Through the Windshield
For the past six months, I’ve heard a steady stream of advice regarding this next semester abroad: stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, take pictures, carry cash, honestly I could dedicate this entire post to all of the tips, tricks, recommendations, and well wishes that have been pouring in from all sides since January. But as my departing flight looms closer, the words that ring loudest in my mind are “You will be a different...
Motivation for Studying Abroad in Florence Italy
Ciao, My name is Noah Dasinger and for the fall semester of 2018, I will be studying at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute, in Florence Italy. The motivation for deciding to study abroad has to do with my major which is art history and my interest in Renaissance Art. At 14 years old I traveled to Florence, it was my first time in Europe and when I turned northeast and saw the Duomo of the city, never before had my eyes seen beauty of...
Readjusting to the U S of A
I write this post almost two months after landing back on American soil. I thought I would be able to write this post anxiously sitting in the airport, waiting my connecting flight, but I soon realized that this post was going to take a while to get into words, as summing up the value of my study abroad semester cannot be put into words easily. I landed two months ago after spending, what felt like a lifetime, exploring, unearthing,...
Back at home!
I’m suffering from some serious Italy withdrawals. I am so bored now that I am home. I must admit my view here cannot compete with my view from my apartment in Florence. I just miss the smells of fresh food and the water from the river. I also miss the pizza (I haven’t dared to eat a bite since I returned home). I am so grateful for the opportunity to study abroad. I feel like a new person, I learned so much about myself...
Don’t stop.
Annnnnnd, we’re back. In America. The home of the brave and land of the free and what not. And let me tell you, it actually is kind of nice to be back. My first night home I all but guzzled a cup of cheese dip at my favorite local Mexican restaurant. Later that week I said a prayer of thanks to every saint and God in the world as I enjoyed hot wings with ranch. Don’t even get me started on how I reacted when I finally had my favorite...
I love London.
Culture shock. Before I left for study abroad and once I arrived at my new temporary home, it seemed to be all people could discuss. I patiently sat through at least five different lectures or online seminars with a graphic of the same culture shock curve presented each time. Here’s the thing though – I really didn’t identify with what I learned. Instead, I found myself acknowledging differences between the United Kingdom and the...