Maria Dolgetta - Florence, Italy

Maria Dolgetta is studying to be a secondary Spanish and Italian teacher. She had the opportunity to spend a semester at the Lorenzo di Medici School in Florence, Italy. She reports,

“I still cannot believe that everyday, on my way to class, I walk passed the Duomo. It’s amazing how well I have adapted to my new surroundings and how well I have gotten to know the city. Along with my daily class, there are mandatory guided visits to historical churches and museums across the city as well as weekly seminars all conducted in Italian. I fear I might have trouble speaking English when I return home!

I was chosen to be somewhat of a teacher’s assistant in my 9-credit intensive Italian course. My professor would allow me to go over homework exercises with the class and answer any questions the students had on the grammar topic being covered. In addition to this program I am taking an Italian culture and civilization class as well as Masterpieces of Italian Literature, all conducted completely in Italian.

I was given the opportunity to go to one of the local high schools to speak with the students about the difference between the Italian and the American school systems. This was a great experience for me, knowing that I will one day be teaching these first hand experiences to American students.”