ItaliaNoles - Issue 15

Temporary Citizens

ITALIANOLES

9

FOODAND CULTURE

Cultural Displacement Museum Etiquette

From Italy to Tallahassee through Food

35

CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION

22

TRAVEL

Booking With Outside Travel Companies

Florence Favorites Where We’ve Been Student Trips

7

41

STUDENTLIFE

The Fashion of Giving Back Making Fashion Sustainable 100% Recycled

49

ACADEMICS

AI’s Influence on Study

Abroad

FSU Florence Academics

Advancing Your Career: The Florentine Way

Family Dinners in Florence What Defines an Authentic Experience?

FSU Soccer

60

CLOSINGNOTE

On the Topic of Aesthetics A Thank You To

Sabrina

Paige

Hayes

Brianna Diego

Morgan

Temporary Citizens

AnEditorialPreface

By:DiegoRomero

Tired feet, wandering eyes, a delicious smell swimming in the breeze drawing you closer to a destination you know nothing about. You tread down the unsteady cobbled streets, admiring the buildings looming to either side of you, maybe enjoying the nice weather gracing the day. A group of tourists blocks your way, but you know a street you can use to get past them. It’s a feeling of familiarity, of a home away from home that still surprises you every day. Finally, you make it to whatever food outlet lures you off your usual route. You notice no one is around save for a few locals sitting just outside, sipping prosecco and chatting, as an enticing plate of food sits on the table in front of them It’s moments like these where you truly feel like you belong.

Living in a foreign country can be daunting, especially when you know you won’t leave for three to six months. Not long enough to consider yourself a resident and not short enough to call it a vacation, studying abroad can be middling and messy. You contribute to the community in numerous ways, yet may not even stay long enough to see the culmination of your efforts. While living here in Italy, we might call ourselves temporary citizens, with much to give and even more to take away.

But what does it mean to be a temporary citizen? To many people, the answer will vary, but whether you are here for a semester or a year, there are a few rules to abide by.

PALAZZOVECCHIO

LearnSomeofthe Language

It doesn’t hurt to learn a phrase or two, even if it’s a simple greeting or just enough to get by when ordering a quick meal Talk to your neighbors about the weather.

Hold a conversation with a passerby Be confident when ordering your morning coffee and pastry without pointing to the nearest baked good and sneaking out a pleading grazie to the server

Think of your effort as the smallest payment you can give the locals for staying in their home lingual rent, if you will.

Don’tbe“Just”a Tourist

Seeking to understand local life, we should do our best to avoid a tourist mentality The Uffizi isn’t going anywhere, and neither are any of the countless other wonderful experiences this city has to offer. Get to know the city that’s hosting you

Stroll around, take in the sights, have nice nights out where you smell the cool air, and walk in the ambiance of the city

Plan to visit museums and galleries in the low season (November-March) and have them all to yourself.

Save the tourist part of you for your weekend trips.

Treat Florence like a home.

VIADEIBENCI

PIAZZASANTACROCEDURINGANEVENTRAISINGAWARENESSABOUT

GiveBackOnce inaWhile

There is a plethora of volunteer and charity opportunities around every corner in Florence. From beautification to cultural exchange, there are many ways to help grow and improve the city in which we reside

Wouldn’t it be nice to walk through one of the countless local gardens, the sun hitting you just right as the breeze wafts back your hair, knowing that you helped make it so beautiful?

For how much Florence provides for us while we’re here, it couldn’t hurt to see how you can help give back

TakeInItalian Values

As a citizen, however temporary, we learn and inherit much of the culture and values of our fellow inhabitants. Just as we strive to give back to the city, the city offers us many ways to enrich our lives. Learn from Italian work culture and apply it to your study plans. Watch and adopt Florentine habits. Cultivate a new fashion sense from some of the locals who live every day as if they’re on a runway

Being a temporary resident in a city with as much history and culture as Florence can be daunting, with so many lofty expectations for both you and for the city. This isn’t just a sleepover at a friend's house this is your life for however long you decide to stay. Treat the city with care and it will nurture you in return The goal is to live up to the title of citizen, and it’s up to you to challenge yourself to achieve it. How? By learning the local language, helping out in your temporary home, or even learning to appreciate your surroundings better than before. Every day is a citizenship test and if you follow our advice, it won’t be hard to pass with flying colors.

CAROUSELINPIAZZADELLAREPUBBLICA

FOODANDCULTURE

Cultural Displacement

By: Sabrina Staab

The stereotype of the binge drinking American study abroad student has worsened over the years According to the 2021 National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 16 6 million Americans aged 18-25 reported drinking and 9.8 million reported they had participated in binge drinking in the past month

Responding to these trends, many bars and clubs in Florence implement various promotions as part of their marketing strategies to bring in more American study abroad students From two-for-one drink deals to generous happy hour discounts, the local student bars provide a variety of wallet-friendly deals. For instance, some bars have started to do shot night competitions: each shot somebody takes equates to a point towards the drinker’s university

A popular bar among study abroad students, the Lion’s Fountain (Borgo degli Albizi, 34r, 50122 Firenze FI), has a wall by the entrance with a list of signature drinks for all the local American universities. As a result, many students feel a sense of social pressure to buy these drinks, and it becomes customary to take your university’s signature shot upon entry

ARTROOFTOPCOCKTAILBAR, FLORENCE

The Lion’s Fountain engages in another tactic to lure American students: the wristband. If you provide proof (for example, your university ID or your course schedule) that you are an American study abroad student in Florence, you are entitled to a Lion’s Fountain wristband for the discounted price of only €1. With the wristband, you are given a free shot with each cocktail you order. While students love wearing the wristband as a fashion statement, it also acts as free publicity for the bar.

Kikuya (Borgo degli Albizi, 34r, 50122 Firenze FI), another bar catering to American study abroad students, has a promotion called “sticker night”. This promotion gives customers the opportunity to win free drinks, depending on the sticker they find at the bottom of their glass.

Each of these marketing strategies involves something devoid of typical Italian drinking habits. Focusing on the social and cultural aspects of alcoholic beverages, Italians often pair their drinks with food. For example, in addition to the country’s well-known wine culture, another alcohol-themed tradition is the famous Italian aperitivo, a pre-dinner event consisting of cocktails (often a spritz), wine or beer and snacks Devoid of shots and excessive alcohol consumption, Italian drinking culture is, on the whole, more subdued relative to its American equivalent.

The experiences many of us have at the typical study abroad bars diverge greatly from more authentic Italian locales The marketing strategies directed towards us are, unfortunately, powerful and effective Our actions don’t only affect us; we have the power to influence the culture of a whole generation

“Binge drinking isn't a cultural exchange, it's a dangerous export As we navigate the global landscape, let us not be known for the toxicity we spread, but for the positive influence we wield in shaping healthier, more responsible societies,” says ChatGPT when asked to generate a quote related to study abroad drinking culture

WINETASTINGINTHECHIANTI REGION

Instead of bringing our American drinking culture to Florence, maybe it’s time for us, as temporary residents, to adopt the more mellow and health-conscious habits of our temporary neighbors.

Museum Etiquette

By: Morgan Hutchinson

A brief stroll through the popular areas in Florence quickly causes a person to realize that history covers the whole city. The reason that this city is a well known hot spot for tourist activity is due only in part to the beautiful landscapes, buildings, and the delicious, culturally-rich cuisine. It is crucial for us as temporary residents to be respectful of locals and their culture that is surrounding us.

The relatively small city of Florence contains some of the world’s famous museums. People from all over the world will save thousands of dollars and travel thousands of miles for an opportunity to view and experience these cultural gems. As you pass groups of tourists following brightly colored flags raised high in the air, consider your own impact on this stunning city Here are a few tips to ensure that you are able to have a meaningful experience while also being a respectful observer and guest!

Looking for a less crowded museum experience?

Pascuzzi recommends the Chapel of San Martino. “It’s a gem in the heart of the city, right by Dante’s house. Not many people think to go there.”

Resources for Historical Sites:

Fiesole, Settignano, the Boboli Gardens, and so many more places are Florentine gems that are often overlooked. Make sure to visit as many places as possible and when you do, remember to enjoy your experiences respectfully and consciously!

Live in the Moment!

Focus on appreciating the art in front of you in the present, not through your phone in the future According to Dr Alan Pascuzzi, former tour guide and current professor of Art, Architecture, and Artistic Vision at FSU Florence, “there are more people taking selfies of the art than actually appreciating it.” When given the opportunity to see historical sites and masterpieces, savor the experience and take advantage of the opportunity Live in the moment!

Silenzio!

Speaking at a reasonable volume is an essential tip for respectful museum visitors. A single loud noise can draw all eyes toward you. While enjoying your time in these wonderfully dynamic environments is key, knowing the time and place to express your gratitude and enjoyment loudly is equally, if not more, important. When walking through a building in which everyone is attempting to learn and observe, speaking at a high volume may disturb those in close proximity Whispering is usually the more considerate choice.

“THEBIRTHOFVENUS” BYSANDROBOTTICELLI

Be Aware!

There may be many people near you or accompanying you on your tour. Sometimes you may even be in situations where you must remain with your group When asked about this aspect, Pascuzzi noted that big groups often take up a lot of unnecessary space Being conscious of your surroundings and those around you is a key factor in being respectful during group tours.

Do Not Touch!

Have you ever heard an alarm sound and been angrily reprimanded in Italian? More likely than not, this will happen if you attempt to put your hands on artifacts, paintings, or any other treasures. Under no circumstances should you ever try to touch any museum displays. Museums will naturally deter people from touching the items, as you could seriously damage the historical artifacts. They’re kept behind bars and glass for a reason!

FromItalytoTallahassee

Through

As temporary citizens studying in one of the world’s great food capitals, we experience what can only be described as a food culture shock While commercial farm culture dominates US grocery stores, many Italians still practice local and authentic food traditions. American nutrition labels bombarded with preservatives and pesticides traceable on every piece of produce contribute to the problematic food culture in the US. In fact, according to the Environmental Group and Environmental News That Matters Europe, nearly 75% of non-organic produce in the United States is grown with pesticides, compared with roughly 2025% in Italy.

By:SabrinaStaab& BriannaConnelly

While Italians are is statistically healthier than Americans (Italy ranks sixth in the world for life expectancy while the US ranks 46th, according to the World Health Organization), there is one region of Italy that takes home the prize for the healthiest citizens. Off the west coast of the Italian mainland, adjacent to Tuscany, there is an island region called Sardinia, one of the six Blue Zones of the world Blue Zones are regions that enjoy the highest life expectancies on the planet. Sardinia, a prominent Blue Zone, is particularly known for its gastronomical practices. Indeed, gastronomy the practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating healthy food, is an important part of Sardinian culture. In this region (and others in Italy), much of the food is cooked seed/farm to table, dishes are prepared without processed ingredients, and residents walk daily

PRODUCEATALGHEROMARKETINSARDINIA

We recently had the privilege of visiting Sardinia and can confirm that the difference in lifestyle is palpable. Every morning, we walked to the central market to buy fruit, vegetables, seafood, and bread The freshness and flavor potency of the produce was unlike anything from mainland of Italy, let alone the US The air quality was also significantly better, and when we asked a local pizzeria owner why he thought that residents of Sardinia lived so long, he answered, “the air and what we eat.”

“I CAN’T EAT GLUTEN IN AMERICA BUT FEEL GREAT EATING CARBS IN ITALY.”

HERE’SWHY:

In Italy, most of the wheat grown is soft wheat which is lower in gluten than the hard wheat grown in the US. American wheat is also grown insulfur-deficientsoilsthatoftenareshowered with pesticides and go through significantly moreprocessingthanItalianwheat.Asaresult, Italian gluten is easier to digest, and pizza and pastamakebothheartsandstomachshappy

What can we take away from our temporary residence in Florence? Being in Italy for our first time in college, we have a unique opportunity to experience health in a holistic way. Meal vouchers are tempting, but going to farmers markets for fresh ingredients and having cooking nights with friends is a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in culture.

Though there are not many physical objects we can take through the airport, we leave with a plethora of knowledge that we did not have on the flight here. Among academic endeavors, friends, and experiences, we also take home inspiration for a new way of living. Returning to the US does not have to cue the cessation of family dinners, farmers market trips, and long walks. Instead, we can take the authentic Italian experience home with us and live a healthier lifestyle through food, even in Tallahassee

MEALPREPAREDFROMLOCALSARDINIANMARKETPRODUCE

PEAR-PECORINO RAVIOLIFROMACQUA AL2

FRUITSPREADBYLOCAL FLORENCEFAMILY

Family Dinners in

At first glance, life in Italy is a mirror image of life in the US. Children attend school, parents head to work, kids go to sports practice , and dinner is served at the end of their busy days. This familiar schedule probably makes you think that our lives are pretty similar in a lot of ways, right?

While there are a lot of similarities between life in the US and Italy, there are a few key distinctions that we, temporary residents of Florence, must navigate. To that end, FSU offers several opportunities that help students easily immerse themselves in local life. Just a short walk or bus ride away from the Study Center, students can connect with Florentine families who are able to guide us in as we attempt to immerse ourselves in their culture.

This opportunity allows FSU students to dine with Florentine families at least once every week, providing firsthand experience with a culturally different lifestyle and allowing students to engage in meaningful conversations with the locals. Having such a close relationship with Florentine families allows students to gain a comprehensive insight into the way that everyday life looks in our temporary home.

Have you ever wondered how young they learn to cook here in Florence? Liana Safdie, one of the FSU students and my partner in this community service opportunity, said that the mother of the family that we have been visiting has been cooking ever since she was in elementary school. Her grandmother taught her, and she now works in the restaurant industry. While young chefs are an uncommon in the US, we were pleasantly surprised to learn how common it was for kids to get involved in cooking here in Florence.

By: Morgan Hutchinson

TRUFFLEGNOCCHIBYCORTEDEIPAZZI

APPLE AND CHOCOLATECAKEBYTRATTORIAZÀZÀ

BURRATAPIZZABYPIZZANAPOLI

Walking through the door and being greeted with warm hugs and happy faces has been a highlight for me. We even take part in the evening homework ritual When the children have English homework,

Safdie and I sit with them and offer our assistance. To encourage reciprocity, the girls also help us with our Italian! On one occasion, they even created a makeshift quiz for us to practice our Italian grammar and vocabulary.

Our community service experience has been enriching and joyful. Safdie and I are even looking to organize a dinner with our Florentine family and our own American families when they come to Italy to visit. Camaraderie, connection, and appreciation are words that could be used to sum up the family exchange program Local families welcome us into their home, and we as a result become a part of these households, if only temporarily.

SAFDIE(R)ANDHUTCHINSON(L)PICTUREDWITHTHEIRFLORENTINEHOSTSISTERS

Traveling

ExploringPlaces

OutsideofFlorence

Outside Travel Outside Travel Companies Companies Booking with

By: Hayes Miller

A weekend trip to another country can be as easy as waking up and getting dressed in the morning Do you want to go on a quick trip to Germany for Oktoberfest? A weekend in Norway to see the northern lights? Alright, you got it! A quick Google search and you’ve got options all over your screen From trains to planes and buses to boats, the continent is at your fingertips. While exciting, this process can be overwhelming for study abroad students who may have limited resources and knowledge to travel to their dream destinations For example, as someone who had never left the US before arriving in Italy, I had to learn how to plan trips and understand the different ways to navigate Europe.

If this all sounds like a lot, you can outsource your travel bookings to a variety of travel companies that cater to study abroad students and take charge of all the planning. Company ambassadors will message students through social media platforms and pitch different trips while also offering various promotions and discounts It is enticing to see that transportation, housing, and activities are all planned, but is this truly a better way to travel?

If a study abroad student tells you everything on their trip went perfectly and as planned, they're lying. If there's one thing I have learned from traveling here, it's the importance of being flexible and patient, especially when the trip is planned on your behalf To gauge, we conducted a poll of students’ opinions on these companies’ services and the results were surprising.

Many students enjoyed the convenience of booking a pre-planned trip. With busy class schedules and social lives, these Noles did not want to have to research the most cost- and timeefficient ways to reach their destinations. This form of travel also is beneficial to students who prefer to travel solo and meet new people on their trip According to some students, their travel guides were insightful and pleasant travel companions. However, while these guides often gave good recommendations, some elements of the trips were unexpected.

For example, 44 4% of students found that when booking a trip with an outside travel company, they had little control over their time and lacked the freedom to explore. Some aspects that students did not particularly enjoy were the lack of time for personal exploration, and following schedules that featured non-stop activities throughout the day. In some instances, the travel agency left out important details before the trip, and online descriptions were misleading 50% of respondents found that the advertisements did not accurately represent the descriptions, including vehicles (buses and coaches) and accommodation.

At the same time, 88% of respondents felt that their pre-planned trips were cost-effective, making the experience worth their while.

Although the level of unpredictability associated with these travel experiences may be frustrating for some, traveling holds significance in our lives and allows for unforgettable experiences. Using services like the ones described above allow you to manage your time efficiently and are often easy on the wallet

It’s your choice how you want to arrive at your destination, but booking a trip with an outside travel company may be the right decision for you

ELBA,ITALY

MYKONOS,GREECE

LoggiadeiLanzi

Collectionofclassical statues

WHERE WE’VE BEEN!

S T U E n T d Trips

HALLSTATT,AUSTRIA

MYKONOS,GREECE

INTERLAKEN,SWITZERLAND

HALLSTATT,AUSTRIA

PRAGUE,CZECHREPUBLIC

GONDOLAATNIGHTINRENON, ALTOADIGE,BOLZANO, ITALY

LATEMAR LABRYNTHE, WELSCHNOFEN, BOLZANO, ITALY

SUNSET HIKE IN RENON, ALTO ADIGE, BOLZANO, ITALY

RENON, ALTO ADIGE, BOLZANO, ITALY

LAGODICAREZZA, ALTOADIGE, BOLZANO, ITALY

KAKUBSKY OBVOD, PRAGUE, CZECH

PRAGUE CASTLE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

LENNONWALL, PRAGUE,CZECH REPUBLIC

Conscious Consumption

Understanding the importance of sustainability

MAKINGFASHION Sustainable

By: Hayes Miller

While Americans rarely think twice about wearing sportswear in a variety of places, it is uncommon to see Florentines walking the streets in athleisure. Many locals take great pride in their fashion choices and exude a refined and polished look Known for luxury designs of high quality and craftsmanship, Italy is home to top brands such as Gucci, Prada, Fendi, and Versace From bold jewelry to a well-tailored jacket, from knee-high boots to chunky sunglasses, the list of trendy items that are popular in Italian fashion today is long. Lavish, extravagant, and eye-catching, these designer items also come with a high price tag, leaving money-conscious students and young people with few options. As a result, this group often turn to fast fashion to keep up with the constantly changing trends Fast fashion retailers often make affordable dupes of high fashion items using cheap textiles and toxic dyes, making the industry one of the largest contributors to environmental damage Thankfully, Florence offers alternative, pocketbookfriendly ways to shop that can reduce this negative environmental impact As temporary citizens, it is important to care for our host country and try to do our part for the environment. There are many benefits to shopping sustainably, as you can often find one-ofa-kind pieces at affordable prices to build your own unique style.

In fact, there are many vintage and second-hand shops that you can support here in Florence! By shopping sustainably, you help save energy and reduce carbon emissions that result from the burning of excess clothing by non-eco-friendly brands While easily accessible, mass-produced clothing with lower price tags is enticing, as consumers, we should consider the negative impacts of our decisions A common misconception is that sustainable shopping means foregoing some of the trends that come with fast fashion. This doesn’t have to be the case! The fashion students at FSU, Florence are encouraged to implement a sustainable angle into their projects and have found a new way to be creative: upcycling pieces they find in second-hand stores Students are encouraged to express their individuality by using the equipment in the fashion studio to transform their second-hand buys into their own creations Upcycling is not only environmentally friendly, but another option to create clothing that is directly tailored to your personal style

100%RECYCLED Reduce Textile Waste

By: Hayes Miller

Professor Costanza Menchi’s textiles class took a day trip to Nova Fides, a textile mill located in nearby Montemurlo At the mill, students learned about textile production and the concept of “undyed” fabrics Nova Fides treats the clothing and prepares the used garments to be ready for production. Items made from one or two fibers qualify for recycling. During the production of new material, the company do not use any added dyes or chemicals and the colors come from the original garments. Students were presented with a wide range of fabrics to choose to take back to the FSU Florence Fashion Studio for future class projects They also had a hands-on experience creating yarn.

Sustainable Shopping

If you're shopping in the name of sustainability, Florence has no shortage of locations you can visit. The Santo Spirito market is one of many places filled with stands that sell second-hand clothing for both men and women You can also find some vintage or handmade accessories to complete the look. If the jewelry item you are purchasing is handmade, the artist will happily explain their creative process that it took to crafts your unique piece, making the experience that much more memorable. Humana Vintage is another great affordable place where shoppers primarily look for sweaters and jackets. During their sale of the week, items are often priced as low as €5! If you are willing to rummage through large clothing bins, Melrose Vintage is a great place when looking for colorful pieces to add to your wardrobe. They have everything from Levi’s jeans to statement pieces like leather jackets or a purse!

TEXTILESLESSON

Full Interview with Linda Ferretti of Nova Fides

By:DiegoRomero

Giving Back

When you think of Italy, you probably think of museums filled with centuries-old masterpieces, quaint shops and restaurants, or even the historical architecture lining any street you walk down. While so many aspects of this city and this country are famous throughout the world, perhaps one of the country’s most well-known exports is fashion. Ferragamo and Gucci are both Florence-based and Florence-founded Italian design houses. Even here at FSU Florence, we have an entire classroom and workspace dedicated to textiles and sewing, allowing students to create wonderful pieces of art that they can wear And while fashion is integral to the Italian economy, it is also integral in helping those in need right here in Florence.

Professor Costanza Menchi, the head of fashion and entrepreneurship at FSU Florence, does much more than teach students how to mend their clothes. An avid volunteer with a deep love for sustainable fashion, Menchi is in charge of and participates in several charity initiatives and projects outside the classroom She is always looking for student volunteers to help out.

“I’m always involving myself in projects ” Menchi said, “One of the projects we recently started with other people is a project called Agricoltura Sociale. You involve people in learning to take care of the land to learn new skills and involve more people who are not so lucky and show them that there are possibilities for change.”

This all started when she first came to FSU Florence A native Florentine herself, Menchi proposed the now-defunct Lend a helping hand initiative that cascaded into her current efforts.

“It was something that I started when I was teaching Italian here at FSU ” Menchi said, “I realized that the students spoke Italian only with me, in the classroom. So, I asked myself, who would be patient enough to talk with students who were learning Italian? The elderly. They like to speak, they like to tell stories, and they like to listen. As a result, we started this program with the biggest nursing home in Florence, near Santa Croce ”

PROFESSORCOSTANZAMENCHI

Nowadays, Menchi finds herself busier than ever as she seeks to expand her offerings here at FSU Florence

“At the moment, I’m focusing on expanding the initiatives and trying to make them open to all. That’s why we try and collaborate as much as possible with local companies and give something back in some way.” Menchi continued, “What we would like to do is open up new opportunities for students who take classes here, even students from non-fashion-related disciplinary backgrounds. For the future, thanks to the support of our director, Charlie Panarella, our co-director Laura Buonanno, and the rest of the team, hopefully, we’ll have a larger space to help students explore their creativity.”

But that doesn’t stop her from continuing her work to make her hometown a better place.

“It was not like teaching for me, it was a way to give back to the students.”

Menchi said, “I’m hoping students can take something away for the future. It’s something that you can keep and transform into something amazing.”

ProfessorMenchi’semailfor questionsandinvolvement

StudentLife

“Authentic”

“Authenticity” is a word that gets thrown around a lot, especially when you go abroad. How can I be more authentic? What’s the most authentic restaurant? Am I doing the authentic thing right now? Although spending time in and near the Study Center can feel reassuring and safe, it can be hard not to feel the pressure to do more As students living abroad, we find ourselves wanting something culturally immersive that goes beyond the simple touristic life.

What defines an Experience?

By: Diego Romero and Hayes Miller

A Student’s Perspective

FSU Florence freshman Rosanna Slade found her authenticity through an entirely Italian yoga class at the Biblioteca delle Oblate Slade said that although she recognized several words during the lesson, she relied mainly on visual cues. Making do by mimicking the others in class, she found herself following along as well as anyone else and just as class ended, she was met with a surprise in the form of an impromptu aperitivo “I went to go sit alone, but the instructor redirected me to the table with everyone else and told me that in this class, we enjoy our meal together.”

Other students take a different route, eating dinner with Italian locals who are close in age Here they practice their Italian and learn about what life is like for young Florentines. FSU Florence provides and promotes several different opportunities to find authentic experiences. While both Slade and the students involved in the dinners are excellent examples of Noles hoping to enjoy a more “authentic” experience in Florence, is either the “right” route?

The “Right” Way to be Authentic

Maybe attend one of the local Fiorentina soccer matches and join the devoted fans dressed in violet to support their team. Maybe explore the outskirts of the city, walking until brick and pavement turn to dirt and trees Or maybe just walk around and stumble into a new activity for the day.

Teachers will say one thing, students will say another, and any local you interview will change their answer depending on how much their livelihood depends on us contributing to their wallets. Authenticity isn’t this binary thing you can quantify into one “correct” idea: being authentic is just being yourself Experiencing things, having fun, doing what you need to do to make the most out of your stay here – these are authentic experiences. For some that’s yoga, and for others it could be anything from exploring a new part of the city every day to becoming a regular at your favorite sandwich place.

SLADE’S(L)HEADSTAND

FIORENTINAMATCH

Consensus

Being authentic is a daunting task, and feeling the pressure to perform for others is stressful. There’s no “right” way to be authentic, and ultimately, if you want to experience things authentically, you’ll need to discover what authenticity means to you But enough from us, we think that Professor Costanza Menchi, who is both a local Florentine and an integral member of the FSU Florence community, puts it best

“For me, it starts from the students. It’s not something [where] I tell you to go there, ‘go to that restaurant, it’s authentic’ or ‘go to that market, it’s authentic. I could make a list of places I like personally, but for me, it’s authentic when it belongs to you and it belongs to your own way of experiencing things.”

-Professor Costanza Menchi, Florentine, FSU Florence Faculty, Former

International Student

Menchi raises an important point: even the local Florentines cannot define an authentic experience as “authenticity” is subjective: it is malleable to one’s way of thinking and their own preferences.

FSU FSU

FlorenceSoccer FlorenceSoccer

By: Hayes Miller and Morgan Hutchinson

Students looking to stay active or to participate in a sport have a perfect opportunity waiting for them here in the form of our very own football team! Football? In Italy? On this side of the Atlantic, the term refers to another sport: soccer

Early on in the semester, Program Assistants (PAs) send out a poll to ascertain how many students are interested in participating. Over the years, the large numbers of keen students have allowed for the formation of two teams: Renegade and Osceola

During the season, matches are held almost every week, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Some opponents may include students from Washington State (Gonzaga), international students (European Society of Criminology (ESC) and Academic Programs International (API)), or even local Italian teams.

One of the tournament’s main goals is to help international students meet locals and to integrate themselves into the local sports culture Attending these games is easy for students, as the field is a short, 18-minute walk from the Study Center. The games are electric and competitive for all those who show up

In the championship game, the Renegade team took the win against China Educational Tours (CET) with a score of 9-3 A new trophy has been added to the collection and we are immensely proud of the players who have worked so hard to have an undefeated season!

PA Ava Pizzuto, this year's Renegade coach, has an impressive 18 years of experience with soccer and is a member of the FSU women’s soccer club in Tallahassee We asked her to comment on how she felt about being this semester’s coach. “When I was asked to be the coach for the FSU soccer team I was immediately thrilled, as soccer has had such a big impact on my life and I was so excited to share my passion and knowledge with the students on the team. Being the coach has allowed me to bond with the students over a shared interest, and it’s also been great to see the students grow closer and create unforgettable memories.”

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Academics Academics

By: Brianna Connelly

AI Influence On Study Abroad

Study abroad students are at the forefront of a rapidly changing academic landscape, one where AI plays a pivotal role in shaping our educational experiences. From writing essays to providing instant access to a world of knowledge, AI has become an essential companion on our journey toward academic success. However, what happens when you take your studies abroad, and AI's influence extends across international borders?

Did that first paragraph seem dry and impersonal? If you noticed a striking resemblance between your AI-generated work and the first paragraph, you are not imagining things, as its author is none other than ChatGPT.

Given generative AI’s controversial reputation in the context of academia, I decided to test its utility in the study abroad experience. There is a myriad of ways that we can use AI, beyond assisting in our academic work. ChatGPT can produce meal prep plans, help with scheduling, provide time management and budgeting tips, brainstorm ideas for papers, and provide guidance on packing lists for weekend trips. To exercise ChatGPT’s versatility, I asked it to plan an itinerary for an evening hitting underrated and non-touristy spots in Florence. I brought my friends along to enjoy a ChatGPT-themed evening out in the city and this is how it went:

6:30 P.M.

To begin the evening, we walked across to the south side of the Arno River and arrived at our first destination, Café Volume (Piazza Santo Spirito 3), where we enjoyed a typical Italian aperitivo. The venue was a rustic and homey-looking interior that featured a bar, couches, old books, a piano, and a very friendly golden retriever

8:00 P.M.

For dinner, ChatGPT recommended local restaurant Le Volte (via dell’Orto 5R) The specific order suggestions given for this restaurant included the bistecca alla Fiorentina and the carbonara. We loved the restaurant's small and local feel, though the highlight was definitely the bistecca.

9:15 P.M.

Next on the itinerary was a visit to the small and modest Piazza del Carmine. The building is overlooked by the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine, a baroque-style church that is a welcome respite from the typical Renaissance architecture that features heavily in the city

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9:30 P.M.

Floreal (Borgo San Frediano 27/R), a vibrant mixology tarot card-themed bar, was next on the list All the drinks were unique, concocted with exotic ingredients, and displayed on tarot menu cards The sophistication was a breath of fresh air from the common bars that American students tend to rotate through.

10:30 P.M.

“Technologyisausefulservantbuta dangerousmaster”

ChatGPT suggested ending the evening with gelato from Gelateria Santa Trinita (Piazza de' Frescobaldi 11/R), and was a refreshing end to our journey -Christian Louis Lang

As my friends and I walked to each destination, we were struck by the overwhelming feeling that there was so much of Florence left to uncover. As busy study-abroad students, we rarely find the time to explore and dine at places that deviate from our routine Instead of spending time researching a detailed, off-the-beaten-path itinerary, generative AI was able to suggest highly rated establishments and provide detailed recommendations and descriptions Harnessing the power of AI in this way made our experience time-effective and culturally enriching.

AI will always have its caveats While we are students abroad looking to explore and experience a new city, we have an obligation to our studies. I could go into statistics and prove how plagiarism is an immense issue in the classroom, but what is a creation (AI) without its creator (humans)? Humans are the ultimate authors and producers Without us, there would be no living breath in literature and art. If creators learn to harness the power of their creation instead of depending on it, the intellectual and cultural achievements could be endless. So, while it may feel counterintuitive, Chat GPT can be your computer browser’s best friend while you are studying in a foreign country. That is, if you’re using it to plan next weekend's trip to Switzerland and not to write your essays

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ACADEMICS

By: Paige McGuinn

A distinctive aspect of the FSU Florence curriculum is the heavy emphasis on immersion in the Italian language and culture. Many courses are also geared towards freshmen in pursuit of attaining their gen eds. Communications majors are not left out and will find an excellent array of upper-level courses, making it easy for upperclassmen to make the most of their time in Florence.

Special Topics in Communication (COM 3930r) is designed for students to focus on topics currently relevant to communication

If you enjoy fashion and media studies, you’re in luck, because here at FSU Florence, we have an excellent Fashion & Media course! Whether you’re interested in the class or if it simply fulfills a requirement, or both, this class is captivating The professor does a wonderful job incorporating Italian culture into the curriculum, especially considering that Italy is a global fashion capital Between the course rarely being offered on the main campus in Tallahassee, the prestige of the FSU Florence fashion department, and the influence of Italy’s historic relationship with luxury fashion, it will give you an irreplaceable experience. My favorite moment of this class was a visit to a vintage luxury retail store where we were prompted to style and accessorize an outfit based on a trend.

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Florence is a metropolitan city with a plethora of flourishing industries, and students studying here have the perfect opportunity to learn about and advance their career paths. Known for fashion, media production, and business, Florence offers a unique historical presence within these industries that is difficult to find in the US.

Advancing Your Career Path: The Florentine Way

By: Paige McGuinn

The professors at FSU Florence, many of whom are lifelong Florentines or have lived in the city for a number of years, are all highly connected within their fields Coming from prestigious and successful backgrounds, the faculty here often bring in guest speakers relevant to the material or take advantage of class field trips by choosing sites tailored specifically towards the industry being studied. For example, in COM 4561 Social Media Campaigns, we had two social media influencers come in to give lectures and lead Q&A sessions. A few students from the class interviewed one of the guest speakers, the popular Florencebased American influencer Kacie Rose, and asked about her experience living in Florence We were even able to feature Rose in a highlight reel on the FSU Florence Instagram page!

In addition to the in-class activities provided by professors, class field trips offer students a unique chance to interact with locals on a professional level without the daunting task of speaking Italian or being fully up-to-date with the local customs These opportunities are designed to help students network with professionals outside of the FSU comfort bubble and the lens of American working culture. One such student, Sabrina Staab, took advantage of her RTV 3101 Writing for the Electronic Media class field trip to The Florentine, a local English-language publication. Discovering a passion for journalism, Staab recalls, “at the end I approached the editor, told her I was interested in shadowing her and she told me to email her. A couple of weeks later, I started interning there!” She also reflects that, “I think it [The Florentine] has definitely pushed me over to decide that I do want to do journalism because I originally went in undecided and I always had a passion for it. I think it's a really great first step and it's something I now want to pursue ” Paired with the field trip introduction to The Florentine, Staab’s initiative resulted in her unique experience that serves as a great resume builder, especially as a freshman!

Along with in-class resources, the professors themselves offer great value to students and are often overlooked as a great first step towards advancing your career path Whether in class by helping students uncover their passion, or outside by sharing knowledge about career paths, all of the professors here are happy to share their expertise.

FIRENZE

While in Italy, it’s important to consider not just your short-term experience here Although many of us are unlikely to come back to pursue a career in Europe, many of the non-native professors at FSU shared that they initially studied in Florence and eventually found their way back to the city. It just goes to show that it’s important to keep an open mind, as you never know, you might end up back in the city some day!

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By: Brianna Connelly

There is a level of counter-intuitiveness in including an article questioning the validity of aesthetics in a magazine that has been created to be pleasing to the eye. However, it is worth taking a step back to analyze the role of aesthetics in the study abroad experience The following text has been pieced together using a collection of responses from current FSU Florence students about their take on aesthetics and their effects on the student body.

Coming to Italy, many of us hoped for a picturesque experience Often, the standard by which we udge the picturesque is the degree to which something is considered aesthetic Aesthetics are usefu when one wants to present themselves in a specific light, like how many students in this program xhibit their personal styles to express who they are They do this through the clothes they wear, who hey hang out with, and the activities in which they participate.

At the same time, aesthetics can be problematic when they influence personal decisions to an xtreme degree Focusing on aesthetics in moderation can provide a healthy dose of inspiration and elf-expression Some people, however, somewhere on the journey of seeking authenticity, find xternal sentiments and styles to latch onto and make their own. Whether it be movie characters ongs, or a Tik-Tok subgroup, the labels these individuals identify with are theirs only by ssociation. Adopting a style that one sees fit for oneself can result in falling into a very niche and motionally taxing aesthetic group that when fixated upon, can become restrictive and debilitating. ndividuals often feel inclined to act and look in a way that is fabricated to meet certain criteria that ligns with the aesthetic they subscribe to This overemphasis on style can result in individuals no ngaging in potentially enriching activities for fear of transgressing the visual version of themselve hat they have created, even if it is not who they truly are.

So, are we just silhouettes to be colored by the world and the aesthetics we call ours? Authenticity is subjective and it is important to not let the construct of something that is subjectively beautiful restrict who you are. People are too complex to fit inside the walls of a Pinterest board. Express yourself authentically without adhering to the parameters of a media aesthetic

Yes, while much of Italy is beautiful and picturesque, not every experience here is. The most authentic beauty is naturally experienced, rather than fabricated or concocted There is beauty to be found in the small moments devoid of grandeur, like staying up all night talking to friends, walking home together in the evening post-dinner, or being stranded in a foreign country after arriving at the station a minute after your train's departure.

While our time here is temporary, the raw memories that are untouched by the false light of an aesthetic are timeless and will be carried with us regardless of where in the world we live

A Thank You To...

Dr Rahoul Masrani for educating us about the professional editorial writing style and being our main source of guidance throughout the development of Volume 15 The support and assistance that he provided was truly astonishing. We are sincerely grateful to him and for his input, supportive attitude, and helpful words,

Professor Costanza Menchi for guiding us through the graphics and visual elements of Volume 15. We are profoundly appreciative for her contribution and her in-depth knowledge of design, as well as her willingness to assist us throughout our own creative processes

Dr. Alan Pascuzzi for allowing us to interview him and for providing us with a knowledgeable, expert view of Florence from a tour guide’s perspective His heartfelt appreciation for the city of Florence provided us with inspiring viewpoints.

Professor Taylor Dimke for offering a meaningful perspective of the Florentine lifestyle, in addition to being generous with his time to provide further insight into these topics.

Program Assistant Ava Pizzuto for providing her insightful outlook on the FSU Florence Soccer Team. Her genuine excitement when speaking about the program was truly moving.

Sincerely, the Editors