As I approach the first week of July, I have started to realize how much knowledge I have already gained. There were a couple experiences I have had in particular that have had a significant impact on me. The Carrara quarry marble tour in Carrara, Italy and the Museo delle Maioliche tile museum in Palermo, Italy. These two places I visited stood out to me because they were intriguing to me, as well as have a significance for my future career. As an interior design major, learning about materials in Italy has been eye opening to me. It is so fascinating to see places first hand when I have heard about them through my studies.

My first experience was the Carrara quarry marble tour in Carrara, Italy. One weekend I did not have plans, when a fellow peer asked me If I wanted to go to Carrara with them. She is also an interior design major and said that going to Carrara would be a great experience and way to learn more about marble. I am so glad I took this opportunity and risk to just say yes and go. Coming back from Carrara, I felt like I gained a deeper wisdom and understanding of why marble is so sought after and treasured.

We had the most positive, easygoing tour guide named Marco at the quarry. He really made the overall experience even better because I could tell he was very learned on the topic and he enjoyed talking about it. Something he taught us was how to distinguish if the marble is real carrara marble or if it is fake. He also explained to us that many places, especially in the United States, sell fake carrara marble for the same price as the real marble. I was thankful to learn about this because in my future interior design projects, this will be a useful factor.

I was able to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Carrara marble, which has been used in iconic sculptures and buildings, including works by Michelangelo and the Pantheon in Rome. He talked about sculptures in Rome which I had been to that are made of the Carrara which was sourced in the quarry I was looking at. It was a surreal moment to me to realize I was standing in a spot where Michelangelo had once been.

Also, I gained an understanding of how the extraction methods have evolved over centuries. It was fascinating to learn how they used to extract the marble, and how they risked their lives. In ancient Roman times, marble extraction was primarily done using manual tools such as hammers, chisels, and wedges. Workers would create small holes in the marble, insert wooden wedges, and then soak them with water to expand the wood and split the stone. The Romans employed the “panel” method, where a large vertical slab was isolated from the surrounding rock by chiseling narrow channels on three sides, then splitting the slab off the rock bed. The introduction of rope saws, which were thin ropes embedded with sand and water, allowed for more precise and controlled cuts. Workers began using more systematic quarrying techniques to extract larger blocks of marble with minimal waste. The 19th century saw the introduction of gunpowder and dynamite for blasting rock. This allowed for the extraction of larger quantities of marble more quickly, although it often caused significant waste and damage to the stone. Today, the extraction process is highly advanced, with computer-controlled equipment ensuring precision and efficiency. It is all extremely hard work and the workers should not go underappreciated.

My second experience, the Museo delle Maioliche tile museum, stood out to me because I have never gotten to see such old and beautiful tiles all in one place. The museum houses one of the largest private collections of antique maiolica tiles, featuring over 5,000 pieces dating from the 16th to the 20th

century. I got an in-depth look at the evolution of tile design and manufacturing techniques. It was fascinating seeing the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the maiolica tiles. Each tile is a work of art, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artisans who made them. The museum served as a source of inspiration for me, and gave me ideas for my future in interior design to incorporate traditional designs into contemporary work.

Even though I came into this experience open to learning new things and gaining wisdom, I do not think I understood how much I would actually learn. These two experiences will definitely stick with me now and in the future. I feel more confident with my knowledge of marble and tile, which will benefit me in my future career. I am thankful to have had these experiences and to have taken something really beneficial away from them as well. I recommend you to try new things and say yes to places even if it is last minute because you could gain wisdom that could be useful for your life.

-Adele Cox, Interior Design ’25

Coming to Italy, I was most excited to branch out and try new foods and local cuisine. As a former Instagram food blogger (underground account that only my close friends follow), it is fair to say that I really enjoy food, learning about the culture behind it and sharing this experience with others. This way they may come to appreciate this food too. On one of our class field trips, we had the opportunity to come to Palermo, Sicily and visit the Ballarò market, which is known for its Sicilian street food.

Upon entering Ballarò, I was immediately overwhelmed by the lively and chaotic atmosphere. Narrow pathways crammed with food stands, colorful tents, and the aromatic medley of freshly baked fish, herbs, and tomatoes created a sensory overload. Motorcyclists weaved through the crowds, while chefs yelled greetings to attract patrons to their stands. The experience was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, culminating in the moment I sank my teeth into a hot, fluffy piece of bread adorned with tomato sauce and fresh herbs. It felt like tasting a dish infused with the heart and soul of countless Sicilian ancestors. The market offered many culinary delights. From freshly squeezed orange juice, to fried octopus (Purpu vugghiuti), to chickpea flour fritters (Panelle), to veal intestine (Stigghiola), to snails (lumaca) sold by the kilogram, Ballarò truly had something for everyone. The diversity and richness in flavors captivated me.

To begin our food journey, we first stopped at a stand selling fresh bread with toppings, pizza, rice balls or “Arancina”, fried chickpea flour fritters (Panelle) and sesame cookies. The chef topped our pizza and bread from stems of fresh oregano wrapped in plastic. At this moment, I knew the food was going to be good. It just had that fresh and aromatic smell to it that I associate with quality food. The chef prepared our food right in front of us moving with haste and remaining energetic. He appeared to be proud of his concoctions and moved to the rhythm of the street. In this way, it felt like the market and streets themselves were breathing with energy and good vibes. While we were eating, another man down the street came dashing out of his tent with an octopus on each fist shaking them and yelling inaudible phrases as ongoers looked at the sea creatures with equal parts curiosity and disgust. This man was putting on a show and grabbing people’s attention so they would flock to his stand and see what he had to offer. Obviously, it worked because soon enough my attention was snatched and I was unknowingly drifting towards that stand. When I turned the corner, I was hit with the smell of fresh grilled fish and smoked meats. Following the ebb and flow of the market we then came upon a fruit stand that was squeezing fresh citrusy fruit into juice. They offered orange, pomegranate and lemon and we watched them press the juice right in front of us. Next, we tried some seafood which included fried octopus (Purpu Vugghiuti), small fried fish (Cicireddu) and fried calamari. I was also surprised by how affordable everything was for such fresh and what seemed like authentic

food. Apparently, the street market has its roots in making the most of available ingredients, often turning simple or leftover items into delicious and satisfying dishes. Additionally, I noticed that behind the tables, people were dancing, screaming and singing. The vendors’ lively personalities were mirrored in their unique, flavorful, and fascinating dishes.

This experience at Ballarò Market was more than just a culinary adventure; it was a lesson in appreciating the little things and venturing out to try new things. The vendors’ joyful attitudes were infectious, leaving me feeling light-hearted and free-spirited. It reminded me of the cliché signs you find in stores like Hobby Lobby, saying “life is short, dance in the kitchen.” While such quotes might seem cringeworthy, the vendors at Ballarò embodied this sentiment, living in the moment, dancing while cooking and cherishing life’s simple pleasures. This was impressive considering the vendors in the market probably live a simple life with a minimum living wage. It reminded me to appreciate the little things, like food that tastes good but also human connection and sharing joy with others. My visit to Ballarò Market in Palermo was a profound experience that extended beyond the food. It was a celebration of culture, human connection, and the joy of living in the moment. The market’s vibrant energy and the vendors’ infectious enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder to savor life’s simple joys, much like the flavorful dishes that had been crafted with love and tradition. If you ever find yourself in Sicily, a visit to Ballarò Market is a must, not just for the food, but for a taste of the true essence of Sicilian life.

-Jordan Brunson, Apparel Merchandising, ’25

Over the past three months, studying abroad has been an enriching experience that has allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective on the world. Italy, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine, has been a popular destination for students studying abroad and immersing themselves in a different environment. During the first couple of weeks here in the program, we took a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) assessment that measured our personal strengths and weaknesses when thrown into a new culture. This particular test split our results up into four different categories: CQ Knowledge, CQ Drive, CQ Action, and CQ Strategy. Before coming on this study abroad excursion, I would’ve thought myself to be someone who was culturally curious and knowledgeable because I liked to travel with my family. My Cultural Intelligence results told a drastically different story. I was surprised to learn that, in fact, I scored very low in cultural knowledge and drive, meaning that I lacked interest and confidence in new situations, shying away from things that weren’t familiar to me. I realized that I was actually unengaged in topics and was more close-minded to a new culture than I would care to admit. After becoming aware of this weakness and having to strip away my pride, I wanted to challenge myself to really understand and embrace what it means to be curious, engage in conversations with people who are different than me, and place more value on what I could learn from those conversations.

After opening my eyes to my needed improvements, studying abroad in Italy has offered me numerous opportunities for personal growth and progress, benefiting me in life going forward. Having to navigate unique situations, such as language barriers, has pushed me to immerse myself in a new culture by learning Italian phrases and sayings. In the first two or three weeks we were in Ariccia, doing simple things such as ordering at a restaurant or going to the grocery store, became challenging tasks because I was not familiar with the Italian language. I am far from fluent, but with my awareness of my tendencies in unknown situations and wanting to break those habits, I started to learn how to learn simple phrases and words. While it has made everyday life a lot easier, it has also improved my confidence in learning a different language and elevated my active listening skills, which will have lasting benefits academically and professionally. At home, I rarely had the opportunity to be around different types of people with different backgrounds and walks of life. Despite being uncomfortable at first, being in a new culture has illuminated my need to become more open-minded to new people and realize that learning from others offers the opportunity to become more aware and educated in yourself and the vast world around you. Within this newfound need to become more open-minded, I also discovered a passion for people. During our last weeks in Ariccia, we got to see a peak into some of the livelihoods of the migrants in Rome and listen to Issa’s story of immigrating to Italy. Through his story and seeing the hard work of these migrants, I was exposed to the hardships that a lot of immigrants face in their journey to have a new and better life in Italy. By understanding people’s cultures and how they are different and similar to what I’m familiar with, I have learned that, in retrospect, we are all more similar than we realize, just striving for better. Hearing their stories and seeing their joy and resilience has inspired me to exercise more compassion and empathy toward others in life. Compassion is never something that you can have too much of and listening to these stories awakened the emotion within me.

Studying abroad in Italy has been an eye-opening experience, stripping me of familiarity and what I thought to be true. However, these newfound realizations have also offered many invaluable opportunities for personal growth and maturity, embracing my illuminated weaknesses and being more open-minded to improvements. This experience in Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic environment, has been transformative, providing me with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, while possessing more of an awareness and drive to extend compassion to those who are different than me.

– Hollen Blalock, Event Management ’25

Traveling has always been an integral part of my life and my family’s life. My parents have consistently emphasized the importance of being well-traveled and experiencing different cultures and atmospheres. My siblings have all participated in study abroad programs, and I always knew that was something I too would want to do. When I started college, I was out of state, so it was enjoyable to experience a whole new perspective and meet new people. This only heightened my desire to travel abroad. I began exploring various abroad opportunities and discovered the JSB program. I immediately signed up. For the past year, this was all I could talk about, and my friends and family shared in my excitement. Upon arrival, I anticipated differences and numerous learning curves, but I never expected to learn as much as I have from this study abroad experience.

In class, we learn extensively about the culture and history of the beautiful country we are living in for three months. However, I have also gained insights beyond my expectations. It is only week five, and I can only imagine how much more I will learn by the end of this semester. Since arriving, I have learned the importance of appreciating the smaller things and slowing down. Our culture in America is very fast paced, always seeking the next big and new thing. Here, it is quite different, and this has taught me to cherish the experience itself. One significant difference I have observed is in meals and the time spent at them. In America, meals are often quick, even with dinners where you cook or sit down to eat; it’s typically a maximum of one hour. Here, they believe food should be savored with the company you are with. The waiter isn’t rushing you out, and you could be there for hours if you don’t ask for the check. This took some getting used to, but once I adjusted, I realized how much we miss out on in America. These moments of slowing down, sitting, and truly savoring the moment and the people you are with have been highlights of the experience. While the fieldtrip experience and exploring the country have been incredibly fun and enriching, the smaller moments have been even more impactful.

I have gotten to know my fellow study abroad students better, realizing that even though we are all from the same country and attend the same school, we have much to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

A particular moment that stands out to me occurred on my way back from my community engagement meeting at the senior center. While we were at the senior center, we wanted to connect with them more and ask them some questions about what they do and what they enjoy doing to best plan events for them. On our way back from this meeting we encountered two locals who were incredibly kind and invited us into what we would call “man caves.” One had a wine cellar and gave us a tour of his place. We learned that he had just freshly packaged the wine himself and showed us some jam that his wife had freshly made. Additionally, we learned that he was born and raised in Ariccia. He generously gifted us some of these items. We also learned that the neighbor was a former jewelry designer, and he showed us the jewelry he had made. Now, he pursues various forms and mediums of art as a hobby, and it was fascinating to see his creations. This experience has taught me that those small experience of getting out and learning about people is something that is not done enough. It was also an extremely cool experience to learn more and experience more of the city we are living in on a more personal level.

While on this experience, I have learned so much about Italian culture and history. More importantly, this study abroad experience has taught me the value of living in the moment and truly getting to know people. I specifically can get caught up in rushing onto the next task or thing. Sometimes I tend to see how I can do this the fastest way possible and can overlook the experience itself. This is a special gift that can sometimes be overshadowed by the pursuit of bigger, more exciting moments.

Caio and War Eagle!

Mary Lu Hudgins

If you were to ask someone who has never studied abroad before to picture studying abroad, I imagine that they would probably picture a group that goes to a few classes together but prioritizes going to places outside their base city. This is what I expected going into this semester, but I have found that it is more fulfilling to me to focus on what I’m learning in Ariccia. When signing up to study abroad, I knew I was signing up to learn new things. However, I expected the majority of the knowledge that I gained to be about academic subjects—which this program is definitely not lacking, but I expected to mostly be learning about the subjects being taught. However, I feel that I have learned more about myself so far this summer and also about culture and living simplistically.

I think I have learned more about myself in the past eight weeks than I have in both years that I have been in college so far. Putting yourself in such an unfamiliar, uncomfortable situation forces growth. I think that growth in myself can be seen in how well I know who I am as a person. I have never had an issue making friends before, but meeting twenty-one new girls at the same time made me somewhat self-conscious about my personality. When everyone was meeting each other at the beginning of the summer, it was hard to feel like people were getting to know me. I felt like I was being overshadowed by people with stronger personalities than me. This forced me to spend a lot of time reflecting about who I am as a person and what makes me, me. I began to rediscover the things that I love about myself. As the semester continued, the girls in the program continued to get to know me more and got to know the things about me that make me who I am.

I never really understood the term ‘culture’ before this summer. Growing up in the south of the United States, we always hear about how we have a different culture than in the northern United States. When I have traveled abroad in the past, I have obviously noticed differences in how foreigners do certain things, but I never understood the reason behind why they do things differently. Italians do things a certain way, different from the United States, because of their overall culture and way of life. For example, we noticed very early on in the summer that you have to ask your waiter for the bill when you are eating at a restaurant, when in the United States the waiter will normally bring it to you when you are done eating. This small difference in how Italians simply eat a meal is the effect of the slower lifestyle practiced in Italy. The fact that this difference is related to an overall difference in lifestyle is something that I would have never realized if I were just on a vacation to Italy. I have realized that sometimes you really have to understand something larger, such as the culture of where you are, to pinpoint why a place is the way it is.

One of the biggest differences that I have noticed between the United States and Italy is in consumerism. In the United States, we are so used to getting exactly what we want within twenty-four hours at the maximum. We consume so many products and discard them when we are tired of them. This has been a huge change for me because you really do not even have the opportunity to consume as much stuff here in Italy. We have access to everything that we need here, but sometimes you have to sacrifice the luxuries that you may have had in the United States. As a result of those sacrifices, I have discovered that I may not need all of those luxuries that I had in the United States. It is very peaceful to live simplistically here with a smaller wardrobe, a smaller room, and just way less stuff in general. I have become very good at using what I have and making it work.

The changes that I have experienced in the two months that I have been here make me feel like the whole experience is worth it. While traveling Europe is great, the self-growth that I have experienced is incredible. I will also never travel the same way I have in the past. Instead I will research the places that I travel before and try to experience some of the culture there when I visit. I will carry everything that I have learned this summer with me throughout the rest of my life.

Josie Buckalew