API Study Abroad Program at Lorenzo de Medici (LdM), Florence

Studying abroad in Italy was incredible. The city of Florence was the best home I could have asked for. Everyone around me was so happy and there was a kind of spirit in Florence that I had never felt before. I study Art, and became amazingly overwhelmed with all the culture, I felt like I had nothing to lose, because everything surrounding me was already so beautiful. My teachers were great, and so helpful at looking at my Art from a different cultural viewpoint. My growth as artist skyrocketed. Classes were very relaxed and exciting to go to. I traveled although Italy, and Europe. I got to see the genuine Italian life where good food and family come first. And I fell in love with red wine, after traveling through country side vineyards. As for Europe, it offers so much more, culturally and artistically. My highlights include dancing on tables at Oktoberfest in Munich Germany and living my dream of Skiing in Switzerland. I found comfort in Italy. Some of my favorite moments include, drawing at major sites throughout the city, wandering the streets with my camera, doing my art homework on my apartment terrace watching the sunset over the orange and yellow buildings, and meeting new people that I still talk to. My studying abroad experience helped me finally open my eyes. As for API, they were unbelievable. More helpful than I would have ever imagined. Not only did they provide us with endless activities like soccer games, concerts, and excursions all over Italy, but they were always willing to help us in any way. They offered more language classes, and really wanted the best cultural experience for each and everyone of us. For me, I didn't come across any difficulties besides having to leave. Everything about my experience made me a happier and better person. It was a year ago that I was there now, and I often think about moments when I need a pick me up. Nothing I have done in this year, since I've been back, has come close to comparing to the happiness I experienced in Italy. It took a while to adjust back to the American way of life. I'm finally settled back in and have never wanted to get out so bad. I'm planning to graduate in May, and work my way back over to Europe, and begin a longer program there. This world is too big not to. And with the way I changed in 4 months I was studying abroad makes me want to spend years traveling in Europe and see what kind of person I can become. My advice to anyone considering it, is to do it. Why not?

I studied my junior spring semester in 2010. I chose API's Florence program primarily because of the course offerings; specifically, the food courses. I ended up discovering a passion for food and now plan on going on to study the field for a career after graduating. I went with API because it was the most all-encompassing program, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. The staff support (both abroad and at home), excursions, apartments and all the extra help were invaluable and I know that my experience would not have been as amazing had I gone with a different program. I started writing my food blog, When Bread Is Broken at the start of my semester and you can see all of my adventures and daily routine in Florence there.

The study abroad experience is priceless; there is just something about knowing you can navigate international foreign airports that is absolutely liberating and has given me a confidence in my adaptability that I'd never had before. I think it also helps open your mind, which helped me to appreciate and embrace not only other cultures, but my own. If you can look at every obstacle as a learning experience (and learn to laugh!), it is the best experience of your life.