Repubblica 6 News from the CEA Florence Center
Issue 5, Fall 2013
Another Semester of ‘Giving Back’ in Florence: CEA Students in the UC Davis Florence Quarter Abroad Program Reflect on Internship Experiences
Ana Vasquez
Michael Redding
Secilia Corona
Corey Forbes
Ana Vasquez, Psychology/Italian double major Intern at La Tinaia My internship was with the Centro Attività Espressive La Tinaia, a therapeutic art laboratory in Florence, and my work consisted of cataloging and digital archiving art works. It was one of the most unique and rewarding aspects of my study abroad experience. As a Psychology and Italian double major, I value this experience at La Tinia as it allowed me to interact directly with a Florentine organization, observing and learning about the concepts behind a different form of mental health therapy. I attended several exhibitions, met patients and some of the artworks’ creators, which truly made my time and contributions at La Tinaia meaningful. Michael Redding, Spanish/Italian double major Intern at Arse et Fides I have spent the past three months interning at Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s Duomo, and I can honestly say it has been a great experience. Every week I gave tours of the cathedral in English and Spanish. It was wonderful meeting interesting, engaging, pleasant people. Additionally, the language practice opportunities were incredible and really meant a lot. Being a non-native speaker of Spanish, I found giving tours in multiple languages to be a challenge, but one that really helped me grow and develop my skills. I was also able to practice my Italian in a realistic context. As my time here in Florence comes to an end, I know that I’ll be able to walk away from this experience having developed my language skills and ability to communicate with the people around me, no matter what language I speak. Secilia Corona, Chicana Studies/Italian double major Intern at la Misericordia di Firenze Interning for the Misericordia di Firenze, I had the opportunity to do a little bit of everything—see the city, meet new people, and, most importantly, contribute to the community in a significant way. Participating in the ‘Servizio Sociale’ program gave me the chance to assist all sorts of local people, to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions, and even to school sometimes! It often takes a long time before actually going out to assist someone, but that experience once it does happen, of climbing in an ambulance to help others, is an indescribable one (even though the emergency lights don’t come on, as these are not emergency situations; the experience is exciting all the same). I enjoyed very much speaking with the drivers and other volunteers at la Misericordia.It was particularly exciting when the patients themselves talk to you. Often they are elderly, and they share priceless narratives of their lives in Florence. Corey Forbes, International Relations major Intern at the Kindergarten school in Florence My internship was at a local school working with children on sharpening their English language skills. I taught children in the 2nd and 5th grades. The experience was very rewarding for me, as it gave me a chance to give back to the community. I also love to help children, especially in an educational capacity. This experience will always have a place in my heart. Highlights 2-3
A Taste of Tuscany 4 Language Exchange of a Different Kind 5 CEA Work Study 8 Meet the Staff 8.
WSU Design 6-7
Highlights Fall 2013 in Florence
Cinque Terre Cinque Terre was a favorite for many students. Since students were given a full day to explore on their own everyone got to experience what they wanted to most. Many spent the day laying in sun on the famous beaches while others chose to hike the trails between the towns experiencing the breathtaking views Cinque Terre is known for. There was so much to see and do that a number of students stayed the rest of the weekend on their own, or made the trip back again later. The cooking class was an exciting opportunity, giving students the chance to try first hand cooking some traditional Italian dishes with the help of professional chefs here in Florence. Dishes included Eggplant Caprese, handmade pasta with fresh tomato sauce, and tiramisu. Ellie Lokken, Alex Pachon, and Haley De Carolis have some fun rolling the fresh pasta. Some lucky students even got to take home extra tiramisu!
Cooking Class: Pasta Making
Bologna A tour around Bologna on October 11 showed students the highlights of Bologna like the Basilica di San Petronio, Santo Stefano with a church dating back to 8th century, and the anatomy classroom at the University of Bologna the oldest public university in Europe. After the tours students were treated to a group lunch at Buca Manzoni where they got to try bologna from Bologna! Picture on the left shows a group of students checking out the table in the Anatomy Classroom where the corpse was placed.
On the night of December 4, CEA students experienced one of Italy’s most treasured art forms, the opera. The show Il capello di paglia di Firenze, or, The Florentine Straw Hat is more commonly known as The Italian Straw Hat. Written and composed by Nino Rota, known for his music for the Godfather films, the opera took place in the beautiful Teatro Comunale and follows the troubles of a young groom whose horse inadvertently eats a woman’s straw hat. In need of a replacement the two set out in search of a new hat without causing any suspicion. It was a delightful treat for CEA’s students to have the opportunity to attend an Italian opera. - Katie Tomayko
Night at the Opera
Venice For our overnight trip CEA students visited Venice on November 15-16. The weather the first day added some excitement to our trip, giving us the opportunity to see how the city functions when it floods and giving us a good excuse for a caldo cioccolato break between visiting the Basilica and the Glass Museum. Luckily the second day was gorgeous and sunny, making sightseeing much more pleasant. In smaller groups we visited the Jewish Ghetto, Ponte Rialto, and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari then broke off for some free time spent shopping or riding gondolas. Emily Aguilar, Nicole Pelot and Erin Shinn (from left to right) enjoying a gondala ride through one of Venice’s many canals
Lunch at Trattoria il Sipario
I Ragazzi di Sipario is a unique restaurant where mentally challenged people help serve the customers. It’s run by a cooperative that helps people with mental disabilities find their place both in society and in a work environment. “I had a wonderful time at Trattoria il Sipario. It was very touching to see the relationship between the staff and the disabled employees. The food was great and I am so happy to see organizations and restaurants in Florence offering support to those who suffer from disabilities.” - Marit Pinkoske
From left to right: Sayra Gutierrez, Tricia Boerger, and Tory Hummer
A Taste of Tuscany An Afternoon at Castello di Verrazzano to Kick off Fall ‘13 Images and Text by Katie Tomayko
In the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, the Castello di Verrazzano estate has been producing wine for centuries. Needless to say, what a treat it was for CEA Fall 2013 students to visit this historic castle as part of Orientation, where we spent the afternoon at a beautiful castle discovering a newfound appreciation for Italian food and wine culture. The tour began with a brief historical overview of the Chianti region, given by our passionate tour guide, Gino. We then made our way to the ancient wine cellars, whose corridors were lined with fine oak barrels dating the early 1920s. Gino described the entire winemaking process and showed us rooms storing some of Verrazzano’s additional Gino explains different types of wines made at Verrazzano treasures: their own olive oil, balsamic vinegar and meats (that we would later get to taste!). Following the tour of the castle, Gino led us to a dining room overlooking rolling hills. We made our way to our seats and were offered our first taste, Verrazzano’s Rosso Toscano. Before we were allowed our first sip, Gino described in detail the proper wine-tasting technique: hold by the stem, swirl the glass, smell the wine, and finally let the flavors absorb in your mouth for a few moments before swallowing. According to Gino, we would be using these vital skills for the remainder of our time in Italy since, as he puts it, “wine is life!” Our meal consisted of Tuscan specialties, including a variety of cured meats, like the slightly unnerving pig face, a selection of delicious local cheeses, breads and two different types of pasta dishes. Gino explained to us the correct way to spread the olive oil along the bread with the tip of your finger and attempt to absorb the flavor with each bite. Accompanying the food were specifically paired wines, Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Reserva, and a Super Tuscan. At the end of the meal we tasted a spoonful of Verrazzano’s very special balsamic vinegar—so good that many students couldn’t leave without purchasing a bottle. To finish, we each sipped Verrazzano’s Vin Santo (Holy Wine), served with traditional almond biscuits. Experiencing the Verrazzano Learning about Italy’s wine, feasting on delicious food, bonding with fellow wines with classic Tuscan foods classmates, and taking in the stunning Tuscan views all made for a fabulous day of getting oriented to our new temporary home.
Language Exchange of a Different Kind: My Experience Teaching Yoga In Florence Images and Text By Willow Brook
In my hometown, Boulder, Colorado, yoga is a way of life. The summer before my semester abroad in Florence with CEA, I had completed a yoga teacher training program. My teachers encouraged me to teach yoga while abroad, and I was thrilled to find a studio in Florence where I could continue my personal practice. By the end of my first visit to Radici Yoga, I felt I had discovered a piece of home. Women were lounging on couches in their yoga clothes, whispering, and sipping tea. Elephant decorations and inspirational quotes covered the walls, and I couldn’t help but smile from the inside out. As I attended more classes, I noticed differences. Women arrive wearing Embracing Florence through yoga beautiful clothing, change into yoga clothes, and change back after their work-out! Radici studio provides community mats, so no one has to bring one, whereas in Boulder, each person has a special connection to their personal mat, and your yoga clothes are your everyday clothes. Small things like these gave me subtle insights into Italian culture.
After a few weeks of practicing at the studio, I was overjoyed when the owner asked me to teach a class! Teaching to students who understood little of my language was a learning experience and it was amazing how well it worked. Yoga was a language everyone in the room understood, and that was enough. By communicating the asana (yoga postures) to these students, we transcended cultural, language, and social boundaries. At the end of the class, students came up to me individually to tell me how much they enjoyed it, hugging me and kissing me with smiles as they left. I felt blessed for the opportunity to share a part of where I come from and honored to receive their thanks. I continue to teach regular classes and am greeted with warm, smiling faces. Practicing and teaching classes in Italian, more than anything else, has helped me to practice the language. I have applied what I have learned and taught myself, and am now teaching in Italian! There’s just nothing quite like the sound of footsteps on a creaky wooden floor, yoga mats unraveling, and yogic music playing in the background in a yoga studio. At Radici, I have met people from all over the world who share a passion for yoga. I have overcome fear of speaking Italian. And I have connected with a warm and special community. I found a piece of home, with a new flavor. Yoga is truly a universal language, and I am grateful to have spoken that language in Italy.
WSU Design Washington State University Interior Design Program By Alicia Brandkamp and Taylor Brock Images by Emily Schiavone
CEA offers a wide variety of program options to fit the needs of each student and institution. Our home school, Washington State University, has partnered with CEA to offer an incredible study abroad option. We participate in the regular program established by CEA plus additional elements specifically for our major. As Interior Design majors, we focus on spatial relationships and understanding how humans function within different spaces. Florence is the perfect place to further our design education, surrounded by the archiThe six WSU Interior Design students. From left to right: Ellie Loktectural foundation blocks of design. ken, Brittany Linn, Alicia Brandkamp, Taylor Brock, Marit Pinkoske, For the Fall ‘13 semester of our and Elizabeth Jurgeleit. Image provided by Taylor Brock established program at WSU, we have three options: take courses at our home campus in Pullman, WA; complete an internship with a firm anywhere in the United States; or study abroad in Florence, Italy with CEA. The six of us jumped at the chance to study abroad in Florence. For many of us, this semester is one we had been dreaming about for years. In Florence, our schedule looks much like that of any other CEA student, with an Italian language class and an elective class, except for the addition of our WSU based design studio. Our studio class it taught by professor Guido Incerti, who is not only a practicing architect in Italy, but also has brought the European design mentality to our class. Working in another culture has been both challenging and rewarding as we design and develop projects that focus on Italian history and culture. Marit Pinkoske and Elizabeth Jurgeleit collaborate over an Autocad drawing
Our first project looked at designing a pavilion for a local winery. This pavilion was to be used for wine tasting events in Piazza Repubblica and reflect the past and present design of the city. Our current project works with two buildings found here in Florence, designing a multi-functioning space for a market, restaurant, café, and culinary school. While we work on projects of similar scales at home, we experience a different design style in Italy. At our home campus we are taught to design with a very practical and structured approach. The design we have learned about abroad focuses less on the technical side and more on encouraging the possibilities of architecture. “Everything is possible”, Professor Incerti constantly reminds us. Understanding a new way to design will greatly enhance our future work, abroad or back in the United States. Additional WSU design focused activities included two excursions with Professor Incerti. The first was a day trip to Prato to visit a number of museums, including the Professor Guido Incerti explaining a design textile museum, the industry Prato is known for, and to meet to Brittany Linn and Taylor Brock with a Prato based architecture firm. The head architect from the firm gave us a tour of their newly completed chamber of commerce building. The second trip was an overnight to Milan. Having a longer stay in Milan gave us more time to see all the rich design history that the city has to offer: the Duomo di Milano, Museo de Novecento, Villa Necchi and the Triennale Design Museum. Studying in Florence is not only the experience of a lifetime personally, but academically and professionally as well. We are not only learning different styles of design and architecture but also different cultural standards for the ways of living. This understanding has allowed us to experience the world in different ways. Design is more than just the technicalities. It is about people and how people interact with the environment around them. And to better understand people, we need to see the world. Our time in Florence has opened both our minds and our hearts to the diversity and wonder in the world. It has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As CEA Florence Work Study students we got the opportunity to design the annual Newsletter recounting highlights from our semester abroad. Working on the newsletter has given us the ability to further our design skills and gain a greater appreciation for the work of editors. Gathering stories and pictures gave us the opportunity to hear about other student’s study abroad experiences and share them with the whole CEA student body. We hope everyone else enjoys the Newsletter as much as we did creating it! - Alicia Brandkamp and Taylor Brock
CEA Florence Work Study Going strong for Fall ‘13! CEA has hired students for Work Study since 2010 as a way to forge a strong link between students and staff. Their work has been outstanding. In 2012 we modified Work Study to be project-based. Students now apply to complete a specific project that aligns with their interests and skills. Their work on projects contributes in our efforts to document CEA Florence student life, academics and co-curriculars, to improve our Center’s organization, outreach to the community. This semester, our number of Project-Based Work Study students reached a record high! We are very thankful for such enthusiasm and effort, and hope it will continue in the coming semesters.
Brittany Dyess
Samantha Wood
Annamaria Morales-Kimball
Social Sciences major,
English Communications major,
Psychology and International Relations,
Washington State University
Salve Regina University
UC Davis
The work-study opportunity at CEA was great. I worked on two projects: coordinating the Halloween activity at a local primary school, and working in Resource Center to organize the book collection and update the catalog. I enjoyed interacting with fellow CEA students outside of class, and working in the Resource Center expanded my knowledge of libraries and database systems. I am thankful to have worked with such great staff at CEA. Thank you all!
Through my work study assignment I had the opportunity to photograph the Iconography class as they explored outside of the classroom. I followed them to the Battistero di San Giovanni and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. It was a great opportunity to learn many interesting facts while I was working for CEA at the same time. I am excited that my photos will be used in marketing for CEA in Florence, which will be a great addition to my resume and portfolio.
As CEA Florence work-study, I made videos that would be used as promotional material for future students. This was a great way for me to get more involved in activities and continue documenting my adventures. I compiled two videos: one depicted ‘a day in the life of’ a CEA student, and the other covered CEA’s included excursions to Chianti, Bologna, Cinque Terre and Venice. I hope these videos capture the wonderful experiences of my time abroad and get future students excited for adventures of their own!
Meet the CEA Florence Staff From left to right: Dr. Zachary Androus - Assistant Academic Dean Emily Schiavone - Marketing and Development Coordinator Grayson Splane - Florence Program Director Letizia Ialini - Campus Life Advisor Amy Gulick - Academic Advisor
Connect with us on Facebook at CEA Study Abroad – Florence