This page created by Ali Gumpf

All pictures are courtesy of Valarie Orzechowski (Washington and Jefferson College Class of 2009). She spent her Spring 2007 semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Thanks for the pictures Val!

Viva Italia!

Strolling through the bustling city of Rome, gasping at the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, or taking a romantic and relaxing ride in a gondola in Venice are all experiences possible if you choose to study abroad in Italy. Italy is a beautiful country rich with culture, ancient architecture, and historic sights. The college years are the perfect time to broaden your horizons and experience the large world beyond the limits of Washington, Pennsylvania.

The study abroad program is one of the most underestimated opportunities offered here on the Washington and Jefferson College campus. Students are offered a once in a life opportunity to visit a plethora of countries, but my focus is on Italy. Part of the appeal of spending an entire semester in Italy is that your financial aid will transfer to cover the cost of your continuing education overseas. You will be responsible for buying your own plane ticket as well as any personal costs encountered while in Italy, including food, so you should budget a little more spending money than you might during a typical semester here in Washington. There are, however, multiple scholarships made available for those who are eligible (to help cover the approximately $1,000 flight), so you should not rule out the program solely because of tight purse strings.

There are several programs offered in Italy to provide each student the ability to choose the one that fits their personality and expectations the best. The experience varies depending on the city as well as program of choice. You can choose to be enrolled in a university in Italy and stay on their campus, or for those who are more interested in becoming completely absorbed in the culture, you can choose to live with an Italian family for the semester. Both are fabulous paths to be explored and the director of off campus study, Viet Ha, can assist you with any doubts you could possibly have. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to any program you could be interested in, and he will offer any assistance needed in order to allow each student the opportunity to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

When in Rome...do as the Romans do!

All of Italy is a fascinating place, but my interest is specifically the historic and cultural center: Rome. That is where I will be spending my fall 2007 semester. I will be enrolled in Temple University in Rome and there I will take various classes while living in an apartment (with two other students) with a full kitchen. I will have the opportunity to buy and cook my own food, which helps to keep the cost of food down as I will be able to avoid eating out every single day. It will also allow me to test my current culinary skills-or lack thereof!

Rome has a lot to offer as it is a huge city. I will be staying on the outskirts of Rome, approximately a twenty minute walk from its heart. This will allow me to be a part of the action, while avoiding the noise when I feel the need. The city is a bustling place and it's very unlikely that you would be able to see all it offers in a short three month span, but I intend to try! There are a few very famous sites that are must-sees when staying in Rome. These include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican Museums, and Vatican City as well as many other fascinating historical sites. If there are this many places to visit just in Rome, think about how many must be in the rest of Italy!

Rome is a beautiful and historical city that has much to offer and will keep anyone staying there occupied for their entire stay. No doubt, you will want to return again and again after experiencing some of the history and culture of this amazing country because there is no way to see the entire city in just a short three month stay. So start the process now! Spread your wings and consider taking a trip to Rome. Forget your inhibitions and explore the options available to you. I did and I am quickly learning that it is the best decision I have ever made because I will return a well rounded and more knowledgeable individual, ready to fearlessly take on the world!

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

From an interview with the Director of Off Campus Study, Mr. Viet Ha on April 13, 2007.

When asked what the most important aspect of the study abroad experience, Mr. Ha replied, "Becoming immersed in the culture." He went on to say that going to another country and learning to function on your own creates a well rounded individual who is then able to take on the world without a moment's hesitation. They truly understand that Washington, Pennsylvania is only a very small part of a much larger world. After returning to the United States, most students claim that they feel more prepared to handle anything that might be thrown their way. Spending a semester abroad also provides an additional perk when it comes to job interviewing. Employers are impressed and intrigued by an applicant who stepped out of their comfort zone and took a chance by leaving this country and spending a few months surrounded by a place and culture so different from what we have here. Also, students return knowing much more about themselves. They get to know things that may have never surfaced if they remained in their usual environment.

From an online interview with Sarah Wilt (Washington and Jefferson College, class of 2009) conducted on April 13, 2007.
     Sarah Wilt is currently a sophomore art major here at W&J. She spent her Spring 2007 semester abroad in Florence, Italy and offered some interesting insight into what the trip has meant for her.

     I asked Sarah what the most positive aspects of this time in Italy have been and she enthusiastically replied, "There are so many positive aspects about my experience in Italy. The most amazing thing is living in an entirely new culture. It's unbelievable." She went on to add, "It has really humbled me in so many ways." Sarah was adamant about who should travel overseas when she replied that "EVERYONE should study abroad! Period." That seems to sum up briefly her feelings for this semester as it comes to an end.

I created a bit of inner conflict when I asked Sarah what her favorite part of this trip has been for her:

"Do I really have to pick a favorite part? Ok, for my art history class we got to visit museums and churches and actually have classes right in front of all of the artwork. It was amazing. Also the culture, and living in Italy is just amazing in itself. I would really recommend Florence to everyone...(its the best). Plus, the studio art courses are also my favorite because I'm learning things that are not offered at W&J and are so interesting. Printmaking is a wonderful class and I really want to study it more in depth, as well as working with a nude model. For anyone interested in going to Italy, GO! Words cannot even begin to express how great of an experience you will have."

If I had any doubts at all about what studying abroad for a semester will be like, Sarah succeeded in calming those fears for me. I look forward to experiencing the same elation when speaking about my own trip. So take it from Sarah, GO. Try something new and learn about yourself in the process.

From an online interview with Abby Buyna (Washington and Jefferson College, class of 2008) conducted on April 14, 2007.

Abby Buyna is currently a junior here at W&J. She spent her Spring 2007 semester abroad in Florence, Italy.

Q: What are the positive and negative aspects of your experience in Italy?

Positives- Through this experience I've learned to be much more independent than ever. I know I can get by in a country where I don't speak much of the language. People are mostly really nice here and help you if you attempt to speak to them in Italian.
Negatives- not speaking the language! It's isolating to live in a world where you have not a clue to what's going on. It makes your circle of friends small too.

Q: Would you recommend this trip to other students?

I would recommend this to other students who are willing to be open minded to other cultures and people and who are willing to learn a new way of life and not complain about it the whole time.

Q: What will this experience help you with in the future?

This will definitely help me in the future when it comes to standing up for myself. Italians can be very forward and willing to speak their mind. Sometimes Americans are too polite!

Q: What has been your favorite part of the trip so far?

My favorite part of the trip has been getting to know the city I'm living in (Florence). Traveling to different places on the weekend is also great, but its difficult because you only have a few days to spend in each place. It doesn't allow you to actually see everything. Florence is a great city and I've learned its positives and negatives through my own experiences and through the classes I've been taking.

How to get to the pizza, pasta, and wine...

I realize that as an incoming freshman, you are focused on surviving and adjusting to college life, so preparing to spend a semester abroad is probably not high on your priority list. I completely understand this, but my advice is START EARLY! Think about whether you might possibly be interested in this opportunity somewhere down the road. It might not happen freshman year, but it could be plausible sophomore or junior year. The most important thing is to begin the process as soon as possible. Talk to Viet Ha, the director of off campus study. He can help you make the process as painless as possible and he can also help you determine what the ideal program would be for you. Talk to your advisor(s) in order to determine the ideal semester to study abroad and still stay on track with your major so you can graduate on time.

There are many steps but here are a few of the most important ones to keep in mind during this process.

1. Talk to Viet Ha, academic advisors, and financial aid.

2. Apply for acceptance to the W&J Study Abroad Program. This includes an application and essay.

3. Apply for acceptance to the specific program. For example, I applied to Temple University, Rome. It varies depending on the program, but mine was a typical college application.

4. Apply for a passport. Do this EARLY. They can take up to twelve weeks. Be sure to check the deadline for visa applications because you have to have possession of a passport in order to do this.

5. Apply for a visa.

6. Apply for scholarships. There are many scholarships available to you to help cover costs of the program and flight. Talk to financial aid.

7. Be aware of all deadlines: There will be a lot of information required by your host school such as housing and class registration, insurance information, and so on.

8. Book your flight. It is your own responsibility, so look around, explore your options, and try to find the best deal.

9. Have fun and good luck!

A Semester Abroad -- Italian Style

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Viva Italia!

When in Rome...do as the Romans do!

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

How to get to the pizza, pasta, and wine...

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(*b) Photo Album