, parallel to these miniature mosaics. They are all part of a bigger picture, they are disorganized, things get cut off, but still, they are parts of a whole. We are parts of a whole.

We choose to prioritize different things, we find beauty in different things, we are different things.

So, as the age-old cliche goes, maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder.