All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Greece Sister Cities: Take the Leap and Discover all the World

Greece 2026, Travel

Over the last two weeks I have been incredibly blessed to explore Greece from the mainland to small islands I had never heard of before. This was my first time leaving the country, and I can’t lie I was incredibly nervous, especially on the plane there. The second I walked into the airport in Athens this started to melt away slowly. The kindness I experienced from locals, amplified by the openness of my fellow Titans I was traveling with, made this one of the most comfortable experiences in my life and empowered me to want to travel and explore on my own. I went in with no expectations and was constantly engaged in once in a lifetime experiences. So much so that picking ‘a favorite memory’ is one of the more difficult things I have had to do.

This being said, if I had to choose a moment to go back to it would have to be the Feast Day of St. Constantine held in Kalymnos. We spent the morning exploring museums, beaches and the hillsides of the island but nothing could prepare us for the level of joy and hospitable energy we would be a part of that night. As the sun set people gathered to simply enjoy each other’s company, dance, eat good food, and express their values in a way that mattered to them. We spent the night dancing and watching fireworks with a perfect view of the harbor on one side and gorgeous mountains on the other. The energy was palpable and truly something money can’t buy. I am smiling even recounting the details.
I am incredibly thankful to St. Petersburg College and its benefactors who made this trip possible and I further encourage other students to take the leap and discover all the world has waiting for them. – Danielle, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Greece: Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

Greece 2024, Greece 2026, News, Study Abroad, Travel

One of my favorite memories from the Greece Study Abroad Program was the opportunity to immerse myself deeply into the Greek culture through dance. While in Kalymnos, we attended a vibrant festival at the local church to celebrate St. Constantine. The atmosphere was electric with the sounds of traditional music, the aroma of delicious food, and the lively movements of dance.
Participating in the dancing allowed me to experience a profound sense of community and continuity. The dances were more than just physical activity; they were a form of storytelling, expressing the rich traditions and history of the Greek people. I felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and belonging within this beautiful community. The people of Kalymnos known for their hospitality, made the festival a truly inclusive event.
Dancing at the festival was an eye-opening experience. Each step and rhythm were a link to the past, connecting us to the heritage of the island and its people. It was fascinating to see how dance served as a universal language, breaking down barriers and fostering connections among everyone present, regardless of background.
The festival also offered a sensory feast. The traditional Greek music, with its distinctive melodies and rhythms, provided the perfect backdrop for the dances. The delicious local cuisine, with its fresh and flavorful ingredients, added another layer of enjoyment to the festivities.
This immersion into Greek culture through dance was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will cherish forever. It was not just about learning new dance steps; it was about embracing a new way of life and understanding the cultural significance behind the movements. The warmth and hospitality of the people in Kalymnos made this festival an unforgettable highlight of my time in Greece. – Ella, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

SPC Italy (High School) -The Greatest Experience

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

This was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had especially due to all the amazing people on the trip with me. When I first arrived at the airport I was a little nervous as I didn’t know anyone going on the trip. As soon as I got in line to check in though, I was greeted by my teachers and a couple students. My nervous thoughts were instantly gone and I made a good amount of friends the next couple days.

I loved all the scenery in Rome and Florence. Never was there a time where I got the chance to be bored. I was constantly admiring buildings such as the colosseum, the leaning tower of pisa, the catholic church, and the catacombs. I think one of my most vivid memories was when me and a couple of my friends had free time at night. We walked around in Rome and went to a local grocery store. The things I found inside were things I could never get at my Publix here in florida. I ended up getting a pistachio pesto, some pasta, and chocolate filled croissants. The reason that night was so fun was because of the light rain. It almost felt like I was in a movie.

Another thing I loved about this trip was the delicious food. Every morning I had some sort of pastry with eggs or sausage. For my lunches I was able to go to local corenerstores and try the most amazing sandwiches or pizza. For our paid dinners we always had a pasta dish and a meat dish. But I think my favorite food memory was towards the end of the trip when we did out gelato tasting. The lady who was giving us a full breakdown of how gelato was made actually made some in front of us. My favorite flavor was definitely mango as it was a flavor I had never had before. Overall I had the best time and am already missing it.
– Arsh, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

I had the best time at SPC study abroad Italy: Rome, Florence, and Pompeii.

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

I had the best time at SPC study abroad Italy: Rome, Florence, and Pompeii. The culture and history was so interesting and eye opening. My favorite part was seeing Michelangelo’s David in Florence. Family members who have been to Italy always told me it was the best part. That they could sit there for hours and I always thought it was crazy, but when I was there I felt as if I could sit there forever. I could not take my eyes off the statue. I wish I had even more time that the hour the group got.
The SPC study abroad program staff really try to immerse you in the culture of the place the group is visiting. It definitely expanded my world view and changed my perspective on lots of things. The world is so big and you can only see that from somewhere else! Traveling is so important for young adults and I am really grateful for the experience I had, and want to do more.
Italian food is the best, my favorite food experience was visiting the famous Vivoli’s gelato store!! The founders granddaughter let us try so many different flavors and showed us how they make the gelato. She was very knowledgeable and it was cool to try real gelato. A really special experience for me was visiting the jewish ghettos of Rome because I am Jewish. It was very nostalgic to see the synagogue and the town where other Jews lived. the history of the area during WWII was so interesting to see. While there, I had a really yummy espresso at a kosher cafe. The trip is very intimate. The friends you make on the trip become like family. So many things happen and it makes the best memories. I also had a really good time in the airports. everything so much more fun when you’re with fiends. it’s so different than from traveling with family, just a whole different vibe.
– Bella, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024

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