Mia Crutchfield
Program: Gonzaga in Florence – Spring 2024What did you learn about yourself while abroad?
I honestly have learned so much about myself while studying abroad. Going into this program I was very nervous about studying Italian. I am dyslexic and learning new languages has not always been an easy task for me. I was worried I would not be able to keep up with the rest of the class. I decided to take Italian to challenge myself because I wanted to grow by challenging myself. I thought the pace of the class would be very fast and it would be hard for me to grasp the language. I had so many doubts about my ability to learn the language, when, in fact, it was my best class this semester. I have an A in the class. I have been able to become more confident with my Italian skills, and I am still learning a lot. Also, I realized that I should be open to new things and always challenge myself because you will never know what you are good at unless you try it. I feel proud of myself for trying something new and challenging myself and conquering a fear. It gives me a lot of confidence.
What did you take away from the study abroad experience?
I think something that I will hold with me forever from this study abroad experience is the Italian customs, traditions, language, and cuisine. Living abroad has also helped me grow and become more independent and confident and has fostered self-reliance. From navigating public transportation in a big city to managing finances, these are skills that I will always remember and use in the future.
Cameron Kolkemo
Program: Gonzaga in Florence – Academic Year 2023-2024What did you learn about yourself while abroad?
I have found a lot of independence during my time abroad so far. I have found this mostly through my time alone as I explored Italy in many different ways. From throwing myself in the deep end by going to a concert just outside of Milan all by myself at the start of the second week of school, to just going to dinner by myself on the weekend when no one else is available. Even though I wasn’t able to travel around as much as I originally wished to, I have discovered my love for traveling (even when I have to spend 5-8 hours in a foreign airport for a layover). With half of my experience still remaining, I know that there is still so much to learn about myself.
What did you take away from the study abroad experience?
This time abroad has majorly contributed to my academic and professional goals as I have communicated with professors about what I want to do with my future as well as working with Florentines personally. Since I knew I was going to be here for a year, I quickly made close relations with professors and staff. I also quickly got started in an internship with metal artisan, Giuliano Ricchi, and got to personally see what it is like to run a small business in Florence. My classes are also helping to steer me in the direction of the business world that I would like to work in. Small Business in Europe and Principles of Management have contributed the most to this as I hope to someday have my own business that I will manage, possibly in Europe.