The first semester at college is a big adjustment for most studentsâliving independently, balancing studies and social life, missing family and friends.
Fifteen first-year students in ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs Honors College are also finding their way around a foreign country, learning a new language and dealing with cultural differences. As the first incoming freshmen group to study in Florence, Italy, the âFlorence 15â welcome the challenge.
âI still am figuring out how to balance the many factors of my life,â writes Emma Windham (Hartville, Ohio). âBut I canât imagine being in a better place as I learn and grow in this new stage.â
The students take three required classes in Italian language, art, culture and identity, as well as two others based on their interests and academic goals. Fridays are free, leaving long weekends to explore the area and other parts of Europe.
Although ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ has been educating students in Florence for more than 40 years, âfew universities send freshmen abroad,â says Aaron Hanlin, PhD â16, coordinator of admissions and scholarship for ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs Honors College. âThis program adds to the distinctiveness of ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ and demonstrates the boldness of our students.â
Even having travel plans go awryâlike missing their connecting train back to Florence after a weekend awayâare teachable moments. âIt forced our group to figure things out when everything goes wrong,â Windham writes. âWe had to be independent and go with the flow!â