Administration & Staff

As a teenager, I was lucky enough to have loving and courageous parents. They gave me a nest and they gave me wings as well, as the saying goes. At sixteen they asked me if I wanted to spend a year in the USA as a student on a program called “Experiment in international living.” A few months later I landed in Florida, where I lived with a local host family near Daytona Beach for my whole junior year in a local high school. It was 1985-86 (the same year MTV was launched) and I had the time of my life.

I thus started thinking that serving as some kind of liaison between the USA and Italy would be a fascinating, rewarding job. I only had to focus on a specific niche, as it were. Since I was not good enough in sports and an acting career was out the picture, I opted for academia. After all, I was studying Latin and Greek, so why not turn a torment into an asset? Being quite repetitive, I ended up getting two MA’s (one from “Università di Firenze,” the other from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.) and two Ph.D’s (one from Yale, the other, again, from “Università di Firenze”) before becoming the director of The International Studies Institute (aka ISI Florence).

I have been in international education as a teacher and an administrator for some twenty-five years now. Working with students and scholars is a privilege. It’s more than a job; it’s a mission. It takes love, passion, hard work, and originality. In this field, one can help and learn a lot on a daily basis. That’s why, finishing this short bio, the following words from one of my favorite songs spring to mind: “I wish you were here.”

Caterina has spent her whole career working with American universities and has been with ISI Florence since 2004. Discovering the world of academics and students, Caterina realized that she wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

Her frequent visits to American campuses to promote international education has given her keen insight into the cultural bridges that students must cross to make their adventure abroad a valuable one. While Italy’s universities don’t have the same campus structure as US schools do, she considers Florence a comparable campus-like size and lifestyle and encourages students to live the whole city experience.

Besides an extensive traveler and reader, Caterina can also be seen galloping on horseback, whizzing by on skates, or volunteering with the Red Cross.

I was born and raised in California, but having lived here for the better part of the past 20 years, Italy feels just as much my home as the US.

After spending my junior year studying in Trento, Italy as part of the University of California Education Abroad Program, I couldn’t wait to make my way back!

I earned my BA in Sociology and Italian Language & Literature from UCSB, and my MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. I feel very lucky to have worked at both US and Italian higher education institutions which have allowed me insight into both systems as well as what students may experience at every step of their international experience. 

My biggest piece of advice to those of you who are embarking on your time in Italy: understand it’s not all “bella vita” all the time. Living abroad can be very rewarding, but it’s no joke. Just know those times that feel most difficult at the moment will turn into some of your favorite memories of how you made it through the challenges. You can do it! And we’re here to help.

Born and raised in Termoli, an enchanting fishing town on the Adriatic coast, he came to Florence in August of 2011 and immediately felt at home. “The very next day after my arrival, I already had people offer me coffee,” Rino fondly remembers.

He studied Communication Science and wrote his master’s thesis on “Organization of Business Communication Systems.”

Before organizing the housing systems at ISI Florence, Rino worked in the human resources department for a major international American printed circuit board company.

Detail orientated, an able multitasker, and “obsessed” with organizational learning, he defines himself “brilliant in understanding people’s needs.”

He loves sport (from soccer to functional training) and is very interested in fitness and wellness in general. This is only surpassed by his passion for motorcycles (he owns two) and jazz.

“I adore all of Italy. I love to hop on my motorbike and take off for a new adventure without any precise destination.”

Rino’s favorite travel quote: “Traveling not only broadens one’s mind; it gives it form.”

Advice to students: “Speak to people, ask for information, take public transportation, travel by train, always leave time for a simple walk around without any precise destination in mind. Observe!”

Born and raised in Florence but half of her heart is in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Noa studied Economic Development and International Cooperation at the University of Florence. Before working at ISI Florence, she interned at the U.S. General Consulate in Florence and worked at an International Law office. 

When she isn’t working, she volunteers her time to the Jewish Community of Florence, which she is a part of. 

She loves traveling, so much so she has been going back and forth to the U.S. since she was 3 months old, and has traveled for education such as New York for the Model United Nations, and to Norway for an exchange program with Norwegian students.

She likes keeping up with current events, learning new cultures by eating through various cuisines, and, when she has the time, driving through Tuscany to the various “Borghi”.

Emiliano was born and raised in Florence, where he now lives with his three dogs. After getting his Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Event Planning in Florence, he decided to get a Master’s in Cinema & Television because of his passion for the entertainment industry. Emiliano loves traveling and his favorite city in the world is London, where he goes every time he can. “I fell in love with London since the moment I landed. London allows you to be you, and there’s nothing more important and beautiful than that”.

Before working at ISI Florence, Emiliano worked for a coworking space in Florence as the Host and Event Manager, and he discovered his interest in working with people of different backgrounds who have different stories to share. This has led him to be more interested in the study abroad experience.

“I think meeting people from all over the world allows you to be more empathic and open-minded. People have different stories to share and you can always treasure it”.

Viola is from Certaldo, a town known for being the birthplace of the great poet Giovanni Boccaccio, as well as for its famous Certaldo onions.

She pursued a degree in Communication and later specialized in International Relations at the University of Siena, spending part of her studies in Leuven, in Belgium’s Flemish region. Before joining ISI Florence, Viola interned at the Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Florence and the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union in Brussels.

Viola has a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures, but what she values most is forming friendships around the world.

In her free time, she volunteers (focusing on social media), enjoys going to the gym, and is an avid fan of crime literature.

Ilaria was born and raised in Florence, where she got a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature and a masters degree in Linguistics. She herself experienced a summer program abroad in Finland during her university studies. Like every Florentine, she is absolutely convinced that Florence is the most beautiful city in the world, but this doesn’t keep her from her love of traveling.

“Traveling helps you learn a lot. It opens your mind, because you get in contact with new cultures and people. You get to know new sides of your personality that you could not even imagine and sometimes you face challenges that make you stronger. I also believe that trying to speak a little of the local language is a plus when you travel. When possible, I try to do this because it helps you immerse yourself in the new culture and makes locals very happy. So, during your study abroad program in Florence, try to parlare italiano!”

Ilaria’s favorite sports are gymnastics (she practiced it herself and taught to little girls for many years) and skiing. Every winter she tries to find some days to go skiing in the fabulous Dolomiti in northern Italy. She also loves cooking – especially desserts, pies and biscuits – and organizing dinners with friends who are her “testers”.

“I discovered I was a pretty good cook some years ago and when I have time I like to try new recipes. Whether I’m abroad or just a few kilometers from home in the next region, I always try the local specialties. So if you need advice about food or have questions about traditional Tuscan dishes, I will be more than happy to help you!”

Born and raised in Florence but a world citizen at the same time, Serena enjoys experiencing diverse cultures, and therefore, has traveled extensively both for pleasure and for studies in the fields of foreign languages and literature. From climbing the Kilimanjaro mountain to going deep into the heart of the Australian outback – following her interest in the Pacific Rim – she is always planning a new trip and a new discovery.

With ISI Florence almost since its foundation, she has guided students with their integration into the Florentine community and engagement with an authentic Italian setting.

“Break down the wall, get out of the American bubble and look at the world with new lenses. While learning about Italian culture you will discover your in-progress self-identity.” 

She loves contemporary art and the young artistic vibe, which is why her favorite spots in Florence are the Oltrarno and S. Niccolò areas. There you can find artistic jewelers’ ateliers and other boutique artisan shops. Her favorite one is the street artist, Clet. Look for his sarcastic street signs all over the city!

Serena’s favorite quote is from Bruce Chatwin: “Travel does not merely broaden the mind, but makes the mind.”

Born and raised in Florence, Asia received her degree in foreign languages, studying English and Finnish.

During high school, Asia was lucky enough to study abroad for a year and lived with a family in Hungary living the exchange student experience firsthand. In university, she participated in summer programs in Finland where she interacted with students from all over the world.

Before working at ISI, Asia had many odd jobs, from working in cinemas to babysitting.

During spring and summer, she spends her weekends in nature in Mugello or gallivants around Europe.

She is fond of sci-fi and fantasy novels as well as movies, so swing by to ask her about her favorites! If you’re in the mood for a book or a movie, she’ll tell you all about the English language bookshops in Florence as well as any English language movies showing that week.

If you really have time to kill, ask her about her D&D campaign, but be advised that she might hold you hostage for hours.

Her mixed Italian, British, and Australian background led her to meet people from all over the world, finding that cultural differences are not barriers but rather a resource.

“Observe people, learn from others, you might discover something about yourself”

Holding a BA from Università di Firenze in Linguistics and Communication, she has studied visual communication at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London). She lived in London for four years, earning a living as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language. She recalls her multinational students:

“A common goal brings people together, no matter what personality you have or what country you’re from.”

At ISI Florence since 2012: “The challenge is helping students break those barriers that keep them from considering Florence as their home. Rewarding moments are when I see sparkling eyes and the excitement that comes from those students who have truly experienced studying abroad and feel it under their skin”.

Born and raised in Florence, I have had the chance to live, study, and work abroad – first, by getting a master’s degree in Translation and Interpreting in Seville, Spain, then by working for 3 years in London. Seville has captured my heart with its colors, narrow streets that remind me of Florence, and the cheerfulness of its inhabitants. London has taught me how to survive in such a hectic environment while enriching me with its vibrant and multicultural vibe.

Having the opportunity to be in contact with different cultures during my education and work experience, has really opened my mind and allowed me to understand how much you can learn just by looking at things from a different perspective. I am passionate about learning new languages and always looking to find the next interesting challenge: lately, I have been trying with Romanian and it’s been super interesting!

Originally hailing from upstate New York, Miranda has called various cities (and countries) home over the past decade. Ultimately putting her roots down in Florence, Miranda has been discovering all the sites, smells, sounds, and tastes of the city for years now.

A graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, Miranda’s passion for foreign languages and international politics led her to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and Florence, Italy. Her experience living among different cultures and languages impacted her greatly and later influenced her to pursue work as an EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher in Edirne, Turkey, and San Sebastian, Spain. Eventually, Miranda’s work brought her back to Florence in 2014, and she has never looked back.

Nina, a native of San Diego, has lived in Italy for over 30 years and is a dual-citizen. She herself was an exchange student from UCLA at the Università di Padova and Venezia where she studied studio art, art history, and Italian. Her fondest memories of her time abroad were seeing her art history books come to life as well as the numerous travels throughout the Italian peninsula by train.

“I highly recommend train travel even today. It is still considerably cheap and is a great way to discover new places. There is almost no place in Italy that can’t be reached by train. I usually traveled alone which gave me the unique chance to meet locals and especially to practice my Italian.”

Nina is always happy to share her vast knowledge of the territory (thanks to her work for many years in the tourism field, as well as being an avid cyclist) with new students eager to make the most of their experience abroad. A self-described food snob, she is very opinionated about where the best places to eat are.

“Discovering local food is also a great way to integrate into your new environment. Every region has its own traditions and every Italian is very proud of their local specialties. In order to understand what you meet on the outside, you need to discover what goes down on the inside. It’s also the best way to make local friends. You will be very dear to any Florentine’s heart once you’ve taken your first bite of “panino al lampredotto”!

Nina is a trained level 2 EMT first responder and in her spare time volunteers on a local ambulance service. Good communication and teamwork are fundamental aspects of this activity and she strives to bring the same work ethic to ISI Florence. She encourages students to have fun, but also to stay safe!

“Florence is a relatively safe place to live and small enough to walk pretty much anywhere. Common sense works here too so don’t forget to take that with you when you go out or travel. Other than that, explore, live and experience! I am certain you will make memories that will last a lifetime, if not change the course of your life.”

Don’t forget to ask her about her past as one of Italy’s pioneers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement! As the Diversity. Equity & Inclusion Officer, she offers first-hand insight into students’ expectations abroad and strives to provide any resources needed to welcome students of all diversities.

She loves sharp pencils and once held the world record for the most bicep curls in one minute (81 curls with a 15kg bar).

Ilenia was born and raised in Florence, where she obtained a degree in Political Science and International Studies. During high school, she had the opportunity to be an exchange student in a small town in Missouri, where she graduated alongside her American classmates. Besides providing her with a strong knowledge of rodeos and farm life, this experience sparked her interest in a career that would allow her to maintain a connection between the Italian and the American culture. 

Thanks to the Erasmus program, she was able to study and live in Amsterdam for six months, during which she fell in love with the city and consolidated her ambition to work in a multicultural environment. 

Outside of work, Ilenia is a sports enthusiast. She played basketball for many years and loves to watch and engage in sports of all kinds. She also loves cats, hiking in the Italian Alps, and watching (or re-watching) good movies – especially if Damien Chazelle directed them!

Born and raised in Florence, Viola got her Bachelor’s Degree and then completed a Master’s Degree in Linguistics, Literary and Intercultural Studies with two theses focusing on the Harry Potter Saga.

After her studies, she worked for two years in the field of Marketing and Social Media, before finding her way to ISI Florence.

Lover of all things artsy and creative, during her free time you might find her kneading some bread or pizza dough or exploring one of her many hobbies.

She often calls herself a “crazy cat lady” and wishes she could live multiple lives just to have more cats.

Friendly reminder: never ask for a well-done steak in her presence! Like any Florentine, she might be offended.

100% Tuscan origins and proudly tied to the traditions of the territory, I have always been interested in the world of languages and Anglo-American cultures. I have a masters degree in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Siena where, together with other Ph.D. students and professors, we have created a large digital archive of interviews in English of American expatriates in Tuscany.

I was a Visiting Instructor at the University of Rochester, NY, and during the last year of my master’s program, I realized that I wanted to work for Study Abroad programs at various levels.

This year will be my 15th year in this field. After different roles (Oklahoma University, Oberlin College, and the University of Rochester) I have settled at ISI Florence where I focus on mediation between cultures, and building relationships with institutions and the territory. Through my work, I am proud to give students the best experience our country has to offer.

Studying abroad is a crucial enterprise that shapes one’s future. I firmly believe that the more students are exposed to different contexts of Italian culture, the more they will return home with rich baggage that will enable them to grow personally and professionally. Learning to be flexible, reinventing ourselves, learning from each other, stepping out of our comfort zones, but also, and above all, not forgetting our roots, values, and traditions that make up the base of our culture… this is what I hope to pass on to my children as well as to my students.

Moving to Tuscany has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made and, after 13 years, I can finally call it home! It all started in 2010 when I left my hometown in the south of Sardinia to study at the University of Siena. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy but now I’m glad I have three different locations I can call ‘my places’.

After my bachelor’s degree in Italian Literature, I got a master’s in Italian Linguistics and Cognitive studies. During my university years, I had the opportunity to study abroad – first for six months in the UK and then for one year in Indiana, where I worked as an Italian teaching Assistant at DePauw University.

These experiences abroad taught me that cultural differences are what make real connections between people, and I like to consider them resources more than barriers. Starting in an international environment and experiencing cultural differences, students have the biggest chance to grow as they face new challenges every day. From my own personal experience, I can say that the most I’ve learned as a student was during my time spent miles away from my hometown, family and friends, being fully immersed in a completely different country and lifestyle.

Once back from the United States, I decided that international education was the right environment in which I wanted to work and I’ve been working for the past 5 years in the housing field of international institutes in Florence. I consider being a consistent part of students’ abroad experience as a privilege knowing that, for them, it’s going to be a life-changing experience.

Working with international students is a continuous exchange and a great possibility to meet people and make friends from all over the world.

Born in the Oltrarno area of Florence, Lavinia is very tied to her roots and knows lots of hidden gems of her city, but at the same time, since her family comes from both Northern and Southern Europe, has always loved living and working in a multicultural environment.

Lavinia graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature at Università di Firenze and, as a former teacher of Italian Language to students from all over the world for more than a decade, she has a lot of experience in helping people understand Italian language and culture – far from stereotypes.

A major change in her life and career led her to ISI Florence, where she brings her experience with students and teachers along with her communicative and organizational skills.

She loves reading poetry, writing and walking through Florence – she enjoys her early morning walks to Palazzo Rucellai, passing by Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita, and she even stops to take photos – it is a real privilege to see these world-famous spots still empty and quiet, every morning.

Giorgia is a Florence native and proud dog mom to Bacco. She graduated from the University of Florence with a degree in Interpretation and Translation. During the pandemic, she took the opportunity to expand her knowledge and is now pursuing a degree in Linguistics. When she’s not studying, she loves playing volleyball, a sport she’s been passionate about since she was 8 years old.

Before working at ISI Florence, Giorgia worked at a 4-star hotel in Florence. Her love for meeting people from different backgrounds and learning about new cultures made her switch to the education field. She’s fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and loves exploring Spain – Cordoba is her absolute favorite city! She enjoys eating delicious gelato and going to concerts.

Zachary Nowak brings over 18 years of experience in international education, commencing his journey in 2005. His diverse roles included positions in Student Services, US University Relations, and the Directorship of The Umbra Institute in Perugia. In 2018, Zachary successfully earned his PhD from Harvard University, a pivotal achievement paving the way for his subsequent research focus: the evaluation of study abroad programs. His passion lies in enhancing educational practices via evidence-driven pedagogical approaches, notably emphasizing active learning within the classroom and immersive community-engaged learning experiences beyond its confines.

Amanda Fontana is a member of the ISI Abroad team, serving as an Enrollment Management and Institutional Relations Assistant. She previously interned with ISI Abroad in Perugia working in Student Services team and Community Engagement. She is passionate about the future of Americans studying abroad in Italy and becoming global citizens. Despite being a native of the Boston area, her favorite football team is the Ohio State Buckeyes (her alma mater). One of her favorite things about traveling and studying abroad, especially in Italy, is trying new foods and discovering the history behind each dish!

Ashley began with ISI Abroad as a marketing intern and then as Registrar for the Umbra Institute. Since 2017, she has worked with ISI Abroad’s US Office, supervising the team’s admissions, advising, partner relations, and marketing efforts.

Raised in small-town Michigan, Ashley got her first passport during her university years and spent one semester studying in Córdoba, Argentina, and an academic year in Perugia, Italy. She learned Spanish and Italian through her studies, developing a deep passion for exploring new cultures and languages, as well as for sharing these with others.

Aside from her travels and studies, Ashley spends her free time with family, exploring new music, reading (especially related to political science and science fiction), and baking.

Gianna is the Enrollment Management & Institutional Relations Advisor in the ISI Abroad US Office. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with degrees in Global & International Studies and Spanish. She is native to the Philadelphia area and loves dogs, Penn State football and food festivals!