Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Ciao! My name is Hiwa Brown. I chose to study in Florence, Italy through the AIFS direct program. AIFS sets up a 90-day semester program that helps you feel immersed in the city of Florence. In addition to experiencing Florence, AIFS also coordinates trips to Siena, Venice, and Rome for the students. We also have additional activities such as wine tasting, attending an Italian opera, and doing a cooking class which are made available through the program.

While abroad I have been studying studio art and art history, which has been amazing considering Florence is full of Renaissance art. Twice a week I spend just over two hours painting in an art studio a short walk from our study center. While this semester abroad no doubt looks different compared to past semesters in Florence, I am grateful that I can experience it. With only 10 other students participating in this semesters program, we have become extremely close as we spend a lot of time together exploring our temporary home. Every staff and faculty member associated with the program has been incredibly warm, inviting, and helpful. I can go to any of my professors and ask them for dinner recommendations, fun day trip locations, or even where I should catch the train to that weekend.

The people of Florence are also kind and understanding, I have never once felt ostracized for any reason. Overall, the people make the place and all the people I have been fortunate enough to meet make this place feel like a home.

I would like to thank the Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholarship for helping to make my study abroad experience possible.

Famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence:

Walking to the art studio with fellow students:

Art project for Intro to Painting course (a cityscape of Florence):