How Study Abroad with ECC has Changed My Life—for the better.
I took part in the 2004 Italy Study Abroad program. It was a month long
program with the first two weeks in Florence and since we were in Florence for
an extended period of time we were assigned to apartments rather than dorms or
hotels. All of us got bus passes so we could hop on and off busses without
regard to cost.
For week one of our stay in Florence, we had mornings free except for
Tuesday. On Tuesday, bright and early, we met on the steps of Duomo (the famous
Cathedral of Florence with Brunelleschi’s dome that ushered in Renaissance
Architecture in the 15th century), for a walking tour of Florence. Some were
late because we were still struggling with the bus system. I had it easy
because the majority of my five roommates were veterans of prior visits to
Tuscany, specifically to Florence, and I had built in guides.
As you may detect, I’m into architecture. I had walked by San Lorenzo on
Monday on my way to the shopping stalls with one of my apartment mates. (Oh,
the shopping stalls - but I won’t go there). San Lorenzo’s facade is not
finished and being quite the unseasoned tourist, I thought it was an example of
a very primitive church! On the walking tour I was somewhat astounded to find
out this was it. This is San Lorenzo that I had heard so much about in my
studies at EDD. This is the famous Medici parish church! Our tour guide took us
around to one side of San Lorenzo and Blam! we are walking into the
serene and beautiful Brunelleschi designed cloister. We walked up some stairs
and we were at the door to the Laurentian Library. I also remembered that name
from the History of Architecture course I took at ECC: Michelangelo’s stairs.
We didn’t go inside but learned that we could tour the basilica and the library
on our own.
So, now, I had plans for the next available free time and on Wednesday
visited the basilica and Old Sacristy of San Lorenzo. It’s breathtakingly
beautiful. On Thursday, the target was the Laurentian Library and I was in for
an unexpected surprise. After buying my entrance ticket, I walked up the stairs
and there was a healthy looking yellow cat causing some commotion. It seems he
wanted to visit the Laurentian as much as anyone, wanted or not, and nothing
spurs on a cat like an opportunity to be contrary. The door attendant was
trying to prevent the cat’s access, but when distracted by my arrival, the cat
gained entrance. Through the door, I caught a glimpse of Michelangelo’s
famous stairs and was thinking it would be almost a sacrilege to walk on
something created by him. The yellow cat had no such reservations. He scampered
up those stairs like nobody’s business. In fact, I saw the attendant, Salim, a
few days later at the Duomo and the Director of the Laurentian Library caught
sight of the yellow cat in the Library and was not at all happy about it. The
yellow cat survived one of his nine lives but would be well advised to lay low
when the Director is around; advise I’m sure he will ignore.
From the picture in our History of Architecture text, I wondered what all
the hoop-la was over these stairs. The stairs are in the reception area
(Ricetto, in Italian). The space measures about 35 square and is quite filled
up with the immense stairs. The whole area, the walls and the stairs are
sculptural and create a personality out of the space. But, one can’t get this
effect from looking at a couple of pictures. After being there it is much more
meaningful and interesting to read what the author has to say about the
Ricetto. I treasure the time I spent at San Lorenzo.
This is one sampling of my experiences in Italy. Does this experience change
my life for the better? I surely think so. I feel honored to have had the
opportunity to see and experience so many places and things that I had studied
or heard about and so many others that were entirely new to me, and all this
with a diverse and immensely interesting group of people. There is nothing like
being there!
The courses and tours were structured so that we learned about Italy and its
architecture from an historical perspective as well as learning about ourselves
and how we inter-relate with each other within the context of our culture or a
foreign culture. The personalities and backgrounds of our professors and the
tour guides insured a good share of fun and conviviality throughout the program
as they shared their expertise with us. I think we all came home with a
heightened curiosity about Italian history and its artists and architects. I
know I would get a great deal out of repeating a program such as this; it was
that rich. Conversely, I would feel quite confident venturing to Italy on my
own now that I have had this experience. Either way, I hope I am fortunate
enough to return to Italy.
- Elizabeth
Study Abroad: Think it, Do it, Dig it!
In the fall semester of 1999 I was a 20 year old student at El Camino
College wandering the campus aimlessly. I would go to my boring algebra class,
talk to a few young ladies, and go home, that was my "college
life".
One day when on my way home after being "shot down" by one of
those young ladies, I seen a bright pink flyer saying, "Study Abroad in
Italy" with Rosemary Swade. I ripped the flyer off the wall and put it in
my pocket. That day changed my life.
As a result of that day, I smashed my piggy bank open and chose to tag along
with Ms. Swade and 20 other students to live and study in Florence, Italy. Just
imagine waking up one day and your whole world has flipped upside down: strange
toilets, new friends, breath taking scenery, different foods, and Italian women
(well lets just say I got shot down a couple of times) but that's besides the
point. The point is that I was the happiest that I had ever been in my life, I
was on a natural high and living life to the fullest. Everyday was new and
exciting. Living in a different country opened my mind to a new world that
didn't physically exist before taking that trip. I found lifetime friends while
traveling through Europe but most importantly, I found myself.
That was roughly 5 years ago and those days are over, but like they say,
"it ain't over until it's over". I finished my studies and graduated,
joined the American work force, and today I am no longer living in Italy, nor
am I living in the United States of America. I packed my bags 4 months ago to
follow my dream of teaching in China.
In the fall semester of 2004 I am a 25 year old English teacher in China
wandering the rice patties and busy streets cautiously.
- Peter
Thunk it, Did it, Dug it!
HOW STUDY ABROAD POSITVELY CHANGED MY LIFE
In the summer of 2004 I went on a study abroad program to Italy for four
amazing, unforgettable weeks. During those weeks I studied interpersonal
relationships and the history of architecture while embarking on the most life
enhancing experience I’ve had to date.
Going to Italy gave me a better understanding of who I am as an individual,
who I want to become, and made me think about my aspirations from the vantage
point of a much more culturally experienced person. Seeing all the amazing
things Italy had to offer gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of
the cultural origins from which our country’s art, architecture and general
structure stem.
From standing at the foot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa with my neck
stretched back and mouth open wide with awe to standing atop the edge of a
cliff gazing down the Amalfi Coast wondering how so much beauty could be
encompassed so picturesquely right before me, I couldn’t help but be moved.
Though I live in a beautiful place, being in Italy seemingly detached from the
world that is mine at home gave me a greater appreciation for nature and the
lovely simplicity of life. I took this knowledge back to the states with me and
whenever I get overwhelmed or surrounded by negativity, I stop and remember the
great plains of Tuscany and look to see all the beauty that is around me both
in nature and within people, and things begin to settle down.
Another thing that studying abroad put into perspective for me is how
cultures vary and the things we should be thankful for and think about. I love
how in Italy you could basically walk everywhere or take a bus; it makes the
endless freeways and tireless traffic seem ridiculous. Everything in the states
is a car ride away and most things are just not convenient to walk to. The way
our society was created makes it no wonder we are a fast-food nation and just a
drive-through away from our next destination. I came to appreciate how
different societies function and there is an advantage for every disadvantage
or negativity we see in our own culture and society. I learned to not lose
sight of this, and while there are many things about American everyday life
that I may disagree with, there are many small, seemingly taken for granted
things that are definitely overlooked in our everyday lives, such as, air
conditioning and healthcare.
One of the most amazing things was the architecture. I stood in front of
those monuments to God for hours in awe of the time and dedication that went
into each square inch of those buildings. The preservation of both ruins and
intact sites amazed me and the fact that these structures were possible so many
years ago amazed me more than anything. The great heights of the buildings and
their overwhelming nature overtook me each time I set foot inside or gazed my
eyes skyward at the magnificent facades. The time, energy, and intricacy that
was put into these doesn’t seem to exist as much today and it made me think of
the changing times and the great dedication people of ancient times showed for
things. Their whole lives were dedicated to making these monuments of God
bigger, better and more glorious than the last. It made me appreciate
architecture more and look deep into my heart to try to see what my dedications
are and should be. I was able to feel the passion of the church builders just
by looking at their work and it made me search and realize some of my own
passions and desires and re-assess where my dedication should be. This was a
wonderful experience and journey through self-realization that led me to be a
better person more in touch with myself!
Out of everything, the most interesting and life changing thing that the
study abroad experience gave me was a chance to evaluate myself as an
individual completely away from my normal surroundings. I got to live out a
dream of roaming the streets of Florence, Rome, and Venice with nothing but my
own mind and spirit to guide me. I really got to know myself as well as study
my relationships with others while living out a fantasy. I discovered some of
my life ambitions and passions during this wonderful time. Going abroad
definitely gave me a new perspective and outlook on the world that would not
have been possible any other way. I felt different upon returning, like a more
whole person; I had discovered part of myself that had been hidden. My eyes
remained wide open throughout the experience and I was ready and willing to
accept new things. Everyday my feet took me somewhere new and with these steps
many new doors were opened within me.
- Kim
Leading Costa Rica
As a student abroad the learning opportunities with Rosemary Swade are
endless. Having traveled to Italy with her I never knew that I could learn so
much about Italian culture and how it differs so greatly from American culture.
She not only thoroughly explains how to understand the Italian lifestyle, but
she has taught me effective ways to communicate both on a group level and the
interpersonal level too. I feel I have grown tremendously as a person. I am
more well-rounded and acculturated, and I have picked up a third language that
will help me in the business and political arena. As a result of the trip I
feel more confident in setting future goals for myself, knowing that I can
achieve them after having lived in a completely different setting, I know that
I will be able to respond well to challenges and adapt to change. After
studying in Costa Rica and one year later in Italy , I feel I have matured more
as a person and as an American for having lived in foreign countries.
- Richard Chacon (Anthropology Professor)
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