Saint Rose Studies Abroad: Florence, Italy Edition

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and alluring opportunities a Saint Rose student can experience.

For the next several weeks, we’ll profile many students who studied abroad and learn about their different experiences. Maybe, it will spark your interest. Maybe, you don’t know if studying abroad is right for you. Either way, we encourage you to reach out to the Saint Rose Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@strose.edu. With a world that’s increasingly becoming more intertwined, you won’t regret the experience.

Study abroad profile:

Kiara Alicea ’21, Inclusive Early Childhood Special Education

Where are you studying abroad?

The Florence University of the Arts, Florence, Italy was where I was studying abroad but, I have been to a bunch of places in Italy, Barcelona, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Austria and Switzerland.

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I have never travelled outside the country and I have always wanted to study abroad and travel the world.

How has your experience enhanced or informed what you’re studying at Saint Rose?

As I have said before I am a education major so it was hard to take my major classes abroad but I took my liberal arts classes abroad. I also signed up to teach Italian children English. It was one of the best things I did while abroad.

Did you get the opportunity to travel while studying?

I have been to many places during my time abroad and I have learned way too many interesting things to even write down, but Florence is full of history that is both amazing and beautiful!!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a student who is contemplating studying abroad?

Just go for it!! Everything will be still at home when you come back!! Studying abroad helps you find yourself and will also let you check some countries off your bucket list!! It will also let you make life long friends!! Also, I got to spend my birthday in London!! That is once in a lifetime!!

How have you grown as a person by experiencing different cultures or developing new friendships?

I am going to be honest at first, I hated studying abroad. I didn’t have friends yet, I missed my family, I wasn’t used to living by myself, and I was new to the city. As my time here went on, I fell in love with the cities and countries I went to. I did a lot of solo traveling, with an agency of course, and I met my best friends during these trips. You also find out a lot about yourself because you must depend on yourself and no one else. In Saint Rose I was always hesitant to make new friends and be outgoing but studying abroad I am way more outgoing and can not wait to bring that back to Saint Rose.