Hello! My name is Carolina Hannon, and I am a junior at the College of Charleston. I am a dual major in history and archaeology with a minor in anthropology. I am currently spending my spring semester in Florence, Italy with Academic Programs International (API). This program enrolls its students into Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in the heart of Florence. I chose this program due to the intrigue of the history, food, and art surrounding the city of Florence. Being the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is no stranger to incorporating beauty into everyday life from food to architecture, which attracted my attention. I chose this program in Florence due to the location as well, which would allow me to travel all over Italy and Europe. Having decided on Florence back in July of last year, My goals for this semester is to try something new every day, which so far I have achieved everyday due to having to figure out how to find a bancomat (safe atm machine), navigating the historic city, and buying groceries that have labels only in Italian. I also plan to travel as much as I can and see as many sites as I can see. I may have a whole semester, but time flies when you’re in another country.
I was able to do some research and discover just what great things could wait for me in Florence. The Medici family, who were essentially the rulers of the city during the Renaissance, loved art and had multiple sculptures, paintings, and architecture all inspired by the past and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Their love for art allowed for fantastic and historical pieces such as David by Michelangelo. This art was crafted in Florence and due to the importance to the people and ruling families, they became forever preserved in museums or collections. These collections and artifacts allow for people like me, to awe over the beauty of art that the people of Florence enjoy but get to enjoy every day. To find a study abroad program that is essentially a walking museum is what led me to Florence.
