This winter I am completing a virtual study abroad program through SAI. My program is based out of Florence, Italy and my class is Dante Alighieri’s Florence: Readings and Cultural Walks. Unfortunately, COVID ruined my plans for a Summer trip to Europe, however, I have found this class to be a nice alternative. For those interested in what a virtual study abroad program is like, it is very similar to any other online class. I have two virtual meetings a week along with daily assignments and readings. These assignments include reading Dante’s works, researching iconic Florentine locations, and basic Italian language lessons.
I would recommend those worried about COVID or going abroad in general look at the virtual programs being offered right now. I chose this program because I knew that it would be an excellent way to dive into the cultural geography of Europe through famous literature. As a Geography and Global Studies major, I found this topic very exciting. When reading Dante’s writings, one sees the importance of place to a person’s identity and perception of the world around them. As I read about Dante’s love for Florence, I have also reflected on my own geographic ties to the places I have lived. These places have influenced me and made me into the person I am today. While at UNL, I have found a passion for historical and cultural geography. I hope to continue my interests in these fields in graduate school. My virtual program has shown allowed me to reflect further on these interests and what I would like to focus on while in graduate school. While this program is not how I pictured completing my study abroad experience, it has been fun and has further solidified my hopes of going to Europe after the end of this pandemic.
“One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things.” -Henry Miller
William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community 