At FUA, I took Italian, Gender Relations in Italian Society, Religion and Women, History of Photography, and Symbols and Symbolism in Western Art. I was extremely happy with the courses I chose, and with the large selection of classes to choose from. I remember being very surprised that I had the opportunity to take gender studies courses.. in ITALY (who knew Italians cared about gender relations?).
Another FUA highlight for me (which is probably silly, but was important to me) was having access to a gym. It was a small thing, but because the gym is important to me at home, the gym at FUA made me feel more "at home." I have American friends that studied at another school in Florence the same time I did, and they were always jealous that I got to work out in a gym here. It's something I miss now that I'm back in Florence but not at FUA!
My life in Florence now feels so much more "real" than when I studied abroad here 2 years ago. I live in an authentic part of the city-- near the soccer stadium, which is about a 15 minute bike ride/ 30 minute walk to the center. I live with 4 Italian students (and only half of them speak some English). I have a job at a private English studio during the week, and have a private lesson every Sunday. I eat out less now than I did studying abroad. I travel less often too, but my trips are less about taking pictures to prove I've been places, and more about visiting friends throughout Europe and having them show me their lives in the cities they live in. I have a bike, and love riding it along the Arno. I'm also training for the Florence Half Marathon, which is in April. Training for my first half marathon in Florence has made it feel like home more than ever before. It's definitely something I'll never forget!
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to teach English in Florence. I had no idea how big of a demand there is for English teachers around the world. Language is such an incredible thing. Until this year, I took language for granted. More specifically-- I took the fact that English is my first language for granted. I've learned a lot about alternative forms of communication, and that you really don't need language to communicate. I teach kids (mostly middle-school age, but as young as 5 and as old as 15). I also teach adults-- ranging in all language levels. For me, kids are easier to teach English. Most of my students LOVE coming in after school for additional lessons, even though they have English in school (I even have one group of young girls who beg me for homework!). Kids are so socially aware and intuitive. They're willing to learn, and are good at it. I have a lot of interesting conversations in English with the adults I teach too, but it's the exchanges I have with my young students-- in 2 different languages (English and Italian)-- that I've learned the most from.
I enjoy every second I have here, because thanks to studying abroad.. I know what it's like to leave Florence. But I'm also happy to say I know what it's like to return...
