Launching Spring, 2026: FUA's Cinque Terre Riviera Program

Florence University of the Arts is pleased to introduce its Cinque Terre Riviera Program in La Spezia. Applications are now open to apply for the launch semester in Spring, 2026 & beyond! Located on Italy’s northern coast, students study in a working port city surrounded by the Alps and Mediterranean. Nearby are the famous Cinque Terre villages and the “Gulf of Poets,” made famous by writers such as Shelley and Byron.

Academic Focus

Choose between a three-week term, a full semester or a two-city option that combines La Spezia and Florence. All courses are taught in English by Italian and international faculty. You can mix and match up to six classes in areas such as Mediterranean studies, marine and environmental sciences, engineering, business and supply chain, writing and fine arts, digital media and design, or hospitality and wine studies. Local internships are available to put classroom theory into practice.

Experiential Learning

• Hands on projects and internships at industry hubs or local design studios
• On-site advisors, wellness workshops and a 24 hour emergency line to support you outside the classroom

Location Highlights

La Spezia is Liguria’s regional hub, with easy train and bus connections. Florence is two hours away, Genoa 75 minutes, and Pisa’s airport is 45 minutes by train. The pedestrianized center is home to the Naval Museum, CAMeC contemporary art center, and lively piazzas. Ferries run daily to Cinque Terre and nearby islands.

Housing & Student Life

Options include shared apartments, dormitories or host-family stays. All students receive an orientation, counseling and access to FUA’s 24 hour hotline. Expect a coastal lifestyle with local markets, fresh seafood and a close-knit international community.

Ready to study where the mountains meet the sea? Visit the Cinque Terre & Riviera Program page or contact FUA Admissions at admissions@fua.it for details on sessions, courses and how to apply.

You Can’t Get Homesick When You Have Family In Firenze

Every semester, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers the Italian Family Club program where students are paired with local Italian families for cultural integration opportunities within the local community. If you are a current student at FUA, on Wednesday September 10 at 8:30 pm, an informational session will be held at Corso dei Tintori, 21. To sign up, please visit the Student Life Website, or email sld-studentservices@florencecampus.org today. The following is a personal account from Spring '25 Study Abroad & Italian Family Club alum, Emily LaMartina.

My first day in Firenze began with an orientation, almost immediately after dropping off our suitcases. Suddenly, it all felt real—this beautiful city would be home for the next four months. A wave of emotions hit: excitement dominated, but a quiet worry lingered beneath the surface. Never before had I been so far from my family. Even during college, I stayed in-state and could visit them often.

With so much information coming at once, there was barely a moment to feel homesick. But what would happen after a few weeks, when I no longer needed maps to get to class? Once settled into my apartment, would it finally sink in that this wasn’t just a two-week vacation, but real life in a new place? A tap on my shoulder from my friend snapped me back to the present. “Oh my gosh... you should do this.” Glancing up at the orientation presentation, I noticed the words “Italian Families” and tuned in.

The process was straightforward: attend an informational meeting, fill out an application, and complete an in-person interview to determine if you’d be matched with a local Italian family. Filling out the application felt surprisingly fun. As someone who came from an Italian American family, I grew up with similar values, traditions, and dinners featuring my Papa’s homemade pasta sauce. Being the oldest daughter, I’ve always looked after my siblings and babysat for as long as I can remember. Family has always been deeply important to me, and I dream of having my own one day.

Meeting the family for the first time was set for an aperitivo at the school’s restaurant, Fedora. With a carefully crafted card and a bouquet of flowers in hand, I walked there, my heart bursting with joy. A quick prayer helped calm my nerves; deep down, I trusted that the right family would find me. Thinking back on that first meeting still makes me smile. From the very beginning, it was clear this would be a wonderful experience.

Just a few days later, the family invited me to their home for dinner. The little girl ran up and jumped into my arms, and from that moment, any lingering doubts disappeared. Their home instantly felt welcoming, offering comfort and a true sense of belonging.

While there is a language barrier with the children—my Italian is limited to basic phrases for ordering food or finding the bathroom—it has never posed a real problem. At their age, language isn’t everything. If you can play, smile, and laugh together, you’re already connected.

Spending time with this family has been the most special part of my time abroad. Amid the daily chaos of life with three young kids, they always make time for me—whether through a quick text, a phone call, or inviting me over for dinner. Their warmth fills my heart with joy and love, and I truly cherish every moment with them. Homesickness hasn’t been an issue; with them, I feel safe and at peace.

Often during the semester, I would photos to my family back home. My dad once replied to a simple picture of a pasta dinner, reminiscing about his childhood. He told me that each of his siblings had a photo in their highchair, faces covered in pasta sauce, and joked, “You could not be a true LaMartina without loving that homemade sauce.” This family reminds me so much of my own. The father prepares special plates of cheese, olives, and other treats, eager for me to try them—just like my dad back in St. Louis, who often stops by The Hill, our city’s Italian neighborhood, for cheeses, meats, and olives. Both share the same excitement for introducing good food and creating memorable experiences. It’s not just the food, but their mannerisms and warmth that make me feel right at home.

It’s a powerful reminder of how human we all are. I observe how both the mom and dad eagerly start conversations with others. They are thoughtful individuals who genuinely care and strive to understand those around them. This same quality shines brightly in my own parents. When the family takes me to the kids’ school, I watch the interactions between parents and children. There’s a special glow that this family radiates—one that naturally draws others in. I see faces light up as people share stories and conversations with them because it’s clear they truly care.

In a world often clouded by apathy, anger, and uncertainty, this family chooses to be a beacon of light—the friendly faces you look forward to seeing at the grocery store or around the neighborhood. Their warmth and kindness stand out as a refreshing contrast to the negativity that can surround us.

My dad called me the other day, sharing his wise words: “Search for people and places that remind you of where you came from. That way, no matter where life takes you, you will never lose touch with home and all the love that shaped who you are.” My parents have always been my muse, inspiring me in countless ways. I feel the same admiration for this family. The patience and love they radiate toward their children is truly admirable, and I hope that one day I can be even half the parent they are.

I am incredibly grateful to FUA for this opportunity. The Italian Family Club has given me a lifelong connection, and I will cherish the memories and time spent with this family forever.

For more information, or to sign up for the informational meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 8:30 pm please visit the Student Life Website, or email sld-studentservices@florencecampus.org today.

From Content Creation to Cultural Connection

Before I began my internship at Florence Fashion Tour through Florence University of the Arts, I knew I’d be gaining professional experience, but I didn’t expect how much personal growth would come along with it. From developing content creation skills to understanding how to adapt to the impulsive rhythm of the Florence fashion and tourism scene, this experience has developed my perspective in ways that go beyond classrooms.

Florence Fashion Tour is an exclusive company that offers a range of curated experiences, from luxury shopping tours to artisan-led workshops! My main responsibility during my semester abroad was to build and create the company’s social media presence, specifically on TikTok. The goal we set was to increase visibility and share what we have to offer with our unique experiences. The tasks usually included everything from tagging along on the tours, editing videos, finding trending audios, and researching strategies for engagement. Through this, I got firsthand looks and experiences with hidden boutiques, private fashion shows and events, and workshops.

Some of my favorite moments were at the private fashion events, such as shows or sales, paper marbling classes, and small artisan workshops. Whether I was filming a moment from a local runway show or filming guests creating traditional Florentine marble paper, I discovered I was becoming more invested in how storytelling through social media can highlight a brand’s mission and identity. Each tour extends something unique, and this semester I learned how to communicate that visually and responsively to an online audience.

Our team was made up of international interns and we communicated primarily through WhatsApp and we had weekly meetings with our supervisor, Alice. Early on, there were challenges with communication, but throughout the semester, I had gained clarity of my role within the company and built a rapport with Alice. After a quick open conversation with our team, we improved communication and structure, which in the long run helped everyone stay punctual and become more confident in our tasks. Retrospectively, these moments also taught much more than I expected; not only about the cultural differences in work, but about the significance of speaking up and collaborating with empathy.

Working in Florence has shown me that professionalism is unalike across cultures and industries. There is an artistry in the way tasks are completed here, fashion is worn as a form of identity, and meetings flow more conversationally. As a midwestern student, adjusting to that way of working felt strange at first, but over the few months I spent abroad, I see how the differences allowed me to be more creative, flexible, and mindful in my work.

This internship through FUA has not only improved my resume, but shaped my confidence. It has shown me that there is immense value in stepping outside of my comfort zone, working through obstacles with interest, and embracing new roles. My time at the Florence Fashion Tour has proven that fashion isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, experiences, and connecting with people from all over the world.

Six Weeks in Florence

The sun was setting over the Arno, and Chloe and I were walking home with gelato, our feet were sore from another day of wandering side streets and getting just a little bit lost. At that moment, everything felt surreal. Florence was no longer just a place on a map, we were living here for the next six weeks.

But just a year earlier, none of this was certain. I had only recently started thinking about studying abroad during my sophomore year. As I began to research programs and locations, I quickly became excited by the possibilities. One afternoon, while hanging out with Chloe, my roommate of two years, I brought it up. She told me she had always dreamed of studying abroad but had never seriously considered it. From that moment, we began imagining what it could look like to embark on the adventure together. A year later, we finally got serious and started planning our summer in Florence.

By the time we made the decision, we already had years of shared memories and plenty of experience living together. We met during our freshman year while living in the same hallway and naturally became roommates our sophomore, junior, and now senior year. We knew each other’s habits and routines like second nature. So, when we decided to take our friendship abroad, it felt like the perfect start to a new chapter we’d get to experience side by side.

It was the first time either of us had traveled outside the U.S. While we were both comfortable navigating domestic travel, we knew this would be a very different kind of challenge. Arriving in Florence felt like a dream, but it also came with a learning curve. We had to figure out the train and bus systems, translate grocery labels, and adapt to Italian culture. The first few weeks were filled with small mistakes, some of which now make us laugh, but also with little victories. Having each other during that transition made all the difference.

Living abroad together for six weeks tested our friendship in new ways. Even though we’d lived together for years, we’d never shared a room and bathroom before. That adjustment wasn’t always easy, but we quickly learned how to operate as a team. We weren’t just roommates anymore, we were travel partners, navigating unfamiliar territory and leaning on one another every step of the way. Whether we were dealing with delayed trains, ordering in Italian, or managing the stress of a lost phone, we tackled every challenge together.

We also learned new things about each other. I realized Chloe was great at not being afraid to ask for help, wave down the check, and figure things out on the fly, while I was more comfortable planning ahead and doing research. Our differences balanced us, especially while traveling. Of course, we had our off days too with moments of miscommunication or times when one of us just needed space. However, those moments taught us to communicate more clearly and to be patient with each other’s needs.

Spending nearly every day together meant we had to be intentional about maintaining space. In the mornings, Chloe had class while I took time to myself. After lunch, typically together, she’d usually nap while I ventured out. We came to appreciate the quiet in-between moments just as much as our shared adventures. That balance helped give us both the space to recharge individually, while also making many shared memories.

As we settled into our routine, our friendship grew. We supported each other through homesickness, language barriers, and the personal growth that comes from being far from home. We created new memories together. Some of my favorites are the simple ones like walking home at sunset, listening to live music in Piazzale Michelangelo, or ending the night in our room, struggling to make a free VPN work just to watch a show.

Now, as we are back home for the summer, I know this experience will stay with us. Studying abroad with Chloe is something I’ll always cherish. I don’t know exactly what the next chapter will bring as we begin our senior year and think about life after graduation. However, I do know that we’ll always have Florence. The memories we built here will continue to anchor our friendship, no matter where life takes us.

Growing Abroad with Artviva

Booking a trip to Europe is no small task, which is why many tourists turn to guided experiences to help navigate the rich culture and history of each city. In Italy, Artviva has spent the past 20 years offering authentic, high-quality tours that set the standard for the industry. During the spring semester, through Florence University of the Arts' internship program, I had the opportunity to intern with Rose Magers, Artviva’s owner, and learn firsthand how the company maintains its reputation and success in an increasingly competitive tourism market. From their passion for storytelling, to their commitment to quality, Artviva continues to deliver unforgettable Italian experiences.

While interning at Artviva, I collaborated on real marketing initiatives to drive bookings during Italy’s high season. This hands-on work not only sharpened my strategic communication techniques but also gave me a front-row seat to how a boutique tour company adapts its brand voice, leverages storytelling, and measures success in one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.

The focus of the experience was on marketing, specifically, how to best utilize their social media to drive bookings and build traction as they enter Italy’s high season. As part of this role, I’ve had the unique opportunity to attend several tours and capture content for their digital platforms.

Throughout the internship, I visited the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, the Vasari Corridor, Bardini Gardens, and took part in several of their cooking experiences. While it has been incredible to learn more about the history of Florence and the significance of these historic sites, what I’ve enjoyed most is viewing these experiences through a media lens. When you enter these spaces with the intention of creating meaningful content, you start to find beauty in the unexpected. The way you frame a shot, how you want a video to flow, the angles you choose all contribute to the final story you walk away with at the end of a tour.

This internship has not only allowed me to strengthen my skills in content creation and marketing, but it has also deepened my appreciation for Italy and its rich history through the lens of Artviva’s curated experiences. Working closely with Rose Magers gave me valuable insight into the Italian business perspective. Her passion, professionalism and expertise taught me how companies in Florence adapt, grow and maintain authenticity in a competitive tourism market. Coming from the Missouri School of Journalism, I was able to bring my background in strategic communication, marketing and advertising into my role at Artviva all while continuing to learn new techniques and approaches along the way. This experience has been a rewarding blend of culture, creativity and communication, and I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity.

Walks Without A Classroom

When I arrived in Florence for my six week study abroad program, I didn’t know what to expect. Like many students, I signed up for classes that I knew would transfer back to my home school, not giving them too much thought, but still hoping to get classes that seemed interesting. When I heard back regarding which classes I successfully enrolled in, one intrigued me the most.

The class, titled Art and Community: Secret Florence Walks, was labeled as a WWAC, which stands for Walks Without A Classroom. I had no idea what to expect from the course, initially. I had never had the option of taking a class of this sort, but was intrigued by the idea of it.

At FUA, this type of course is quite common. WWAC courses always have a designated meeting point. Sometimes the meeting point is at one of the FUA buildings, while other times it may be somewhere else in the city center.

One of the main reasons I chose to study abroad in Florence was because of all of the art history that is rooted here. When I saw that this course involved exploring the city, I knew I had to take it. While I initially took this course to simply fulfill a course requirement for my degree, it ultimately provided me with the priceless opportunity of experiencing and learning about my new second home.

I couldn’t have asked for a better class to take as my first course in Florence. It felt like I had a personal tour guide of the city, at a time in which absolutely everything felt unfamiliar to me. While I navigated the culture shock I was experiencing when I first got here, my professor continued to make this unfamiliar place feel like a second home.

My professor would often mention how the information we learned in the course is not widely known by locals. It really felt as though I was getting a secret peek into Florentine history that not everybody has access to.

The highlight of this class, though, was the sense of community it built. We had a group of twenty or so students, all of us having landed in Florence just days before starting the class. Our professor made sure to let us in on her own recommendations for places to eat, among many other tips for how to experience Florence as authentically as possible.

This class felt like more than an academic course. While I learned a lot of historical information about Florence, I also learned so much more about how locals experience their lives here. Having a knowledgeable professor made all the difference.

Outside of class, I found myself walking around with my friends, filling them in on the information I learned from my class. I also began navigating the city without needing my phone to get me from point a to point b. Physically walking around the city with my class elevated the confidence and independence I felt, which ultimately shaped my experience living here as I no longer felt as intimidated by navigating the city by myself.

As I wrap up my final days here in Florence, I can’t express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to take this class, as it truly set me off on the right foot. Even though my semester here was just six weeks long, I feel that Florence is a second home.

Windows to Walks: A Florence-Based Study Abroad Course

As part of a school assignment for my Writing for Digital Media course, two classmates and I interviewed the creator and one of the professors behind a recently launched and uniquely Florentine course offered through Florence University of the Arts, Wine Windows and Wine Business Walks. Through our conversations with Professor Thomas Lastraioli, one of the faculty members who designed the course, and Professor Alessia Botturi, one of the professors who now delivers it, I gained a compelling look into designing an academically rigorous and culturally relevant study abroad course.

The first interview we conducted was with Thomas Lastraioli, a faculty member and academic advisor who teaches Italian and history-based courses at the university. Lastraioli was responsible for developing the structure, scope, and academic integration of the course. He explained that the inspiration came from the sudden resurgence of Florence’s wine windows during the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon rooted in the 17th century, when wine windows were used to serve drinks during outbreaks of plague. During the pandemic, they were revived as a socially distant way to serve food and beverages and quickly became a viral topic on social media.

However, rather than letting the course become another “Instagrammable” city walk, Thomas Lastraioli had a different vision. He told us that he didn’t want this course to be just about going to a window and taking a picture but instead to blend Florentine history, tradition, and modern marketing into a serious academic offering that students could experience on the streets of Florence. Every class session involves site visits and is anchored by readings from academic articles and business case studies.

What surprised me most was the difficulty of making the course academically sound. Thomas noted that developing a course idea isn’t the hard part, what takes time is building its academic foundation, locating scholarly sources, and mapping out a lesson plan that aligns with FUA’s standards. He worked on this course for over a month and a half, consulting with colleagues in marketing and business, and even went out to walk and map the route himself. His intention, he emphasized, was to help students approach the topic “not as tourists,” but as researchers, analysts, and cultural observers.

On the delivery side of the course, we spoke to Alessia Botturi, who now teaches the course. Botturi has a background in literature and spent 17 years in Los Angeles working in the wine importing industry. Her international experience and familiarity with both business and wine made her a natural fit. She moved back to Florence in 2023, and now teaching this course, combines her expertise with a passion for experiential learning.

Her classes never take place in a traditional classroom. “We always meet in a public square,” she explained, “and from there we start walking.” Along the way, she integrates history, marketing insight, and real-time assignments, asking students to evaluate wine menus, analyze branding, or even imagine themselves as influencers promoting a wine window. She noted that blending business education with a walking format can be challenging, especially with weather and noise, but also deeply rewarding and now, teaching it, she has got used to finding the quieter spots in populated areas where she can teach and talk to students. The course structure, originally designed by Thomas Lastraioli and his colleagues at FUA, gives her the freedom to add her own interpretation and background knowledge.

Both Thomas Lastraioli and Alessia Botturi agreed that the course is about more than wine. It’s about learning how a local historical tradition has evolved into a modern business opportunity, and how Florence as a city continues to reinvent its past for the present. There’s also a clear digital angle; students examine the role of social media in branding and tourism and reflect on how the “wine window trend” took off on platforms.

What I personally took away from these interviews was a new appreciation for how much intentionality and care goes into course design. The course may feel casual to the student walking through the streets, but behind it lies detailed planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and a vision to help students think critically about place, history, and commerce.

Beyond The Textbook: Communicating in Italian

At Florence University of the Arts (FUA), language learning is more than getting a passing grade in class— it’s an invitation to experience the city of Florence from the inside out. Designed for beginners, FUA’s introductory “Communicating in Italian” course provides students with the skills and confidence they need to engage in daily conversations and deepen their connection to Italian culture and local life.

This dynamic course prioritizes real-world communication in the form of practical, out-of-the-classroom study opportunities. Students gain grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills that empower them to make Italy feel more like home in the short time they are here. For example, during the class I was in attendance for to gather information for this piece, the day began with a recap of the previous week’s topics and a review of verbs, subjects, objects, and sentence prepositions.

“I didn’t speak a lick [of Italian] before study abroad,” said Luke Rice, a junior from Endicott College. “Giada does a great job getting us out into the city as much as she can. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary — we’ve been able to use what we learn at the market and in cafés, which makes the experience feel so real.”

Giada Cerchiari is the course’s instructor, whose academic background in Linguistic Sciences and Intercultural Communication, paired with her passion for language, shapes the class’s supportive and welcoming atmosphere.

“I think I can do nothing else,” Cerchiari said. “I love teaching Italian, and I also teach English, and I love and study languages.” Cerchiari’s passion for teaching shows up in her students’ participation in class and is a testament to her skill at getting students excited about course material and eager to learn more. I, although only reporting on the class, was encouraged to participate in the class activities. Cerchiari designs each lesson to balance theoretical understanding with hands-on practice, encouraging students to learn by doing.

“I always start with theory, but I believe language is best learned through practice,” said Cerchiari. “It’s so rewarding to watch students go from knowing nothing to confidently speaking and understanding Italian during their time here.”

Cerchiari believes the streets of Florence are where students are immersed in their study abroad experience most. They are encouraged to apply their growing language skills in real-life situations — a unique feature that sets this course apart from traditional language study. Visits to local cafés, markets, and shops provide students with authentic opportunities to interact with native speakers and experience Florentine culture first-hand.

For many students, the course enhances not only their language skills but also their entire study abroad experience. “The café across from my apartment is really local. They almost always seem happier when I come in and at least attempt to speak Italian, so this class has been really helpful with that,” said Ellison Skinner, a sophomore from the University of South Carolina. “This class has helped me feel more comfortable and more connected to Florence.”

By the end of the course, students are prepared to navigate everyday interactions with confidence and ease. “I’ll be one of the only people who knows Italian when I go back to school, so it’ll be nice to come home and use that skill in front of others. It’s cool to be able to talk to some locals,” said Rice.

“I don’t know how to explain the satisfaction I get from seeing the progress in the students,” Cerchiari said. For many, this course becomes one of the most memorable and rewarding aspects of their time abroad. More than just a language requirement, it opens the door to authentic experiences and meaningful connections, transforming Florence from a ‘Dolce Vita’ destination into a real second home.

Immersive Mediterranean Living

The Mediterranean diet is a “lifestyle.” You MUST understand, the Mediterranean diet is more than just what you eat and how you exercise, it’s how you immerse yourself in the Italian culture. These were two points that were repeated over and over again until it was forced into the crevices of my brain; Professors Lorenzo Dal Canto and Fabrizio Polloni will never let me forget them. Health and Fitness in the Mediterranean is a course that brought an insightful lens into the reality of the everyday lifestyle here in Italy. I took this intensive course within the first three weeks of classes here at FUA during the Spring semester, with the intentions of learning the content and passing a test. Instead, I was introduced into a fully immersive experience that opened my eyes to the true Italian culture.

Sure, this class involved taking notes on lectures covering the three most iconic food products in Italy—parmesan, prosciutto, and olive oil. We also dove into units on the history of wine, how it’s made, the health benefits of nut consumption, and the surprisingly deep world of pasta shapes. All of it was tied back to the Mediterranean diet’s key values: quality, quantity, and sustainability. But what I didn’t expect were the experiences that brought those lessons to life. The activities we participated in completely reshaped the way I understood the Mediterranean lifestyle. Yes, it’s important to come into this course ready to listen, learn, and study for the final exam—but my biggest recommendation? Let yourself be fully immersed in the culture. The hands-on elements are where the real transformation happens.

You will go on at least one (okay, maybe two… or three) “power walks” that take you through parts of Florence you might never have explored on your own. One sunny afternoon, Professor Polloni led us up to Piazzale Michelangelo, and by the next class, we were climbing the hills near Bardini Garden with umbrellas in hand and soaked sneakers on our feet. I still look back at the photos from those days, romanticizing the views—even the ones blurred by rain. A week later, we were rowing down the Arno River, still just a few weeks into studying abroad, and I couldn’t stop thinking: I can’t believe this is a class. That same thought echoed again as we biked six miles through the city, passing smiling locals who waved as we rode by. The truth is, you can choose the mindset you bring into this class. And while a 3 p.m. start might not be ideal, it’s a small tradeoff for the kind of experience that stays with you long after the course ends. When else will you have this opportunity?

Yes, the lectures were important. Yes, the exam mattered. But the heart of this course lies in the real-life moments that remind you just how rich the Mediterranean lifestyle is. If you’re thinking about taking this class, here’s my advice: show up with curiosity, energy, and a willingness to engage. Ask questions. Take the long walk. Try the olive oil. This class won’t just teach you about a diet—it’ll show you a lifestyle worth embracing.

Signing the Story: Bridging Media Access in Italy

Florence University of the Arts proudly hosted Fulbright Scholar Madison McNair during the Spring 2025 semester. During her time with FUA, McNair conducted several guest lectures, she engaged in discussions with videography and digital media students to learn how to make their projects more accessible, and she worked alongside the university's Communications Office to develop an article for the student-run publication, Blending Magazine.

In the heart of Florence, during the Spring 2025 semester, Madison McNair quietly conducted groundbreaking work amplifying a community long overlooked–not through sound, but through sign. A Fulbright Research Scholar with a background in journalism and American Sign Language (ASL), McNair has taken her passion for media accessibility across the world to explore and expand the accommodations that are in palace in Italy for the Deaf community.

McNair's path to Florence was not from a route of meticulous planning. Rather, the result of curiosity, intuition, and a willingness to follow unexpected opportunities. A Georgia State University graduate, she originally dreamt of becoming a news reporter. “That was the goal,” she said. After experiencing the harsh realities of breaking news mixed with the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, her aspirations shifted.

While fulfilling a foreign language requirement, Madison chose ASL and discovered something she never expected to find. “I fell in love with American Sign Language,” she said. That spark led to a unique role at Sign1News, one of the first stations in the United States to deliver news in sign language. The experience planted the seed for the goal to advocate for media accessibility on a global scale.

Enter Fulbright.

McNair did not originally have the Fulbright Program on her radar. During a late-night search of a way to merge her passions of journalism and advocating for the Deaf community, she stumbled upon the opportunity. “I thought it was a scam at first,” she joked. With encouragement from Georgia State and her employer at Georgia Tech she applied to the Fulbright Program, and the rest is history.

Her Fulbright research focuses on the intersection of media and accessibility, particularly how Italian broadcast television accommodates the Deaf community. The journey has demanded flexibility. “Nobody was responding to my interview requests at first,” she admitted. That challenge led her to Rome, where she spent four months teaching ASL and journalism to children aged 6 to 11. The experienced, while unplanned, enriched her work and gave her research a practical, human-centered layer.

Back in Florence, Madison’s research continues through in-depth interviews with Deaf professionals, exploring how they engage with media and obstacles they face. One of her key findings was noticing the stark contrast between accessibility for hearing and non hearing individuals. Italy only offers sign language interpreters on TV during specific hours. Many of the people McNair interviewed rely on streaming services like Netflix and HBO because traditional Italian media fails to meet their needs. “They’re missing out on shared cultural moments,” she said. Examples like Super Bowl or major news events that are inaccessible in real time for many Deaf individuals .

The lack of access isn’t a coincidence, but rather instead rooted in historical injustice. In the 1880s, a conference in Milan infamously banned the use of sign language in education, claiming that spoken language was superior. “Only one of 164 delegates was Deaf,” McNair explained. “Decisions like that have long-lasting impacts.” Italy only officially recognzined Italian Sign Language (LIS) in 2021.

Despite the slow progress, McNair sees gilmmers of hope. HBO's recent efforts to offer ASL-interpreted versions of films like Barbie, Godzilla, and The Last of Us represent a meaningful step forward. Unfortunately such accessibility remains the exception, instead of the rule.

Throughout her time in Italy, McNair has come to appreciate not just the professional development the experience has offered, but the personal growth as well. “Florence exceeded my expectations,” she said, reflecting on her time living abroad for the first time. “The people are so friendly. I had lived in Atlanta my whole life. Moving here was scary, but so worth it.”

As her Fulbright term has come to a close, McNair doesn't know exactly what the future holds. Whether she’ll continue in education, advocacy, or return to journalism is still up in the air. One thing is for certain, right now she is exactly where she is supposed to be. Through her work, she’s not only conducting research, but building bridges between worlds that rarely meet and giving a voice to a community thats long been unheard.