Keep Calm and Study Abroad

Before Schyler McGuire (Criminal Justice and Psychology, Class of 2017) left to study abroad at Florence University in Italy, she recalled having a rush of different emotions. Most importantly, she remembered being frightened. She had no idea what to expect on this big adventure that she was about to embark on. She was concerned of her things being stolen and feared that she would not make any friends during her trip. Although she felt anxious about all of those things, she was ready for whatever was in store for her; she knew that it would give her the opportunity to open up and meet new people.

When I and McGuire caught up over Facebook Messenger, she said that she had made a lot of new friends. Of her roommates, McGuire told me, “I love my roommates and we’ll be friends even after my program ends!”

McGuire reported that Florence, Italy is the most beautiful place that she has ever been too. The weather is warmer and everything is smaller. From the cars and the apartments, to the showers and the toilets, the beds, sidewalks, streets, and even the dinner plates! McGuire even offered some useful, Over-21 information: Happy hour in Florence, as she said, is called “Aperitivo” in Italian. You can get appetizers with a glass of wine or a cocktail at a very cheap price (only 10 euros).

McGuire also spoke to me about how her classes were going over there. She mentioned that there are about six or seven buildings that make up the entire university. All of her classes are held in the main building, which brings her joy since the other buildings are a ‘hike to get to’. Currently, she is taking international courses, which she enjoys because she is interested in learning more about what is going on in other places. She has classes once a week for two and a half hours long. McGuire’s classes are all taught in English. Outside of class time, she goes to visit places and writes about them. The other day she said she went to a church to see how different it was in comparison to a Catholic Church in the United States and then wrote a piece about it for class.

McGuire was pleased to announce that she is enjoying her time in Italy with her new friends and found experiences. Her decision to study abroad has provided her with the ability to explore new places, to learn about them, and to make new, long-lasting relationships. When on campus, you can find McGuire hanging out with friends or at her Cross Country/Track & Field practices. Make sure to ask her more about her journey when she returns in the Fall 2016 semester!

Schyler McGuire’s view from her classrooms.

Schyler McGuire alongside her two roommates Tess and Michelle.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.