All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Italy: I had an amazing experience studying abroad

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Travel

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in Italy with SPC during spring break. My favorite part was being with my friends and meeting new ones. I got to try a lot of yummy food that I usually wouldn’t eat at an Italian restaurant. Most of the food I tried was very good. I loved it when my friends and I would explore Rome at night. Everything was very well organized, and we could see everything we wanted to. All the staff were very kind and supportive of our needs. All the students were fun to be around and sweet. Both hotels we went to were very clean and nice. It was fun rooming with friends and hanging out in each other’s rooms.

From Rome, the group traveled north to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city’s magnificent cathedrals and museums were veritable art and history treasure troves. My favorite art pieces we saw were Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria and the Sistine Chapel.

When we went to Pompeii, it was very sad to see, but it was so interesting to see how they built towns long ago. In Rome and Florence, there were a lot of stores we went to that had a lot of cool stuff. My favorite shop was a leather store, where they taught how it’s made and how to tell if it’s fake. I could buy a few souvenirs that I love and use daily. Every day, I walked a lot, and even though my feet were killing me towards the end of the trip, it was worth every second.

Beyond the tourist attractions and iconic landmarks, the study abroad trip fostered meaningful connections and cultural exchange. Whether bonding over gelato in Florence or practicing Italian phrases with locals, I gained a deeper appreciation for the people and traditions of Italy.

– Lydia, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy High School:I would recommend

Austria and Germany (High School), Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

I first heard about the Italy study-abroad trip just around last year when they released news about the next destination for the study abroad program. I had previously gone to France to study abroad last year, and I made many good friends, and memories, and got to experience another culture.
When we first arrived in Rome, I noticed how compact the streets and alleyways were, it was a very old city, with stone buildings towering above us and streets not originally built for use by cars. In Rome, we were able to see the great Colosseum, where gladiators fought, and large audiences watched. We also saw the Trevi fountain, which depicted Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. And finally, we saw the Roman Forum which contained many ancient temples and constructions by the ancient Roman Empire. It was amazing to see a place with a history that dates back thousands of years compared to my own country which was much younger in comparison.
The proceeding destination that our tour group visited was the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient city that was destroyed in a volcanic eruption by Mount Vesuvius. We witnessed the stony ruins, overcome by moss, and grass, slowly being reclaimed by the earth. In the museum, we learned about their way of life, and what surviving was like for them, and saw the remains of the bodies preserved by the calcified layers of ash from the lava.
The last thing that is important to discuss is the differences between Italian and American culture. From what I’ve noticed, many people in Italy dress far more formally than people in Florida. Another thing that I’ve noticed is that gelato places can be found on almost any street in an Italian city. From what I’ve tried, gelato is incredibly delicious and a lot creamier than what can be found in America.
Overall, my experience in Italy has been amazing, and I would recommend future study-abroad opportunities to anyone interested. I got to see lovely places, try incredible food, and interact with a culture that was not my own.
– Benjamin, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy High School: One of the most life changing experiences

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

Attending this study abroad trip to Italy was one of the most life changes experiences I have ever had. The places, the food, and the people were just phenomenal. Staying in Rome for the first half of the trip was wonderful also, the entire city had so much to offer, like tasty food and even greater historical places, as well as particularly good-looking graffiti style that you do not really find in the states.
My favorite monument that we all visited was the Colosseum. In person this stadium was bigger than I could have imagined, and when entering the stadium, it was hard to imagine it filled with thousands of people thousands of years ago, but the idea of it was great and the pictures were awesome. Our tour guide was also very entertaining and constantly interacted with students, he also gave us a few treats like food and desserts. Overall, you could tell he knew what he was talking about as well as knew his way around Italy very well. The hotels we first stayed at were also nice and organized and the workers there were available 24/7 and were truly kind and patient when trying to communicate.
For the other half of our trip, we visited the city of Florence. This city was very nice and had some similarities and difference compared to Rome; The roads were bigger, there was less graffiti, and everything felt bigger environment wise. Visiting the Cathedral was also a lovely touch and was also much bigger than I could have imagined. While all the places we went to were beautiful the people I went with were also great, as were the teachers. The teachers were very responsible and made everyone feel safe, while they were teachers, they also knew how to be our friends and engage in very entertaining conversations with the students and me included. Professor Earl and Professor Rich were awesome, and I really hope I can have them on my next study abroad trip. Everything about the trip was magical and the memories were even better.
– Sean, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy:Most inspiring experiences of my life!

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

Initially, I was nervous about my trip to Italy for several reasons. Most of the participants were Colligate or Early College juniors from the Tarpon or Seminole campus, and I was the only Clearwater Campus, Early College senior traveling in the group. Additionally, I had never traveled to Europe, and therefore I had no idea of their customs and attitudes toward foreigners. However, as I joined my SPC Abroad class at the American Airlines check-in, I was welcomed by a group of individuals who anticipated the trip with a similar sense of unease.

The majority of our time in Italy was spent in Rome, beginning with a 6-hour tour right as we exited the airport in Rome. On this first day, we were greeted by an onslaught of wind, rain, and hail as we trudged through cobbled roads- unfortunately, many of us had left our rain gear in our luggage on the bus. After a quiet walk through “La Cripta dei Frati Cappuccini,” or the catacombs of the bone chapel, we continued to the Trevi fountain and then the ‘Spanish steps,’ taking in the beauty of the city as we went.

On the second day, we went to the Vatican, and our tour guide Francesco gave us a generous analysis of several of Michelangelo’s paintings and techniques which we later saw displayed in the Vatican. My favorite part of this visit was exploring St. Stephen Basilica: In my opinion, this is one of the most breathtaking monuments on Earth. Upon entering this castle, I was immediately stunned by the masterful collage of stone and sculpture. The walls were coated in marble of every color and decorated with complex gold detailing; Each portrait within the building was composed of tiny stones in the form of a mosaic; and the ceiling had bold words of Latin phrases and prayer. It was here that I truly understood the genius of Roman artisanship.

At the Coliseum, I envisioned myself as a gladiator fighting in the spotlight of a roaring crowd. In Pompeii, I beheld the immense Mount Vesuvius in the distance as I walked the ash-coated streets. In Florence, we explored a bustling square as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore towered over us and visited the statue of David in the Academia Gallery of Florence. During our 2 days in Florence, our professors surprised us with a trip to the Tower of Pisa. My friends and I made the most of our one hour at this monument by posing with the tower and enjoying a slice of pizza in its presence.
This trip was undoubtedly one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. The memories I made, the views I saw, and the places I visited will forever be engraved in my brain. Moreover, I bonded with an amazing group of people who I hope to continue to remain in contact with.
– Skylar, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy: A trip that I will never forget!

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

My trip to Italy was a trip that I will never forget. I had never been before, and it is where my family is from, so I was already very excited to see where my grandparents came from. I don’t travel well, meaning I get nervous on airplanes, but I felt very comfortable after takeoff.
On the first day, we took a trip to a few places in Rome with our tour guide, Andrea. I really liked Andrea because once you start up a conversation with him, you start to realize how much he knows and how knowledgeable he is about other cultures besides Italian culture. My favorite place we visited was Naples, even though we got very little time there and I wish we had gotten more time. Pompeii was extremely interesting and being able to view the ruins of the once bustling civilization was a bucket list opportunity. I also very much enjoyed having my daily cappuccinos, as the Italian coffee is unmatched. 

I think about the Spaghetti pomodoro I had for lunch near the Colosseum at least twice a day. The place my friends and I had the Spaghetti Pomodoro at was this very small, family-owned, slightly run-down establishment, and the owners were so genuine when giving us our food and were very kind when I attempted to order in Italian. 

I also very much enjoyed walking around the cities we visited and seeing the country and immersing myself in Italian culture during our allotted free time. Everyone I met in Italy was so kind and understanding when I struggled to communicate with them in the very little Italian that I knew. I had an amazing time at the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica. I took the opportunity to pray while I was in the Basilica because my family is Catholic, and I felt a strong connection to the religion at that moment. To be able to walk down the same hallway the Pope walks down every day was truly life changing. I know that was not the last time I will go to Italy because I still have so much left to explore. 

Last but not least, the most life changing experience that I had the opportunity to experience in Italy was being able to see the Statue of David. The Statue of David has always been one of my favorite pieces of art of all time, so to be able to stand in front of him and fully observe the way he has been so carefully crafted, changed my view on sculpting forever.
– Lola, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy Program: Highlight of my Year

Austria and Germany (High School), Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

The Italy Study Abroad Trip was one of the highlights of my year and was full of so many amazing memories. I met friends that I can see myself hanging out with for the rest of my life and saw so many amazing and beautiful sights. This trip not only gave me so many amazing memories to look back on but has made me prepared for future travel and life.


My highlight of the trip was being able to taste all the amazing food in Italy. The pizza, the gelato, the pasta, the cappuccinos, and so much more were so delicious! Two of my favorite things that we did were the walking food tour where I made friends with the man who ran the deli, and he kept giving me prosciutto, and the gelato taste testing and making experience.

Throughout these two experiences I was able to taste the different foods and drinks that are made right there in Italy. Being able to see and experience Italian culture through the food was an amazing thing to be able to do.
– Riley, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy: I had a wonderful time studying abroad!

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

I had a wonderful time studying abroad in Italy. Firstly, I really liked immersing myself in the new culture. I would say I was much more prepared for this trip than last year’s France study abroad since I had been in Europe before. My favorite place that we visited was definitely Florence. Although it is a major city, we mainly stayed within one area near the Duomo and even though we were only there for a couple of days, I already knew the area’s layout pretty well. I ate the best pizza of my life in Florence! I wish I got to stay there longer. Rome was nice too, but it just felt a bit busy, plus it was super rainy there so maybe I’m biased. My favorite landmark that we visited had to be the Roman Forum. It’s incredible how those huge buildings have stayed there for so long and how they’re just in the middle of the city! I didn’t really know just how big and powerful the Roman empire was until I saw a portion of it up close and personal.
Pompeii was fun, but I wish we spent a bit more time in Naples to explore. The museum was very interesting though, and it is incredible to think that generation after generation of people have dedicated so much time to preserving this disaster for the purpose of education when it would be much easier to just tear it down. I am so glad to have been able to see a glimpse of what life was like in these ancient times! Some of my favorite moments, however, were spent either walking into random churches with my friends or simply people watching on the streets.

Overall, I am very happy to have gone on this trip. It has made me even more exciting to travel various parts of the world, and to push myself out of my comfort zone. Finally, here is a picture of one of the huge hallways leading up to the Sistine Chapel inside the museum at Vatican City.
– Lucy, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Italy: Unimaginable Experience

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

Wow, there are no words I could use to describe this study abroad that would do it any semblance of justice. Before this trip, I had never been out of my time zone, let alone out of the country. Italy specifically holds a very special place in my heart, as it’s where my great-grandparents grew up. I’ve grown up with the Americanized Italian culture and have recently within the past two years started learning the language, hoping to one day be able to use it. When I learned the next high school study abroad would be to Italy, I knew I had to go. My expectations before this trip were extremely high from the stories I’ve been told and pictures I’ve been shown, and it sure did not disappoint.

On our trip, we visited Rome, Naples/Pompei, Florence, and Pisa. Out of all of those places, my favorite has to be Florence. Aside from the amazing food and delicious gelato, there was one piece of architecture that took my breath away: the Duomo. Throughout the trip, we came across amazing pieces of architecture and art, but in my opinion, none compared to the Duomo. You don’t realize how truly magnificent and enormous it is until you’re standing 20 feet away from it, close enough to truly see all the fine details. I also really liked how small Florence was. The city areas in Italy were indeed created to be walkable, but that fact was the most obvious in Florence. On the very last night, a few of my friends and I walked from our room at the Villa Royal to a McDonald’s only 10 minutes away for a late-night snack. On the way, we passed aqueduct-fed fountains spouting pure drinkable water, the academia housing the very famous statue of David, and squares with beautiful fountains and statues. It was truly an unimaginable experience for someone from Florida, where the nearest grocery store is a 10-minute drive away.

Overall, I think it’s safe to say I had an amazing time in Italy and will make it a personal goal to return in my lifetime. Ciao!
– Alexis, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

SPC Study Abroad Italy: Unforgettable Journey!

Austria and Germany (High School), Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

Studying abroad in Italy with SPC was an adventure from start to finish! New faces, new sights, new foods: all of it was an opportunity for exploration, and I’ve come out of it with a picture of the world that is slightly bigger than before. Travel is one of the most valuable experiences by which to broaden one’s perspective and knowledge, and in that regard my time with SPC Study Abroad was an absolute success.

My favorite part of Italy was the architectural and historical sites that we visited throughout the country. Italy’s rich historical backdrop has been, to me, one of the most fascinating draws of this Study Abroad destination. Locations such as the Colosseum and the Vatican stand as testament to tremendous architectural and artistic achievement, from ancient civilization through the Renaissance to the modern day. Witnessing such massive, precisely constructed buildings and astonishingly intricate pieces of art is absolutely incredible to the modern observer as you try to comprehend the skill that went into their creation, given the limitations of their time. It is sites like these, a physical representation of the ingenuity and creativity that has defined humanity since our beginning, that are my favorite to visit wherever I travel. Meanwhile, locations such as Pompeii (pictured), allow us to gain insight into the daily lives of people in a time period that is otherwise difficult to truly conceptualize in its apparent detachment from the modern world. The similarities that we can find there: bakeries, baths, drinking fountains, down to the details such as plaques in tribute of those who donated to rebuild after natural disaster, are a connection that spans across time.

Beyond historical locations, aspects of daily living from meals to lodging were all fantastic. The authentic Italian cuisine was a highlight of every day, and as everyone will probably agree, I was on the lookout for a gelato place in every town we visited (always go for seconds during the gelato tour). And as a final word of appreciation, I know I wouldn’t have had such an awesome trip without the fantastic group of people that I traveled with. The professors, tour guides, and students were all nothing but amazing company, and I’m grateful that we were all able to share this journey.
– Vivienne, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

The program to Italy was one of the most stimulating, educational, and fun ventures I have experienced in my life.

Italy (High School) 2024, News, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy, Travel

The trip to Italy was one of the most stimulating, educational, and fun ventures I have experienced in my life. Going to another country is such an enriching experience and really shows you new perspectives and ways of life that you might’ve never even thought of before. I made many new friends with the people on the trip, I had been worried about not knowing many of them, but it wasn’t an issue because everyone was so great!

The food was amazing (especially the gelato), and the people there were very interesting to talk to. One of my favorite parts was how different and good-looking the architecture was. In both Rome and Florence, the buildings all had an otherworldly presence in my eyes. They were all so unique and interesting to view and walk into, especially the churches and museums. Even with all the beautiful artworks inside I still found myself staring at the arches and ceilings, wondering why the buildings back home all didn’t look this amazing. However, a downside of staring at the architecture all the time was that I found myself a bit lost when I decided to listen to the tour guide again, but I’m still glad I got many opportunities to appreciate the beauty of Italy.

Another big part of going to Italy, or another country in general, is experiencing their cuisine. I learned a lot about how they make their food and how different it tastes from “Italian” dishes in the United States. A word of warning though, the pasta dishes they have there are very deceiving, looking at them one might think it wouldn’t be that difficult to finish a meal and then the next thing you know you’re full halfway through eating it. Despite that everything looked and tasted amazing, even if I wasn’t hungry, I still tried because it was all great. After arriving home, aside from the incredible drowsiness and our garage door having fallen off, I felt a sense of accomplishment and improved understanding from the trip. Studying abroad helps a lot with expanding one’s horizons and to form new appreciation for the differences in culture, and as a plus it’s really fun and enjoyable!
– Daniel, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024