What made you decide to study abroad?

JF: I always knew I wanted to study abroad after learning about how accessible it was for Muhlenberg students, and that was a major incentive for my initial enrollment at the College. I knew I wanted to study abroad in college as I knew I would most likely never get another opportunity to spend such an extended amount of time outside the U.S.

What is one thing you miss most about Muhlenberg?

JF: I miss seeing my friends and teammates every day at Muhlenberg the most. I miss walking on Academic Row and seeing familiar faces in between classes. 

IP:  I miss seeing my teammates and other friends around campus, and meeting at the dining hall for dinner.

What classes are you taking? Do you have a favorite?

JF: I'm taking five classes over my time in Italy. I've already completed my Introduction to Italian class and I am currently taking Food Culture and Society of Italy, Global Economy: History and Evolution (for my economics major), and Human Resource Management (for my business administration minor). Additionally, this semester the Florence program was lucky enough to have a Muhlenberg faculty member come with us. She is teaching a really special course called Memory and Memories of World War II in Italy. My favorite class would be Memory and Memories of Italy since it's so interactive. I've learned so much about the lasting effects WW2 has had on Italy.

IP: I'm taking a class about health and fitness in the Mediterranean, which is my favorite because I've gotten to try rowing on the Arno River. In this class, we also learn about nutritional content, and do tastings of local food: prosciutto, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, etc.

How have you kept up with your sport while abroad?

JF: Primarily I've been able to keep up with volleyball through walking everywhere. I live about a 30-minute walk to all of my classes so that's been quite a shift from my commute at Muhlenberg. I also was recently able to catch a pro volleyball match between two Italian teams. Some of the players on both teams used to play for really big name NCAA Division I and Big 10 teams so it was really cool to see some of my role models from growing up play in Italy.

IP: There is a small gym available for students that I utilize as often as I can, but I'm mostly focusing on maintaining my mobility, so I stay healthy when I start playing again this summer.

What is one way you have been challenged while studying abroad and how have you overcome that challenge?

JF: The biggest way I've been challenged when abroad is the language barrier. I have acquired some very basic Italian skills that can get me through basic interactions at stores and restaurants. My Introduction to Italian class definitely aided me in learning the basics and getting through daily life here. 

IP: Being that I cook for myself and my roommate most days, I've had to figure out how to put together balanced meals that don't get repetitive, and navigate grocery shopping such that it fulfills its intended purpose of being cheaper than eating out. I try to rotate between different protein and vegetable combinations, and try out food that's produced locally.

Do you have any words for your teammates back home?

JF: Absolutely. I can't wait to see everyone for the start of the season and I miss everyone so much! Keep working hard and see everyone soon :) 

IP: I love you MVB!