Spending the past 8 days in Italy has proven to be one of the greatest experience of my life. I feel so honored to take part in the rich history of italy. From the picturesque views, to its remarkable cultural, it truly lives up to the beauty its name embodies. Like a picture on a self, the country’s historic ruins preserve the rich events unrolled on ancient grounds, taking those who visit back through the centuries. From the cobblestone in the streets to the trees that line the road, the story of italy’s predecessors is forever engraved within its allure. One aspect of the trip that spoke to me specifically was our visit to Pompeii. While the story of Pompeii is known almost universally, it takes a certain environment to really engulf yourself in the experiences of those who lived so long ago. Seeing not only the surroundings but also the aftermath of the volcanic eruption truly gave a new meaning to the story. It turned from nothing but a mere tale to real life events. This proves true for the rest of Italy as well. Being home to hundreds of ancient stories told to us throughout the years, the experiences of these stories on the very ground the unfolded upon makes you think about what it would have been like all those years ago. It really does take you back in time, whether that’s through ancient ruins, food or culture. The real treasure for me however were the friends and memories that I along the way. I truly do believe that this trip served as a turning point in my life, earning me some of my happiness moments. The experiences was truly priceless and i can’t wait to recreate it next year in Spain. – Hayden, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024
This is one of my most fond memories of the 2024 trip to Italy. This was towards the beginning of the food walking tour, of which at the end we could barely walk because of how much we ate. Even though me and my close friend Hayden, (girl in the middle), ended up dancing all those calories off to the music from the street performers around us. In this photo we were eating authentic rice balls in marinara. This was one of my favorite dishes from the whole trip. Our tour guide for the walking tour, who I called Edna for her awesome glasses, was super cool! She was so funny and super kind. On the walking tour I got a lot of time to listen to the information about the food, but a lot of time to get to know my classmates. I truly loved this time because I got to know my classmates on a very intimate level. We talked about our personal lives and asked each other for advice and opinions. It was really a bonding time.
We also got to experience this very beautiful town together which also drew us so close. Because of this trip, I have actually hung out with them outside of school and formed really close relationships with a few of them. Without this trip I would never have met these wonderful people and would never have had such a lovely time. Your group can really make or break a trip, and I feel like our group really made this trip so special. Although the exhaustion at times got to us and we got annoyed sometimes, I remember so many special things with these lovely people.
This food walking tour not only helped us bond together, but we all got to try new things together. For me as an Italian, food is a great way to bond. We bond like that with friends and family, often cooking native food for each other and those we love. So, truly this tour helped us bond and experience new and fun things together. Now, I will have such lovely memories with these people and what we got to experience together, all thanks to SPC study abroad. – Mackenzie, SPC Italy High School Study Abroad Program, March 2024
My study-abroad trip to Italy was fantastic! In Rome, we enjoyed great sights like The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Pantheon, and two different kinds of catacombs. We ate delicious food – the pasta Pomodoro was my favorite – and then burned it off with our long treks through the city! I had so much fun spending time with my best friends. We had so many laughs and I even made new friends with the other students on the trip. Without such amazing friends and professors, I wouldn’t have made it through the long days and hurt feet!
I loved eating gelato, especially the Stracciatella flavor, and the gelato-making class was a lot of fun. We had really great guides from Ms. Linda in Rome, at the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. Our tour guide, Andrea, was also great, and I liked getting to know him by the end of the trip. I wish we had more time to explore our day excursions like Pompeii and Pisa.
My favorite part of the trip was Florence. I honestly could have stayed there forever, I think. It is such a great city for young people, and the culture seemed better for a group like ours that was really interested in cultural engagement. The food in Florence, on the last couple of days, could have been better, but I still absolutely loved our time in the city. I loved the shopping choices for jewelry and stationery! My favorite place we stumbled upon during our free time in Florence was “Giunti Odeon Libreria e Cinema,” which was a book store, cinema, and cafe all in one. It was so beautiful. I also loved going to the Accademia Gallery and seeing Michelangelo’s David. That museum, in particular, was great because of how small it was, so we really had a lot of time to explore everything. There was a room of statutes that was beautiful to explore.
Overall, I absolutely loved our trip. We had a lot of fun, in both the free excursions and the guided ones. I really loved the group we had this year and it’s always a pleasure to travel with Professor Fratus and Rich! If any student, especially in high school, gets the opportunity to travel with SPC, I highly recommend it. – Emily, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024
This program has been the highlight of my 2-year Dental Hygiene program. Before this experience, I never thought about the access to care that other countries, like Jamaica, lack. I saw firsthand how poor the communities we worked in were, yet every single person was so happy and loving. The culture was so different than being in the United States. Bob Marley’s “One Love” mantra is instilled in them from an early age and transverses the entire island. Even in the local schools we visited for educational health promotion, the children were so nice and respectful. Their matching uniforms, standing up when we walked into each classroom, and the joy on their faces when we gave them something as simple as a toothbrush and a sticker.
On the first day of clinic, one dental hygiene student and I were on a bus that was parked at the Ochos Rios Resort location so we could treat the staff working at Sandals. It was nice seeing the patients later while at work, showing off their newly cleaned teeth, recognizing us, and thanking us yet again. The other clinic’s location was a short bus ride away and when we arrived every day there was a large group of people waiting at the gates in hopes of being seen. Some of them traveled hours away, and some even waited the entire day without being seen. The clinic experience was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, in a good way. Honestly, I didn’t want to stop seeing patients. Four o’clock came too soon every day. During our cultural day, we took a bus to multiple impoverished areas to pass out supplies and gifts. Kids were running up left and right to us with widened eyes as we passed out shoes, toothbrushes, soccer balls, socks, blankets, and toys galore. Again, even though they were living in makeshift homes in undesirable conditions, they were so thankful for everything we gave them.
The 10 days flew by so fast. It was a lot of work in extremely warm temperatures, but it was worth every fundraiser and preparatory step to get there. I look forward to doing this humanitarian mission again as a licensed dental hygienist in the years to come. I want to thank Mrs. Krueger and SPC for allowing us to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. – Joshua, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023
Jamaica was an amazing experience! I am so grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The people of Jamaica were extremely grateful for the services we provided. The children are so respectful and appreciative. Visiting the impoverished areas was eye-opening and made me realize how much we take for granted. I believe this opportunity greatly improved not only my clinical skills but also helped me to grow on a personal level. I am eternally grateful to my classmates, faculty, and Great Shapes who made this possible. This trip was truly a life-changing experience! I will forever remember this study abroad Jamaica trip. One love. – Blake, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023
Staying positive and going with the flow were the key topics during our trip to Jamaica. You never knew what the next patient had going on relating to their oral health and the goal was to see as many patients as possible. Many of the patients that we saw had never been to the dentist or had a dental cleaning, so it was key to educate them on what is going on in their mouth, give them oral hygiene instruction to better themselves, and always end on a positive note. The clinics that we worked in were hectic at times, and the heat didn’t help. Every now and then a patient would sneak up in hopes of getting seen which frustrated other clinicians. It’s imperative to go with the flow in hopes of not upsetting other clinicians and working as a team to see as many patients as we could. I think that working with my classmates was one of my favorite parts of this program. We work well at our school’s clinic, and going out to Jamaica really just proved to us how we respect and want each other to thrive. We got to grow closer as friends and as a team, this program helped give us a glimpse of what the real world will be like as dental hygienists. – Grace, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023
I have always loved school and being a student. Having the opportunity to be educated by Spanish professors who adore teaching their language was a priceless experience. Truly, the lessons I learned in Salamanca — both academic and cultural — were worth more than a mountain of gold. And although I had the opportunity to climb a mountain in San Sebastián (and I did!), and this experience was worth a lot, the daily tasks that I had in the classrooms of the Estudio Sampere school in Salamanca were the ones that I liked the most… (apart from tasting authentic Spanish food, of course!)
Before coming to this program, I had a hard time speaking Spanish fluently, especially about topics that happened in the past. I had an idea of how I should use the different Spanish past tenses, but I found it impossible to express myself without making a lot of mistakes. I still often make mistakes. But, now, I am no longer nervous to try to speak, nor am I ashamed whenever I do make a mistake. The teachers at Estudio Sampere, including Professor Levin and Professor Albrecht, have given me the confidence to speak. What a wonderful gift that is.
Although, the trip is not simply school. If you’re the kind of person who’s more interested in sightseeing there are many interesting places to visit. I swear, you will always have something novel to do! After each class, there are activities that the class will do which include exploring the city and learning well about Spanish culture. It is a good opportunity to practice listening to Spanish because the Estudio Sampere teachers will explain the history of the locations you will visit in Spanish. Take my word for it; this practice is invaluable because it is authentic as the professors do not dumb down their language for the students. The amount of vocabulary I passively acquired from these tours alone was astounding! Additionally, almost every night around ten, there are festivals in the Plaza Mayor. I would find it impossible if you couldn’t do something fun to do.
I recommend to all students who are interested in going to Salamanca to go! You can buy good trips. But you cannot buy good teachers, the ones who care a lot about you and hope with all their hearts that you learn well the lessons of the richness that exists in the Spanish culture and language and that you carry this Spanish soul throughout your life. This wonderful experience can change your life. Don’t let it pass you by!– Kile, SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023
Having this special adventure to Italy will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thanks to my college study abroad program, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the enchanting cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Beyond the landscapes and iconic landmarks, it was the people I met, and the moments shared that truly made this journey unforgettable. Venice a dreamlike water wonderland, as I stepped onto the historic streets that seemed to float upon water. I was immediately entranced by the unique charm of the city, the gondolas rides were amazing as well. Continuing my journey, I found myself in Florence, a city that resonates with art and history at every turn. The magnificent Florence cathedral adorned with its iconic dome and visiting the renowned Uffizi gallery allowed me to witness masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. My Italian culminated in Rome, a city where ancient history and modern life intertwine seamlessly. The grandeur of the colosseum and the inspiring beauty of the Vatican City showcased the layers of history that have shaped this vibrant capital. Exploring the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum was like stepping back in time. As I reflect on my journey through Venice Florence and Rome I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity my colleges study abroad program provided. The sights were breathtaking, but it was the people I met who truly made the trip exceptional. This adventure was more than just a trip, it was a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lifelong memories. I return home with a heart full of gratitude, a mind enriched with knowledge and a newfound appreciation or the power of travel to connect us with the world and its people. – Leonela, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
This summer I went to Italy and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!!! I was very indecisive about this trip, but I am so happy I took It. During this trip I made new friends/family, I made new experiences, and most importantly I made new memories. Out of all the places we went to San Gimignano was the most breath taking. Nonetheless, one of the most important things I learned about this trip is that nothing is planned, you have to let go and step out of your comfort zone. – Athina, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
Where does one even begin in relaying the sentiments of such an extravagant trip?
I knew from the beginning that this trip would have a profound impact on my life. When I was accepted for the scholarship for this trip, tears welled up in my eyes. I was beyond grateful. I knew from then on Italy was where I was meant to go for my first out-of-country experience. I must say, it didn’t disappoint, either.
As soon as we arrived, our tour guide warmly welcomed us into the country. We set off to our first hotel of three. They were all quite lovely, but I must say the food and the sights were the highlight of the trip entirely. The food here in the United States can only dream to be compared to that of Italy. The people in Italy were a pleasure to meet and very friendly all around. The sights we were shown in Italy can only be compared to a fairytale. I felt like I was walking around in a storybook.
If given the opportunity, I would love to go back to this beautiful country. – SPC Student, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
This was my third SPC travel abroad trip. I would have to say all of my travels have been excitingly different experiences. The trip to Italy is definitely for those who love art, architecture, and history. For all these reasons Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. After we arrived in Venice, the fun began when we got the opportunity of experiencing the vibrant charms of Murano and Burano’s colorful Islands on a relaxing Private Boat Tour. At this stop, we were able to get a bird’s eye view of the Venetian Craftsman giving live demonstrations of Creating Stunning Glassblowing. In addition, we were able to Browse their Collections,
Explore the Islands’ Hidden Gems and sample the delicacies of the Bakeries. This created a feeling of being a local as the group wandered the city streets in the company of an expert English-speaking guide who showed the group Venice including the Floating City’s most iconic landmarks. We were able to sample the amazing Venetian food and ended our day by riding a gondola! Such a memorable experience!
After a much-needed rest, the adventure continued with Florence. From Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria to Giotto’s Campanile and then Ponte Vecchio. It was nonstop treat including visiting the Duomo, Baptistry, Uffizzi Museum, and of course, visiting the famous Michaelangelo’s David at the Academia. So much to see in the City of Renaissance! Florence is also well known for their traditional jewelry shops, leather market, and of course the experience of seeing all this in person.
The tour was even more complete with our visit to the Vatican City known for being the smallest country in the world! Vatican City is governed as an absolute monarchy with the Pope at its head. The Vatican mints its euros, prints its stamps, issues passports, and license plates, operates media outlets, and has its flag and anthem. Now, that’s cool! During our private guided tour with a local guide stops were made at Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel before heading to Rome! A very special place to be indeed!
The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are a jaw-dropping number of monuments, ruins, artworks, and feats of architecture to enjoy. In addition, many well-preserved ruins date back to the Roman Empire, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill. Looking at such architecture you can’t help but admire how the Romans pioneered advances in many areas of science, technology, and architecture. Being in Rome is like going back in time. There is absolutely no wonder in why it is one the most visited city in the world. There are so many things to do in Rome, and the city truly has it all.
Deliberating on whether you should go or not? You will be touring with a group of students and your Professor. It is similar to going to a traditional class with the exception you’re in another country! Don’t be surprised in making lifelong friends from this experience and if you’re worried about how to pay for the program there are lots of resources for students. Get started by sending in your application. Allow yourself the opportunity to experience these wonderful opportunities that SPC Study Abroad offers! – Sanober, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
I attended the study abroad program in Italy while taking Western Humanities. The trip was a fantastic experience that made me want to explore the world more. Despite the record-high temperatures in Italy, I could still enjoy the experience. The entire trip felt like a dream. Every street, castle, bridge, or even meal felt magical. We got to see and experience what most people only see in textbooks. During our trip, we explored the Murano, Burano, and Venice islands to view glass blowing, lace making and enjoy a relaxing gondola ride. My favorite part of the trip was traveling to Tuscany and visiting the cities of Florence and San Gimignano. The beauty and culture of Florence was unmatched. The town was a perfect mix of Renaissance architecture and our modern culture. Florence is a city I recommend to anyone like myself who enjoys a more relaxed environment. Visiting San Gimignano on our way to Rome was an unexpected gem. This town was small but gorgeous! It gave a view of Italy’s countryside and a glimpse of how the Italians live there.
Then, of course, we ended our trip to Rome. Rome is a metropolitan city, which I only sometimes enjoy. But in Rome, we got to see and experience some of the most famous Roman locations, such as the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. It is very comical that you could just be walking down a regular-looking ally in Rome and randomly end up in front of the Pantheon. The most fantastic experience I had in Rome personally was visiting the Vatican. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience even if you are not religious or practice the catholic faith. Overall, my experience with the travel abroad program has been great. The trip was magnificent, and I plan on traveling again with St. Petersburg College soon! Christine, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
Italy gave me a beautiful sense of culture, freedom, community, quest for knowledge, and a fundamentally changed sense of perspective. St. Petersburg college provided an all around slam packed trip with a tour guide, shout-out to Denise, that showed one of the most historic places in a short time. Before I signed up for this trip I was worried about three things, safety, the people I would be with, and if I would learn the about italy to the absolute fullest. These worries seem like distant memories. My professor and EF tours never made me feel unsure or alone, I met people who I have continued to talk to and truly bond with, and I saw amazing pieces of art like The David and Birth of Venus, while being able to absorb my area and take every second in.
As I sit here now i’m still truly amazed how much we took in, to art, food, meeting locals, taking scenic rides around different parts of italy, to seeing landmarks. We truly came, saw, and conquered! If you are sitting at home and reading blog post on SPC’s website wondering if you should apply, do it! This experience has opened my eyes, and I can’t wait to see more of the world. – Megan, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
The summer study abroad class to Italy was everything I could have hoped for and more! Dr. Sims was a great professor and planned the class around getting the work done first to enjoy the trip itself later. In the class I almost always felt engaged and interested in the topics at hand; the course workload was reasonable too.
The trip was unbelievable, seeing everything we saw in books and learned about in the classroom come to life was an experience in and of itself. The architecture and the history we saw in the textbook now being right in front of us along with the rich culture of Italy made this class the best I’ve taken so far at SPC. Aside from the academics, the friends I made on this trip were great company, even as the only guy on the trip I never felt out of place, each and every one of them was open and friendly, we all got along and made great conversations and stayed together as a group usually. Also, I can’t talk about Italy without talking about the food too, we had some of the best pastas, seafood, and pizza I’ve ever tried. Everything about this study abroad class was memorable, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. So, to anyone considering one of these study abroad courses yourself, it is completely worth it. With the Scholarship opportunity making this possible for me, I can’t thank SPC enough for making classes like this accessible to everyone. I can’t recommend enough to enroll for a study abroad course and get a memorable experience that you will always remember fondly and won’t ever regret. – Mitchell, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
I have always wanted to travel to Italy! When I saw that St. Petersburg College had a Study Abroad Trip for Italy, I knew I needed to apply. The itinerary explained all the places we would visit, which were Venice, Florence, and Rome. These are three of the most popular and historic locations in Italy. I couldn’t wait to be there learning about the Italian culture and Italy’s history. Each day was filled with new educational and physical adventures; which included walking over 36,000 steps in one day. On our first full day, we visited Murano and Burano, two small islands not far from Venice. I’m very happy that I was able to visit both of these islands and learn about why each of them is important in their own way. Murano is known for glass blowing, a skill that takes many years to master. Burano is known for its colorful houses, which was a way for fishermen to identify their island when returning from sea. Murano and Burano are beautiful islands with kind people and excellent food. Florence was wonderful! The Duomo was one of my favorite places to see; the size of this cathedral leaves me feeling absolutely astonished. The food was delicious and never disappointed me. I tried something that I never thought I would, Trippe, which is cow’s stomach. Our tour guide, Deniz, brought a group of us to a restaurant to try it. This was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I was able to try this local cuisine. It tasted really good; however, it’s not something I wouldn’t order on a regular basis. I loved being challenged to try new things, because most of the time I end up really enjoying it. After Florence, we headed to San Gimignano a small town on our way to Rome. This town has two ice cream shops that won an award for the best gelato and I completely agree. The views were breathtaking and seeing the vineyards in the distance was very beautiful. The next stop was Rome; a place filled with history! Seeing the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Vatican City was surreal! All these places were fascinating to see in person. I’m so thankful that I was able to attend this Study Aboard Trip to Italy. These experiences will not be forgotten, nor will the history I learned while abroad in Italy. – Elizabeth, SPC Italy Study Abroad Program, July 2023
