Submitted by Samantha La Scala on the 2024 Winter ENGL Micro program in Italy…
Inspired by a discussion during our last class of our program, I wanted to take time to reflect on all the learning I have done during my past two weeks abroad. Explicit learning was easy to reflect on, everything we talked about in class, things we had learned from our tours, and from our CEA CAPA advisors. Implicit learning required a bit more thought. What have I discovered on my own since being in Italy?
On the explicit front, I have learned so much about the rich history of Florence, how it was built over a Roman empire, how the Medici family took power, and how it became the city we know and love today. I learned about how the David statue by Michelangelo was supposed to be on top of the Duomo, and how people paid to be buried in the Santa Croce, ultimately funding its construction. It was also interesting to adapt to the daily life of Florentines, going to the markets to purchase food for the day, and not eating in front of my computer.
The learning on the implicit front was less noticeable, happening naturally as I explored and had fun. I learned about my favorite cafe, La Citė, from a recommendation of a previous study abroad student, my favorite panini place, La Nicchietta in Calimaruzza, from being pointed out offhand in a tour, or my favorite gelato place, Sbrino, from a friend of my roommates. I learned my way to class and my favorite spots without a map from making the trip over and over, and have become comfortable wandering about, and discovering new things along the way. (Submitted on January 25, 2024)