I can’t believe it’s already my last week in Florence for this program! It has been a very unique learning experience, especially since we have had the opportunity to apply what we learn in the classroom into real life Italian culture. Yesterday, after class, we were given a guided tour of the Museum of the Innocence. It was originally a hospital that took in abandoned children, opening in 1419. The process of giving children to the hospital is pretty fascinating, the caregiver would pass the child through a window covered with an iron gate which was only big enough for newborn babies to fit through it. The wet nurses inside of the hospital would care for the newborn until someone who lives outside of the hospital would take them in. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, most of the babies abandoned at the hospital were baby girls. In one year alone, over 3,000 babies were abandoned. But why? Most of the time it was due to the lack of economic security, many would give their newborn to the hospital because they knew it would be properly cared for. A lot of the time, the family would come back to the hospital to claim their child when they could afford to take care of them. Others simply do not have the means or resources to care for the newborn. Although the hospital’s purpose was upsetting, it gave these children a chance at life. It was interesting to walk around the old hospital and see archives of past children and nurses. This museum is specific to Italy, and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to explore and dive into the psychological history of Italy. I have gained a lot of knowledge in psychology within America, but because of this program, I can now expand my knowledge and psychological education to a completely new culture. I am sad to be leaving so soon, but I am very excited to apply what I have learned here to my psychological career.

      Florence, Italy is a riveting, beautiful, and a fun place to absorb a new culture. I have learned a lot about not only the history of Italy, but how to practice cultural humility. Everyone lives in their own way, and no lifestyle is better than another. I hope that I can take the humility I have acquired from being in Italy and apply it to my everyday life in America. It has allowed me to understand and respect people who may look, talk, or behave in a way that is not similar to me. I would suggest studying abroad at least once during your college career, if you have the opportunity to do so. It is such a fulfilling experience. Ciao for now!