Fashion and Florence- My Study Abroad Experience
By: Grace Runkles
Have you ever thought about taking classes in another country? I didn’t until my History of Fashion class did a week study abroad trip to London and Paris, and I was bit by the travel bug! Experiencing Europe for the first time with my professors and friends gave me the confidence to do it on my own. So, I went to Stevenson’s study abroad website, and I signed up for the next summer session in Italy.
I spent five weeks in Florence studying fashion product merchandising and fashion consumer behavior. Classes were four days a week, and I spent the other three days visiting other cities in Italy such as Venice, Rome, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre! I got to experience an Italian trade show, the Gucci Gardens, the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, as well as tour the oldest leather school in Italy. I discovered so much about myself and the country, and I loved the experience more than I ever thought I could.
I lived with four other people in the most beautiful apartment in the heart of Florence. We all came from different parts of the country with different backgrounds, but we explored the city together and became great friends. I hope to return to this beautiful city one day, and I believe that in a post-pandemic world, we will all feel that excitement of traveling abroad again, safely. I recommend studying abroad to every student at Stevenson for personal growth and confidence, meeting new people, and appreciating new cultures.