从校园到鹅卵石:我在意大利佛罗伦萨的留学之旅  

如果你一年前告诉我，我会完成一个暑假 留学项目我不会相信你的. 对我来说，宝博体育似乎从来都不可能. 直到我做了. Studying abroad opened my eyes to the world around me as it required me to expose myself to new people, 经历, 和文化. This is something I couldn't learn and fully comprehend in a classroom as I did IRL with my 经历 below.

Jordan Komisarski, Point Park大学的学生.

出发前  

准备好迎接千载难逢的机会，潜入未知世界, there was a whirlwind of preparations and emotions that led to my destination, 意大利的佛罗伦萨. 它始于东航卡帕的接受. 我知道这是千载难逢的机会, 一个让自己融入新文化的机会, 交一辈子的朋友, and gain a fresh perspective on the world as I never traveled internationally before. The countdown officially began, and I was months away from a new adventure! The most important steps of pre-departure were paperwork, creating a budget, and packing. 

文书工作 

Passport verification, health forms, housing agreements – the process appeared overwhelming. 值得庆幸的是, 东航卡帕在几周内展开了所有的需求, 东航卡帕顾问可以为您解答任何问题或疑虑.  

预算 

然后是制定预算的时候了. 我一丝不苟地收集我的积蓄, 预测我的支出, 并准备了一份预算，使我能够成功, 然而, 价格适宜的,旅行.  

包装 

最后是包装难题. 带些什么，留下些什么? I spent hours pondering this and months gathering clothes for my “European Summer” – linen pants, 件裙子, 礼服, 当然，所有的中性色都是必须的, 但实用的必需品也是如此. My biggest recommendations are designated shoes for abroad (I recommend Dr. Scholl的运动鞋，因为它们很舒适，很容易穿搭。, 一个迷你发刷，让你的头发随时准备拍照, 和一个风扇(以防你遇到欧洲的热浪).   

Before I knew it, I said my goodbyes and boarded a plane to go across the world!  

从我的飞机上看从PIT到FLR.

让自己沉浸在一门新的语言中  

As a beginner, I took on the challenge of learning Italian while living in 意大利. It's a rollercoaster ride but let me take you through the highs and lows of my language adventure.  

在意大利走下飞机感觉就像一场梦. 新鲜出炉的披萨的香味在空气中飘散, the picturesque streets lined with charming cafés – it was a feast for the senses. 但有一个小问题——我一句意大利语也不会说. 我的第一堂意大利语课让我既兴奋又担心. 我得到的问候是“你好”!我的热心教授Daniela Lateana，她是佛罗伦萨人.    

One of the perks of studying abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language every day. 我很快意识到学习意大利语并不局限于课堂. I used what I learned and practiced on locals around 弗洛伦斯 when introducing myself (“Ciao, 亲爱的乔丹”), 在咖啡馆点餐(“uncornetto”), 每优待”), 或者处理金钱(“quanto costa”)?"). 然而，学习一门新语言也不是没有挫折的时候. There were times when I stumbled over verb conjugations or struggled answering questions. At the end of the day, it was the little successes that motivated me to keep on learning.  

课堂上使用的初级意大利语教材和练习册.

平衡的学者 & 探索  

Finding the perfect balance between textbooks and soaking up the Italian culture is a challenge worth embracing. 以下是我在佛罗伦萨作为一名学生冒险家的生活点滴:  

早晨

My weekdays (Monday – Thursday) kicked off with my Beginner Italian class from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. I found the lectures engaging and the professors passionate about their subjects.  

下午

下课后, 我抓起午餐, 漫无目的地在鹅卵石街道上漫步, 在最著名的咖啡馆啜饮浓缩咖啡和卡布奇诺, 或者回到我的学生公寓，在一个激动人心的夜晚之前放松一下.   

时间管理 

Balancing academics and exploration required some nifty time management skills, 尤其是小测验, 中期选举, 和决赛. I learned it was best to complete my homework and study right after class when it was the hottest outside. Then I could enjoy exploring, going to dinner, nightlife, and especially my 周末旅行.  

米开朗基罗的大卫.

周末 

周末才是真正的冒险发生的时候. The proximity of 弗洛伦斯 to other Italian gems makes it an ideal base for weekend wanderlust. 我跳上火车去探索附近的城市，比如 罗马比萨、五渔村和阿马尔菲海岸. 在佛罗伦萨，额外的旅行机会是无穷无尽的.  

悬崖边的村庄，波西塔诺，在阿马尔菲海岸.

难忘的时刻  

当我回忆起我在佛罗伦萨留学的时光, 意大利, 我意识到这简直就是一次神奇的冒险. Among the countless memorable moments I cherish, some left a lasting mark on my heart:  

圣的盛宴. 约翰

圣节. John, held on June 24th, is 弗洛伦斯's way of honoring its patron saint, St. 施洗约翰. 整个城市充满了庆祝活动, but what truly sets this night apart is the grand finale – a fireworks display over the Arno River. It was amazing to see locals come together – cheering, clapping, and singing. The fireworks illuminated the skyline and I felt grateful for the opportunity to join in celebration and be enriched in Italian culture upon arrival.  

卢卡一日游

Lucca, a charming walled city, was one of the included day trips offered by 东航卡帕. 我们很早就出发了，跳上了火车. 到达后，我和朋友徒步游览了这座城市. We walked around, ate lunch, and climbed the stairs of one of the bell towers. For the second half of our day, we cycled along the well-preserved Renaissance walls for a bike tour.  

卢卡充满活力的街道.

烹饪课

Another included 东航卡帕 excursion was an authentic pasta cooking class at Chefactory Cooking Academy. 在那里，我们学会了从零开始准备令人垂涎的意大利面. Rolling out dough and crafting a zucchini appetizer and two pasta dishes was a delightful hands-on experience.   

在Chefactory烹饪学院上烹饪课.

告别宴会

随着我的留学项目即将结束, 东航卡帕在La Beppa Fioraia举办了告别晚宴. 这个晚上充满了笑声、祝酒和诚挚的演讲. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that this chapter of our lives was coming to a close. 然而，我们在一起的时光所建立的纽带将永远存在.  

I can't help but be grateful for these unforgettable 经历 that enriched my study abroad experience. Each one contributed to my trip, making it an unforgettable chapter in my life's story. 弗洛伦斯, with its art, history, and vibrant culture, will forever hold a special place in my heart.  

Jordan Komisarski is a Fall '23 Insider who studied abroad with 东航卡帕 in 意大利的佛罗伦萨. She's currently studying marketing and sales with a minor in public relations, 广告, 和社交媒体.