Submitted by Zoe Harper on the 2019 summer session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition…
The time finally came! I’ve been waiting for months and months to begin my first study abroad program… in ITALY! So far, my peers and I have not stopped moving, exploring or eating. Our first stop of this three-week program was to Volterra, Italy. During our walking tour, we students learned that Volterra is Italy’s oldest town with medieval history and about 10,000 residents. This city was unlike any other that I’ve seen before and while it was small, the locals seemed so happy and friendly with one another. This town is covered in greenery and pictures just do not do it justice. I have never ever been surrounded by land filled with such quietness and contentment. Throughout our first week here, we have quickly learned how Italians take everything slowly and truly enjoy doing so. For example, we have had a few full-group dinners consisting of numerous courses that last at least three hours each. As Americans, we tend to always be on the go and always worried about what’s next. That’s especially true as a college student in the middle of a hectic spring semester. So far in Italy, I’ve experienced quite the opposite and am looking forward to continuing taking in each and every moment of this beautiful country.
