Summer 2013 Participant
Being exposed to a completely different culture, language, customs, beliefs, and so on. It was such an amazing experience!!!
Summer 2013 Participant
I don't know if I can pinpoint my favorite part of the program. I enjoyed everything from visiting the social service agencies and learning about them to spending time and getting to know the group I traveled with.
Cynthia Christine Marta, Summer 2013 Participant
There were several cultural things that differed from the U.S. 1) People in Italy generally take their time and enjoy things instead of rushing so it's best not to get extremely anxious over the time 2)Italian culture places a large emphasis on family, Catholicism, and story telling 3) They are very polite during conversation and wait to have their turn to speak; whoever is speaking at that time has the floor and shouldn't be interrupted 4) the weather was similar to that of Kansas: varied unpredictably from moment to moment 5) beware of strangers offering to help you in train stations 6) restrooms in train stations require you pay 1 Euro to use the facility 7) never ask for parmesan cheese on your pizza because it's considered offensive 8) if you want to eat lasagna you have to go during lunch time because they're always out by dinner time 9) In Florence, restaurants outside the Duomo close in the afternoon from 2-7ish 10) bring nice clothes, because Italians don't wear jeans and t-shirts everywhere 11) bring cloth bags for groceries 12) remember water isn't free