Skip to main content

Posts

Miles and Smiles Away... How Italian Culture Differs from American Culture

Ciao! From being in Italy for over a month already, there are a few things that I couldn't help but notice. There are lots of different cultural norms and expectations. Here are a few! In Italy... - They do not put ice in your drink, no matter what the drink is. If you ask for ice, they will probably assume that you are American -Multiple courses for dinner. Italians will eat an appetizer, then a pasta dish, then a main dish. -Pasta and meats are always separated -Slower paced. You can sit in a restaurant for hours. They will not rush you out. Dining is about the experience, not about quickly moving tables to make tips - Italians do not tip -If you tip, you are American -You have to ask for the check when you are finished - It is rude to eat in class - Italian university classes do not have one professor per class. They have multiple professors per class, and this manipulates what days and times you have class on a weekly basis - Europeans talk much quieter
Recent posts

La Befana

La Befana is a holiday that is very similar to our Christmas. On La Befana, an Italian Christmas Witch delivers candy and presents to children whom are good. This also ties in to the Three Kings. Legend has it that the Witch, La Befana, was approached by the Three Kings and was asked for directions to find baby Jesus. She did not know where Jesus was, but she let the kings stay in her home. Apparently, she was a very good hostess! After the kings left, she decided that she, too, wanted to search for baby Jesus. Now, she travels all around Italy searching for Jesus, and leaving presents in every child's home. On the morning of La Befana I was woken up to a loud parade right outside of my window. I had no idea what was going or what La Befana even was, but I definitely couldn't say no to loud music. My roommates and I followed the parade right to the Duomo, and it was a really interesting experience. Everyone was dressed up in costumes.

Welcome to Florence, Italy!

Ciao and Benvenuto! On January 2nd, 2018, I took my suitcase and headed on a flight to Atlanta, Georgia. Then to Paris, France, and finally to Florence, Italy. I mean, Firenze. That's what the locals it. I was exhausted after approximately 20 hours of endlessly traveling. When I landed in Firenze, my only focus was to find my study abroad program coordinators. Luckily, there was a huge sign that said ISA (International Studies Abroad), and from that point on, I didn't feel lost anymore, I was finally able to breathe. I got in to a taxi with a few other people in my program. The conversation was flowing great, but I couldn't help but to stare out of the window the whole time. I could not believe that I was finally in Italy... I got settled in my apartment and met my roommates. My apartment is located right on the Ponte Vecchio and I couldn't have asked for a better location. Then I ate what was possibly the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life, during a w

About me

~Thank you Mom and Dad for giving me the ability and the support to study abroad. I can't say thank you enough, and I really do appreciate everything you both have done to get me to where I am today. I am forever grateful~ Hi! My name is Erin, and this blog is all about my study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, Spring of 2018. I am currently a junior at Stockton University in New Jersey, and I am looking forward to finishing my degree and becoming a teacher. In my free time, I love traveling, writing, blogging, horseback riding, and eating. I also have obsessions with my dog, my cat, candles, anything that is purple, and chocolate. I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, and I have traveled occasionally with my family. However, this is my first, solo, trip abroad. I hope you find this blog humorous and helpful for your future travels. Let's begin this crazy adventure.