Hello everyone! My name is Jordyn Spraker and I am a junior here at the College of Charleston. I am majoring in History with a minor in Hospitality & Tourism Management as well as in Women’s & Gender Studies. My study abroad experience is a faculty-led program in partnership with CEA, a very helpful study abroad organization. I chose to study abroad in Florence, Italy, because I have never been to Europe and the program’s theme is concentrated on food (specifically the “Slow Food” movement, a campaign seeking to promote local food culture and traditional cooking)! Who doesn’t want to have an entire semester focused on traditional cuisine and what better place to study food history than Italy?! The course selection also happens to fit nicely with all three of my degree interests.

During my time abroad I hope to make new friendships and lifelong memories, while also learning about myself and the city I am living in. I was gifted a travel guide before departing for Florence and it has proved to be surprisingly helpful for discovering restaurants and activities. As a student, I will certainly expand my way of thinking by having the unique opportunity to learn about historical events while engaging with the physical location in which they took place. I have been actively keeping a journal of all my experiences abroad and I intend for it to be filled by the end of my trip. This is a really exciting time for me and I want to remember as much as possible.

Thank you,

Jordyn Spraker