Exploring Italy

10/13/2014 3:11 PM

By Danielle Fitch ‘15

Bradley’s study abroad program offers students an opportunity to broaden their horizons by traveling overseas and participating in different cultures whether they choose to stay for a few weeks or an entire school year. Hospitality leadership major Lindsey Burton ’15, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, is spending the Fall 2014 semester at Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy.

“Every day is a new adventure, Burton said. “I can walk everywhere and familiarize myself with the Italian culture, including the art, music, food, shopping and daily lifestyle.  It’s a city so rich in all of its traditions which I love being able to be a part of.”

Classes offered at the University of Florence, all of which transfer to Bradley, present a variety of experiences for Burton. In Restaurant Management, Lindsey and her fellow students work shifts in the Ganzo, a student-run restaurant, while Creative Advertising takes her to local museums and artisans. Burton’s favorite class, Mediterranean Diet, gives her the opportunity to participate in cooking labs, tastings, and food tours all with Italian flare, of course.

Traveling offers students an opportunity to branch out and become more self-confident. Learning how life works in a different culture equips students with the skills necessary to acclimate themselves to unique circumstances.

“I have learned to adapt to new surroundings and familiarize myself with local customs,” Burton said. “Cross-cultural communication is a skill which I could always use professionally.”

While traveling on the weekends and volunteering at a community garden, Burton is making the most out of her experience abroad by interacting with the community on a variety of levels. The busy schedule taught her two valuable lessons:

 “Get as involved as possible and go out and experience as much as you can,” she said. “Also, pack light! You’ll want to bring lots home with you and you’ll need room to fit it!”

Burton is looking forward to packing as much cross-cultural experience as possible into her last two months in Italy. Though study abroad has prepared Burton with the skills to adapt to different cultures and values, it is the memories that the adventure provides which will remain with her for a lifetime.