Submitted by Nicholas Davis on the 2024 Winter FINC program in Italy…
Coming to Volterra, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had heard of Tuscany briefly before, but I knew it wasn’t a city kind of living. Instead, Rolling hills, green lawns, and beautiful sunsets. I didn’t realize that it’s quite in the middle of nowhere. An hour and a half from Pisa and Siena, and about 2-3 miles from the center of Volterra. Taxis are not cheap, and the walk is impossible due to elevation and drivers whipping around the bending roads. I struggled the first few days, having some feeling of cabin fever, but that quickly went away. Even though this campus may not be booming like Rome or Florence, I had a different kind of appreciation for it. It’s one of those things where less is actually more. Once you get into the swing of things, and start doing all of the planned tours and sightseeing, it gets a lot easier. The home sickness slowly fades away, and the excitement to do more is bursting at the seams. The professors on campus, as well as the resort staff have been extremely helpful, so there’s never a reason I’ve had to stress about any accommodations needed. I’ve enjoyed my time in Volterra, and am very excited to see what the next campus holds for me, and the endless experiences I will have on this trip! (Submitted on January 12, 2024)
