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