“This experience will help me moving forward by giving me an overall broader perspective of the world, how it functions and how different people interact with each other,” said Natalie Swallow, a political science major who is currently abroad on the Arcadia Abroad - ISI Florence program.
Swallow is spending the spring semester in Italy, where she is attending the International Studies Institute taking a political science class, Italian, and two exciting elective courses that highlight photography and fashion communications.
“I am half Italian, so for me, I wanted to learn more about my heritage while being able to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. I can study in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and every weekend I travel to new countries. I think many people do not step outside their comfort zone and take this time while in college to explore the world and be able to experience something like this, so I wanted to make sure I did. It is such a personal development opportunity and the learning here is endless,” reflected Swallow.
When she’s not in class, Swallow is enjoying the incredible city of Florence as well as making excursions to other surrounding countries.
“While being abroad, I have learned how independent and comfortable I am while being put in new situations like this. I think being away from home, and especially in a new country for four months, it really brings the best (and worst) out of everyone, and each person learns so many new things about themselves!”
Whether its snowboarding in Switzerland or visiting the Olympic Village in Milan or even seeing concerts in Bologna, Swallow is certainly making the most of her experience and will take the lessons she’s learned back to campus and beyond.
“I think many people from the United States do not have a very good understanding of how life is outside of the country they live in, so being able to first handedly experience something that most people will not, I believe will give me a step above others when it comes to working professionally,” said Swallow. “The freedom to be able to travel Europe in my 20s while being here is such a blessing, and I am so thankful to have the privilege to experience this opportunity!”