The Postcards from Abroad series now travels to Italy to check in with Renee Gioe of the Muhlenberg track and field team. She is a accounting major and is currently studying abroad in Florence. Here is a report on her travels.
Have you visited any other cities or countries other than your home base? If so, where was your favorite and why?
So far, I have v
isited Greece, Spain, Ireland, Czech Republic and many cities around Italy that include: Rome, Pisa, Milan, Lake Como and Montalcino. My favorite country has been Greece because I enjoyed seeing many historical monuments scattered throughout Athens and soaking up the sun on the black sand beaches in Santorini. The food was also delicious and I was able to try a lot of authentic cuisine such as moussaka, gyros and spinach pie.
What classes are you taking? What class is your favorite?
I am taking a mix of Italian culture, language and business classes. My courses include: Communicating in Italian, Web and Social Marketing, Exploration of Wine Culture in Italy, Vegetarian Cooking and Tuscany and its Wines. My favorite classes are my Italian culture courses because my professors are very passionate about the course material. I am learning a lot of useful information applicable to my daily life in Florence and have gained a greater understanding of local traditions and routines.
What made you want to go abroad?
Before going abroad, I had never left the United States so I really wanted the chance to see more of the world. Traveling is an eye-opening experience and it is truly amazing immersing myself in many different cultures and gaining new experiences in every city. I also really wanted to practice a new language and meet new people from diverse backgrounds.
What are you doing to train and prepare for your sport while so far away?
It is very convenient that the school I am attending has a free gym for students equipped with a cardio and weight room. I try to go every day during the week in order to stay in shape. I also love running around the streets of Florence and exploring new places I have never seen before. It can be difficult to navigate the streets near where I live in the city center, but just over the Arno River is a perfect place to escape the tourists and run up to Piazzale Michelangelo that has a rewarding view of the entire city after climbing many stairs to the top.
Any words to your team back home?
I hope that they are having a great outdoor season so far. I know they have been training hard all year and that their hard work will pay off! I miss seeing my teammates every day, but I will be back very soon! I am sad that I cannot compete this season, but I will be back better and stronger than ever for senior year!
Previous "Postcards":
Gary Pershad, Men's Soccer (Madrid, Spain)
Ashley Noel, Women's Golf (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Hanna Caiola, Softball (Siena, Italy)
Kaci Gregory, Track & Field (Aix-en-Provence, France)
Shana Joseph, Track & Field (Sydney, Australia)
Erin Pachter, Track & Field (Florence, Italy)
Michael Havkins, Track & Field (Maastricht, the Netherlands)
Amelia Shelley, Softball (Salamanca, Spain)
Kailey Fandl, Women's Lacrosse (Maastricht, the Netherlands)
