Students, faculty and staff filled the Nest on the second floor of the student center on Wednesday March 19 at 1 p.m. for Discover Florence: The Duomo.  Hosted by Kent State study abroad and The Office of Global Education, students watched a documentary about the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore dome located in Florence followed by an open discussion about feelings and expectations for Florence.

Kristin Stasiowski, Director of International Programs and Education Abroad said the historical look and feel of the city is what makes Florence so beautiful.

“Florence is still a very medieval city with its structures,” she said. “The dome is the defining architectural characteristic of the city of Florence.”

Senior art history major Margalit Schindler studied in Florence Summer 2013.  She said she visited the dome within her first few days of being there.  “The dome was absolutely stunning,” she said. “When you get to the top you can actually see the whole city of Florence and it was absolutely breath-taking. That was one of the greatest moments I took away from studying abroad and I will cherish it forever.”

Ediz Kaykayoglu, assistant director of Education Abroad said the dome is one of his favorite parts of Florence. “When you visit the dome you will be wrapped up in the beauty as well as the history of it,” he said. “There really are endless possibilities to what you will take away from your study abroad trip to Florence. Students have so many opportunities to learn from sites such as the dome.”                                                                                                          

The Florence program is available for students majoring in architecture and interior design, communications, journalism and visual design, fashion design and merchandising, and teacher education.

Mallory Galbreath, senior integrated language arts major plans to study in Florence for the Spring 2014 teacher education program. “I’m so excited to travel to Florence to be able to discover things I would never imagine,” she said.  “I tend to get nervous thinking about traveling and studying abroad but coming to these events puts my mind at ease.”

The Office of Global Education wants to prepare the students getting ready to study abroad in Florence, Kaykayoglu said.  “We like to have these events for the students so that all of the time in between applying for study abroad and leaving for Florence keeps them aware and interested as well as prepared and excited.”

The next event being held for students studying in Florence for the Fall 2014 program is the pre-departure orientation.  Amber Bollinger, advisor of study abroad will go over final details and any concerns students have before departure.

“We will cover all of the last minute details and I will answer any questions students still have at that point,” she said.  The pre-departure orientation will take place Saturday, May 3.  Students will be notified about time and place at a later date.

For more information on any other questions on the Florence program or planning your study abroad trip visit the Office of Global Education in Van Campen Hall, located across from the Ice Arena and in front of College Towers apartments.  

Contact Chelsey Milkovich at [email protected].