A Mediterranean Odyssey: What students say

“This was the most amazing experience of my life. It got me so excited to live abroad and I met so many amazing people that have made being abroad in Florence so much better. The trip itself was unbelievable, the sites we saw were amazing and everything we learned was fascinating.
The Prequel trip was a great way for all of us to adjust to living in Europe and meeting new people. We all became so close during the Prequel travels that the actual orientation in Florence seem like a breeze—we were already adjusted and already knew so many people. I quickly adjusted to being independent in Florence, used to trying to communicate in a different language, to living in a different culture, and to finding my way around an unfamiliar city.”
Lisa Bamel
Syracuse University

“Traveling so much in such a short amount of time with other students definitely helped me to adjust. I am comfortable knowing everyone from the Prequel already, and knowing I'll see so many friendly faces around.”
Kristen Calogero
Johns Hopkins University

“It was just amazing to see all of the great sights and I look forward to seeing more during my stay in Florence.”
Jonathan Monfiletto
Utica College

“I didn’t know a single person when I came here, thus the trip allowed my to meet a great new group of people that I knew upon arrival in Florence. It was immensely helpful and a fantastic way to get to know at least 24 people very well.”
Katie R. Goldstein
Lehigh University

“Witnessing the cultures from Greece to Sicily helped me to better understand very different cultures than my own in America. I better appreciate their contributions to the world. I was slightly disappointed in the constant traveling, switching hotels and locations, but thanks to the Prequel, I was already adjusted to a different European environment by the time SUF orientation began, and I didn’t feel as overwhelmed or anxious as I would have.”
Kevin Greenhill
Univ. of Denver