Santa Clara University

While there were so many different programs and locations to choose from, I think I always knew from the beginning that Florence was the one place I really wanted to go. I had previously visited Florence years before with my family and instantly fell in love with the city. The food. The people. The town. It was just amazing. Having declared myself as an Art History major (with an emphasis on Renaissance art) at Santa Clara, all the puzzle pieces seemed to perfectly fall together on their own. I love everything about Italian culture and was eager to immerse myself further into Italian lifestyle. In other words, every sign pointed towards Florence!

Honestly, I can't remember what life was like BEFORE coming to Florence. I've learned so much about myself while studying here that I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world. I think the one thing that they sometimes forget to tell you before studying abroad is that it's one of the most difficult things you will ever do in your life. Yet, because it forces you outside of your comfort zone, it causes you to grow and mature as a person. Simply, it makes you more comfortable within your own skin. At the same time, my experience has also given me an opportunity to glimpse into my vocational future. I was involved in an internship at the Museum of the Opera del Duomo, which included giving tours to English-speaking tourists. I think it's been the most rewarding aspect of my stay in Italy because it has shown me how much I want to continue to pursue a career in Art History. While I have loved studying Art History at Santa Clara, I always questioned if I could turn my love for art into a job for the future. It was my passion, but was it practical? Giving tours has shown me that there really are many possibilities for the future and that my opportunities are endless.