Blending Magazine, Spring 2026 is Here!

This semester, Blending Magazine explored the theme of “Are The Streets Still Made For Dreaming?”, a wide-open invitation to see the city itself as a stage for imagination, possibility, and everyday invention. The theme encouraged students to treat “the street” not just as pavement and storefronts, but as a living social tapestry filled with street vendors, murals, nightlife, transit, protests, rituals, micro-economies, chance encounters and the small gestures that make a place feel alive. This issue asks: do our public spaces still nurture hope, creativity, and aspiration? Or have they been transformed by surveillance cameras, mass tourism, gentrification, and commerce? Students used this theme as a lens for personal stories, visual essays, critical reporting, experimental formats and playful features.

 

Everyone has a story. The bakery owner you greet every Monday morning for your weekly loaf of bread. The tramvia construction workers clocking in for another day on the job. The bar owner you met during an unforgettable night out. Even you. You have a story.

 

But where do stories begin? For me, my story in Florence began four years ago when I decided to uproot my life in the United States on a mission to claim Italian citizenship through my grandmother, who was born and raised in Satriano, Catanzaro (Calabria).

 

Through the dream of reconnecting with my Italian roots and discovering more of the world, my Italian story has been written, and will continue to be.

 

And that is the beauty of a story: it does not have to look extraordinary to be meaningful. Sometimes a story begins quietly, in a thought, a hope or a dream that feels too small to matter. But dreams are never small for long. They grow, they shift, they carry us somewhere new. They ask us to move, to look closer, to imagine more for ourselves and for the world around us.

 

That is why this issue asks: Are the streets still made for dreaming? In Florence, a city so often defined by its history, beauty and art, the answer is not always simple. The stories in these pages celebrate the ways this city continues to inspire, but they also challenge the idea that Florence is always the perfect place for every dream to unfold. For students, locals and visitors alike, the street can be both a starting point and a test: a place of possibility, but also of resistance.

 

Still, that is where dreaming begins. On the street. In conversation. In movement. In the decision to believe that your story is worth telling.

 

Every story begins with a dream. Allow the pages that follow to inspire your own.

 

Read The Full Issue Today!

Networking In Study Abroad

When I decided to study public relations, I knew something had to change in me. I was never a very outgoing person and I wasn't one to talk to strangers. To be a public relations professional, you need the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Part of maintaining a good reputation comes from how you relate to others and who you relate to. Little by little, I have come to understand the importance of personal branding and how it can help you open doors in your career. 

 

In the two years I have been studying, I have learned a lot not only about my career, but also about myself. I am currently studying at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. But this semester I decided to come to Florence, Italy to continue my studies. Here at Florence University of the Arts (FUA), I have been able to explore the subject from different perspectives. I have understood that it is important to take risks and constantly challenge yourself to improve. And this does not happen overnight; you have to step out of your comfort zone. For example, since I was very shy about talking to people in general, I set myself small challenges, such as talking to the Uber driver about how I was never going to go back in my life or smiling at someone on the street. Brick by brick, you build self-confidence, and it helps you go a long way. I truly believe that working on myself has brought me to where I am now: studying a semester in Italy and meeting people from all over the world, with different stories and goals in life. 

 

At FUA, I am learning much more than I expected in classes such as PR Strategies, Communicating in Italian, Florentine Art Walks and Intro to PR. These classes are not just about sitting and listening to the teacher; they make the class an experience where you get hands-on learning from a different perspective. I have always believed that the best way to learn anything is by experiencing it, and I think FUA understands this ideology perfectly. A perfect example was when my Intro to PR class was taken to an art gallery and introduced to the gallery director, who gave us insight into what public relations is like in the art industry. This was an enriching experience, but also an excellent networking opportunity. 

 

First of all, I want to start by explaining what networking is, what personal branding is and what public relations is. In the professional work environment, no matter what you do, you build a network of relationships with people in the industry or people who might help you and whom you might help in the future. These relationships provide you with information, connections, opportunities, collaborations and more. It can also be seen from an academic perspective. And the mindset you can have is that you never know if the person you’re meeting today might be someone who helps you later on. Always stay professional, stay true to yourself, and be kind to everyone. I have experienced this through the years. For example, at my old school I used to get along very well with all my teachers. When I turned 16, I decided I wanted to get my first job and it was really easy to find a summer job through my teachers. Another example is when I was able to become a PR officer of the PRSSA club at my school because I had a good relationship with my PR peers. This really puts into perspective how you don't have to be a comm major to learn about networking. 

 

Now, why is networking so important during your semester abroad? You’re opening doors to opportunities. I spoke with FUA Professor Constanza Savelloni, asking her what the advantages of networking during a semester abroad are, and she answered, “You gain exposure to different ways of thinking, open doors to opportunities, and form connections that could shape your career.”

 

Specifically speaking about Florence, it’s a city that is very rich in culture, art, fashion, cuisine, among others. Meeting people from different parts of the world opens possibilities that not everyone gets. But it also teaches you a lot. It teaches you different perspectives in your industry that people have depending on their own experiences and learnings. At the same time that you’re discovering new things, you also teach new things to the people you connect with, and that makes it more than just building contacts; it becomes a cultural and knowledge exchange. It’s also an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn’t have done before.

 

During your entire time abroad, it’s imperative to keep the concept of networking at the top of your mind and stay alert to possible opportunities so you don’t miss them. One of the things I regret most is not connecting with someone because of embarrassment or fear of rejection. In my Intro to Public Relations class, Professor Constanza took us to the Tornabuoni Gallery here in Florence. It was an experience I wouldn’t have been able to have anywhere else. The class started in the gallery, and we were introduced to Ursula, one of the few gallery employees who is partly in charge of doing public relations everything from organizing and attending events to writing press releases and directly dealing with clients.

 

It was a very interesting class where we learned the insights behind selling an art piece, how the industry works at important events, and we even learned the process of setting up an exhibition. Since this is the industry I’m interested in, I made sure to ask every question I could; it was a unique and enriching experience. I learned that at major Art Basel events, it’s not that easy to simply be part of it. You have to submit an application ahead of time, pay, research what other galleries and collectors are going to bring, and it’s super important to have connections inside in order to sell pieces and find new clients. Asking questions also helped me stand out. In fact, at the end, they even let us go into the storage room, which is something very uncommon.

 

My mistake was not talking to Ursula directly. I had already stood out by showing interest through my questions and my curiosity about everything she explained. But in the end, my insecurities got the best of me and I didn’t dare. I didn’t dare because I thought I didn’t have much to offer and I didn’t know exactly how to make the first approach. Moral of the story: trust your instincts and be yourself.

 

That reminds me of when I first started the class. As soon as I found out that the professor had my dream job, I knew I wanted to talk to her. I set up a meeting in a super nice café, and we talked about life. I asked her about her career, and I told her about my plans. And I think the best advice she gave me was to be myself, because when people in the industry see that a young person is genuinely interested in what they do, they usually respond well.

 

The point of all this is that you enjoy it while you’re doing it. In class, we learned how public relations operates in different fields, and if there’s something I learned, it’s that public relations exists everywhere: politics, fashion, art, sports, entertainment, the list goes on.

 

Also, in my Public Relations Strategies class, I learned these concepts in more depth. I clearly remember the class where we learned about public relations in fashion, and specifically, we did an analysis of the fashion events that take place in Florence. And you really understand how having good relationships with people in your field, and even in other areas, can help you. For example, how Ferragamo was born. His story can be summed up like this: since he was little, he was passionate about making shoes, to the point that he went to the United States to make them. He worked in a workshop and started becoming famous there; through word of mouth he grew more and more recognized. His passion for fixing and making shoes helped him build strong relationships with his clients and become successful, and that inspired him to return to Florence and open his first store. His story is moving because it shows how passion, determination and good connections can take you very far. All the classes I’ve taken have added to my knowledge in this incredible world and have given me confidence in myself to connect with others.

 

Even though it sounds really easy to just show up and start talking to people in your industry, there are things you need to take into account. In the interview, I asked Professor Savelloni about some challenges she thinks international students might face. Even if you don’t realize it, it’s not enough to simply put on your best face. Communication studies tell us that in the communication cycle, there is something called noise. Noise refers to things external to the sender and the receiver that can interfere with the message and how the person interprets it. This can be literal, such as a lot of noise in the environment, but it can also be cultural issues, interpretation issues, if the receiver is very distracted, among other things.

 

“It’s normal to feel shy, unsure about cultural norms, or intimidated by busy professionals. You might not always know where to start or how to make that first move but every small step counts, and even brief conversations can grow into meaningful connections over time,” said Professor Savelloni.

 

One piece of advice she gave me during our conversation at the school's Fedora Café is to always research the cultural norms of the place you’re in beforehand. I think this is advice that all of us receive before starting the adventure of studying abroad. I remember perfectly how students who had already done their exchange the previous semester told us about the cultural shocks they experienced. For example, many were surprised by how close the relationships were between students and teachers, or even by the schedules that people followed in the country they lived in. Such as the famous siesta hour in Spain, or the importance of always greeting in France when you’re about to order something.

 

Professor Savelloni said that understanding how people communicate and what the expected etiquette is not only helps you communicate better, but also shows respect and curiosity, which makes you more noticeable. Believe me, if you do this, you’ll be able to have more natural, comfortable and meaningful interactions.

 

The best advice that Professor Savelloni gives to all of us students who are going to study in another country, is to be proactive. She suggests that we stay as aware and alert as possible. Keep an eye out for events that might interest you or where you think interesting people might be, go to workshops at school or ones you see advertised. Along with this, you can’t just show up without any preparation. To have more successful outcomes, you need to do research.

 

For example, if it’s an event or an art exhibition, first research the gallery, its history and why it is known. Then look into who will be there; gallery staff, important stakeholders, the artist or artists being exhibited. On top of that, research what the event is about and why it matters to you; try to connect your own knowledge and/or experiences with the event. Prepare questions you could use when meeting someone to show your interest and admiration for that person. Remember that as a student, you’re just getting started, and any knowledge that someone in the industry can share with you is one of the most valuable things you can have. Appreciate and use wisely all the information they are willing to share with you. All of this will help you create a truly meaningful connection rather than just meeting people for the sake of meeting them.

 

When we meet someone, sometimes our nerves get the best of us. If we want someone to like us, we run the risk of losing ourselves just to please others. And that’s not what it’s about, it's important to be true to yourself. Something I’ve learned is that even if they’re experts in the industry, they usually enjoy meeting young people who are passionate and interested in their careers. What stands out the most is authenticity: sharing your ideas and your thoughts. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.

 

This topic goes hand in hand with personal branding. I’m sure there are many people who can talk about it in more depth than myself, but in summary, personal branding refers to strategies for creating your personal image, what makes you different and how you show your values and professional knowledge. The last question I asked Professor Constanza Savelloni was: How can you relate networking to personal branding? And her answer was, “Every interaction shapes how others see you. Networking abroad helps you express your values, curiosity, and adaptability. It’s an opportunity to create a consistent personal brand that reflects the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally.”

 

This is great advice for all of us who travel to another country to study and want to make the most out of it.

 

For me, it has been incredibly fun and interesting to learn more about my career, public relations, in such an amazing country and in such an innovative, welcoming, and dynamic school. It has been very valuable for me to learn from professors who are so prepared with professional experience to back, and who have taught us so much through these experiences. Networking is definitely an important part we should keep in mind when we go to another country, because we never know where it can take us. If we’ve already come this far, just imagine how much further a meaningful connection can take us.

FUA’s Newest Campus Officially Sets Sail

On Friday, January 30 Florence University of the Arts (FUA) officially launched its Cinque Terre Program located in La Spezia. The official inauguration was conducted by La Spezia's mayor, Pierluigi Peracchini and FUA's Founder & President, Gabriella Ganugi. Associate Director of the program, Angela Manion, who set up the inauguration, spoke on the creation of it, "We managed all the logistics and setup required for the inauguration, and it was a great success.  The event was well-received, and we were honored to host a guest appearance by the mayor, who gave a short presentation about the area."

 

With 23 students in this first semester, enrollment continues to grow with each session's release, allowing for the university's mission of experiential learning, community engagement, and cultural integration to spread from Tuscany to Liguria. This smaller campus allows for students to gain closer connections to their instructors as well as classmates, fostering academic and personal growth. With three interconnected classrooms, students are encouraged to collaborate frequently as well as take the walking classes and in-person lectures offered similarly to FUA’s Florence campus.

 

Emma Tierney, a current Cinque Terre study abroad student from Plymouth State University adds, “everyone kind of knows each other. We get really excited when we see each other in public. We all go to Orange Cafe every day.” Orange Cafe is one of two restaurants available to students to use their FUA credits for meals while studying within the Cinque Terre Program.

 

The campus is ideal for a year-long warm climate, and has lots of walkable shops and culture at its fingertips, just like any other abroad program. The town is home to 93,000 residents, the Naval Museum, CAMeC contemporary art center, Castello di San Giorgio Archeological Museum, and the National Museum of Transportation. In addition, students have free access to all museums within La Spezia; a note that Mayor Peracchini reminded the students of during his inaugural address.

 

This location has all the benefits of an urban school experience, with its small scale feel. The campus, located in La Spezia, has access to transportation to get students anywhere they need to go. Transportation options for students and staff include both a port and a train station within minutes from the campus building, encouraging exploration and additional learning opportunities. This coastal study abroad experience will give students the ability to live near mountains and the sea, all while experiencing old Mediterranean traditions of seafood, markets and a close-knit community.

 

Tierney explains, “I really enjoy a small class because it helps me learn and engage my brain so much more, because I'm not scared to talk in front of so many people.” This unique perspective on life and culture will allow students to grow and understand a world that came thousands of years before them. 

 

If you are unsure choosing between the Florence or Cinque Terre Program, there is are options to spend 3 weeks, 11 weeks or all 15 weeks of your study abroad experience in either location. Like the typical Florence program, students have the option of staying in apartment-style housing or with a host family. The course work will be the same as students should expect at FUA, with both walking and in-person courses available to help understand the culture of the city around them.

 

University of Tampa student, Grace O’Keefe is taking a different approach to studying abroad with FUA. She is enrolled in the school’s 2-city semester program where she will spend her first 3 weeks in La Spezia, then the final 11 weeks in Florence. She mentions her experience enrolled in the Cinque Terre Program’s Food, Wine, and the City: Riviera Neighborhood Walks  course as a highlight of her initial 3 weeks abroad. “We walk around to cultural sites and learn the history there, where they're from. And then some days, we're either doing wine tasting, food tasting, coffee tasting, and we're just learning the history of where it comes from, why it's here,” she explains.

 

One week travel experiences can still be added on to this program before or after the sessions, allowing for built-on experiences to encourage students' knowledge.

 

Manion states, "being in a small group gives you a good opportunity to have a good relationship with your peers and your teacher, and you know, it's a little bit more personalized in that way.” Classes can be mixed and matched in the categories of mediterranean studies, liberal and fine arts, writing and poetry, hospitality, food, and wine studies, marine and environmental sciences, engineering, business and supply management, digital media, design, and architecture, finance, marketing and trade. As with the Florence campus programs, internships are offered within Cinque Terre and are to be arranged with program directors.

 

Student services include a 24/7 emergency services line, on-site advisors, virtual access to the counselor in Florence, housing near the campus, two local shops that accept student meal vouchers, extracurricular activities, and even educational field learning trips on weekends.

 

Tierney adds, “I'll go to class, and then my group from the class will sometimes even go with the professor to the (school) cafe. We've been doing that recently to practice our Italian, and we all just hang out there.”

 

Students also have the options of organized student life activities similar to FUA’s Florence campus such as sport nights on Tuesdays, Wednesday city walks, and Thursday movie or yoga nights. Manion says, “For the movie night, we actually bring the students to the movie theater and we'll watch the movie there.”

 

Located in the northern coast of Italy, the town and port is that of the working class. O’Keefe states, “it's not very touristy in this season, even though it is more touristy in the summertime, but going to visit there, it's so fun running into people and they're like, Oh, where are you from? Why are you here? Everyone's just really welcoming, and they want to help you.”

 

Surrounded by the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, students get the best of both geographical features. Major cities can be found and easily accessed through the town to give students the opportunity to explore; with the famous villages of Cinque Terre being home to many famous writers such as Shelley, Montale and Byron, allowing for students to get historical visitations to these famous sites.

 

Along with this being the birthplace of the Italian futurist movement and holding a rich deep history, this can be your authentic study abroad experience. FUA's newly launched Cinque Terre Program can be your home for a short time or a long time depending on your wants, and is accepting enrollments for next semester and beyond.

 

The inauguration celebration is just one of the many small moments marking the expansion of FUA into the region of Liguria. This opportunity is one that no other university can offer, and is special, offering a unique perspective and understanding to your study abroad experience.

 

Interested to learn more? Click here and launch your Italian journey in Cinque Terre today!

 

 

From Fairbanks to Florence

For Sean Walklin and Mario Giragosian, their visit this past Fall semester to Florence University of the Arts (FUA) was a welcome home.

 

As alumni of FUA’s Apicius School of Hospitality, they toured university restaurants Fedora and Ganzo, not only to reminisce, but to also observe classroom lectures in affiliation with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). Walklin, a professor at UAF, helped to forge a university partnership with FUA to provide study abroad opportunities for UAF students, specifically within the Apicius School of Hospitality. Giragosian is an adjunct professor at UAF and professional chef who assisted Walklin in the creation of the partnership between the two universities.

 

"I would say one of the similarities I noticed is that, when I came here from Alaska to Italy, so many things were different,” Walklin said. “I felt far from home, but Apicius felt very welcoming and very holistic in the way that they treated their students. There was a lot of great support from the staff, from the faculty, all the things that they do to make people feel welcome.”

 

Walklin remarked on how his tenure as a student at FUA impacted his career. With FUA being an American institution abroad, students often encounter many aspects that differ from their experiences in the United States and often may carry these experiences with them throughout their career.

 

“It was just such a transformative experience to live abroad, to be in Italy and to learn about the cuisine, the culture, the food, and it really changed my career,” Walklin said. “Almost everything I’ve done was from this kind of launching pad, this foundation that I got here.”

 

Through Walklin’s personal experiences at FUA during his time as a student, he was able to incorporate lived experience into the creation of the university partnership with FUA and UAF. Students enrolled in the program are able to gain real-world experience through FUA’s university restaurants, Ganzo and Fedora, while also learning about Italian cooking techniques and pasta making– aspects that Walklin feels greatly impacted his career as a professional chef. 

 

"It was just such a transformative experience to live abroad. To be in Italy, to learn about the cuisine, the culture, the food and it really changed my career. Almost everything I've done was from this kind of launching pad, this foundation that I got here. So going back to Fairbanks, Alaska, which is relatively a small town, in Alaska is very separated from the rest of the United States. So to come back and have the knowledge and the things that I learned here and be able to use those in my career, I've grown as a person from studying abroad and seeing people from all over the world," Walklin expressed.

 

Walklin and Giragosian’s visit underlines how study-abroad programs can do more than teach technique. They reshape careers and perspectives. By pairing UAF students with FUA’s student-run restaurants, the partnership offers immersive lessons in Italian cuisine, hospitality operations, and cross-cultural collaboration that traditional classrooms can’t replicate. For alumni like Walklin, the return visit was both a reminder of how formative that time abroad was and a chance to ensure future students have the same launching pad. As the two universities continue to build on that relationship, students who choose the program can expect to leave Florence not only with new culinary skills, but with broader horizons and professional confidence forged in the kitchens of Ganzo and Fedora.

Blending Magazine Presents: The Renaissance of Material Media

With Blending's focus this Fall on material media, I wanted to write something different. In conversations with students, staff and curious readers, I often liken Blending to a giant puzzle. In a semester dedicated to The Renaissance of Material Media in Film, Photography and Beyond, puzzles fittingly fall into the Beyond category.

 

Growing up, my mother would bring out a 500 to 1,000 piece puzzle around the holidays. It was never finished in a day; taking days to weeks. Piece by piece we sorted: corners in one pile, colors in another. Slowly, piles shrank and sections emerged until the full picture was visible.

 

Over an 11-week semester, the first weeks are spent putting all the pieces on the table: defining the magazine's concept, theme and vision. The weeks that follow are dedicated to brainstorming, writing, interviewing and proofreading, preparing articles for layout. The structure becomes clear but still needs filling. Later, photography and graphic design teams analyze chosen articles and the magazine begins to take shape. What was once a skeleton or piles of ideas now matches the vision we set in week one.

 

There is an extra layer to this puzzle. Connected to The American University of Florence's 14th Annual Academic Conference, students kept focus on this resurgence of material media in their writing. That focus can be a challenge and the theme must not make the magazine stale. It is meant to do the opposite, by pushing students to explore and challenge themselves. Each section must breathe life into the next.

 

This Fall, Blending moves from academic darkrooms to Florence's film communities. Students left their comfort zones, creating human connection by asking strangers to add thoughts, advice and stories in a shared notebook. Dressing For Viewing even spotlights and questions the fashion culture surrounding concerts, opera and cinema. The magazine moves from investigative reporting and interviews to personal reflections and poetry, all circling back to the central theme.

 

Eleven weeks ago we dumped this theoretical puzzle onto the table and for a while could not see or even predict the finished product. By working together, those scattered pieces are in place. The picture is clear and the story is ready. Now all that is left is to read.

 

Read the Full Issue Now!

Eternal Impressions

From October 18 to November 15, the Mello Foundation at Borgo Pinti 22/24 was home to Cathleen Van Bergen’s collection, Eternal Impressions. This fall semester, she gave a lecture to FUA’s advanced painting course, centered around her new exhibition. Much of Van Bergen’s art explores the relationship between humans and technology, through her pieces such as Heading Home, Strut Piles and In the Beginning as in the End, respectively. Van Bergen’s work also investigates emotions and experiences encompassing the human condition, such as hope, freedom and opportunity in her work, Liberty. 

 

Born in Buffalo New York, Van Bergen was influenced by art from a young age. As the granddaughter of German immigrants, she became more creative and imaginative playing with cookie cutters in her grandma’s house. Van Bergen notes that her experiences at her grandmother’s house and carrying around a sketchbook as a child were formative experiences that influenced her to become an artist. 

 

“I was fascinated by all these objects that I could make into toys,” Van Bergen said. “And this was from a woman I couldn’t even speak with. I was seeing that you can make toys or you can be creative with objects that are not crayons and they’re not pencils, but I’m having fun with these objects. I learned that you can really communicate [without] even speaking and learn something from it, a lesson. I learned a great deal from my grandmother.”

 

Much of Van Bergen’s art is inspired by personal experiences, such as her trip to New York City Thanksgiving weekend in 2014. Van Bergen credits this weekend as the inspiration for her work, Liberty. The piece depicts a cloudy sky with autumn leaves hanging on branches near the feet of Lady Liberty. She interpreted these branches as immigrants in search of freedom, opportunity and peace. Van Bergen noted a sadness and solemnity that enveloped the atmosphere that day, and sought to depict this attitude through her artistry. 

 

Van Bergen was also given permission to visit construction sites of the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco, California, for her collection, Wonders of Work. Through this collection, Van Bergen explores the relationship between the human condition and the world of machinery and technology. Much of her work in this collection juxtaposes human creativity and ingenuity with technological and mechanical achievements. 

 

“This was a terminal that was connecting hundreds of thousands of people and many trains and subways,” Van Bergen said. “It was like the heart of the city meeting, bringing people everywhere. There were parallels in life that I saw. This construction in a way, as a visual metaphor is like, ‘evolving,’ right? We’re always evolving.”

 

To viewers of her art, Van Bergen hopes that her work provides a glimpse into her personality and her character. She feels that as a child, she learned much about who she was and the world around her through her imagination and curiosity.

 

“My work is a reflection of my experiences and moments in my life that I wish to share with others,” Van Bergen said. “Oftentimes, I will choose subject matter because I want to understand and delve deeper into something I don’t understand or have experienced. My composition choices, palette, light, and surface come into play with subject matter.”

 

Van Bergen emphasizes the importance of carrying around a journal, sketchbook or even a napkin to record memorable moments. She credits her practice of documenting important moments with her sketchbook as a source of inspiration as an artist. 

 

“It’s nice to be able to put that down, whether it’s in a journal or a diary that you keep every day or a sketchbook or even writing something on a napkin, about the day. I think it’s important. I really do. I think it was important to me to kind of record those events in my life and remember some of the things I’ve seen and reflect on them, and a lot of my art has to deal with that.”

 

Ultimately, Van Bergen’s art is inspired by a wide variety of experiences throughout her life. Van Bergen credits her experiences at her grandmother’s house with her socialization and identity as an artist. Her collection, Eternal Impressions, remains incredibly relevant to our current moment given the rise in popularity and relevancy of artificial intelligence. During an era where much of the labor force is learning to collaborate with AI, Van Bergen’s work highlights the partnership of human ingenuity and technological achievement. 

Conference Proceedings Now Available | 2024 Annual Academic Conference

On behalf of The American University of Florence & Stony Brook University, Florence University of the Arts is proud to announce the publication of the official proceedings from the XIII Annual Academic Conference, “Puccini Forever! The Maestro's Centennial Legacy In The Arts.”

 

Held in Florence on December 6–7, 2024, the conference brought together scholars, students, and community members to reflect on the cultural legacy of Giacomo Puccini, marking the centenary of his passing. Through interdisciplinary panels, keynote speeches, and student presentations, participants ehoed the vibrant spirit of Giacomo Puccini's work, exploring the profound beauty and dramatic power of his timeless music.

 

THE FULL TEXT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ TODAY!

 

 

Community Care Across Borders

In a landmark visit this Fall semester, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) brought a delegation of nursing educators from Careggi University Hospital to Fairfield University in Connecticut to deepen the institutions’ connections to one another. The trip marked the first time a group from Careggi visited Fairfield during the institutions' multi-year collaboration. 

 

As a part of this relationship, Fairfield allows Sophomore nursing students to study abroad at FUA while taking a full nursing course load in addition to gaining clinical hours at Careggi Hospital. This program provides Fairfield students rare exposure to foreign healthcare systems. 


The trip stateside provided FUA and Careggi officials with a unique opportunity to see Fairfield's educational approach of healthcare education. 

 

“Our main goal was to exchange pedagogical methodologies to understand how nursing is taught and embraced abroad,” Health Sciences and Nursing Program Coordinator Sofia Galli explained.

 

At the start of the week, FUA and Careggi officials alike had the opportunity to attend nursing classes at Fairfield, which provided firsthand experience in Fairfield's nursing pedagogy to the group.

 

“It's always extremely interesting to see how you teach and you deliver healthcare so that is something that we want to keep pursuing,” Galli said.

 

The group also had the opportunity to meet with Fairfield's Dean of Nursing, Dr. Patricia Boyce, where they discussed the importance of the universities' collaboration.

 

“[Boyce] truly understands the significance of cultural heritage abroad, and she's willing to work towards the creation of ever more stimulating research, academic, and exchange projects,” Galli said.

 

As a part of this ongoing collaboration, FUA educators and nurse practitioners from Careggi Hospital had the opportunity to sit in on a state-of-the-art medical simulation. These simulations provide future healthcare workers with realistic experience in a controlled environment, allowing them to practice without harming patients. 

 

Additionally, during the week, the FUA and Careggi delegation had the opportunity to catch up with alumni from the Fairfield Abroad Nursing Program. Galli found meeting with the cohorts from 2024 and 2025 a meaningful opportunity to reminisce about the past while also speaking to prospective students. 

 

This trip allowed the FUA and Careggi delegation to strengthen ties with Fairfield University while gaining valuable insight into each other's educational models of nursing education. Through classroom visits, collaborative discussions, and hands-on simulation experiences, the delegation deepened their understanding of cross-cultural approaches to healthcare training. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment between Fairfield, Careggi and FUA in fostering global perspectives in nursing education.

Launching Spring, 2026: FUA's Cinque Terre Program

Florence University of the Arts is pleased to introduce its Cinque Terre 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 Program 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.