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