Student Journals: AIFS in Florence, Italy

Merissa Seefried
Adrian College
Richmond in Florence, Italy

I am Florentine!

Merissa SeefriedHow will I describe my experience abroad to my family and friends when I go home? Where do I even start… What first comes to mind is when we went to Palazzo Vecchio for a welcome ceremony hosted by the major of Florence. There was one speaker that caught my attention. She said - you only have this opportunity once, you should 1. try to make an Italian friend, 2. become a Florentine, not a tourist, and 3. get lost in the city of Florence. Although, I do admit I have missed my Starbucks iced coffee, the Lifetime channel, and the simple things such as a microwave and dryer, after hearing this, my new goal had become to accomplish all three of her suggestions.

To my surprise with the help of the University of Richmond I did exactly this. For example, in my Italian fashion class I had to write a research paper in which a requirement was to interview a goldsmith. After researching online I choose to speak to Paolo Penko, one of the few artisans who stay true to the ancient techniques of the Florentine goldsmith’s traditions. Both he and his wife were so friendly and helpful in giving me all the information I needed. They even asked for a copy of my paper, power point, and took a picture of us to post on their new website. Then in my Italian Women in Society class I had to write another research paper in which I interviewed a woman who owned an antique shop down the road on Via Maggio. My topic was discussing the relationship of professional Italian working women who balance the duties of a job as well as motherhood. She was so excited and flattered that I choose her to interview. As I was asking her question,s her friends as well as her husband stopped by in which she enthusiastically introduced me and afterwards asked for a copy of the paper when I was finished. Now everyday as I walk past her store we exchange “Bongiorno” and ask, “Come sta?” I feel like I accomplished my first goal, to make Italian friends, and to think it was because of my class assignments.

Lastly, the other day when I was walking back to our apartment two Italian women stopped and asked for me to take their picture. I said, “Si!” snapped the picture and they replied, “Grazie!” then myself, “Prego!” I was so happy… someone actually thought I was Italian, wither it was my black hair and dark complexion, or brown boots and floral print scarf, or was it that I spoke Italian… I actually felt like I belonged.. I felt like a Florentine. From that moment on I knew I accomplished everything I wanted to. I made Italian friends, I had explored Florence and I became a part of the culture. So when my family asks how was studying abroad in Italy? I will respond it was unbelievable; I accomplished everything I wanted and more. I couldn’t have picked a better program!

Richmond in Florence

Richmond Florence Internship Program