In fall 2010, I attended the International Studies Institute of Florence. Having commuted my first two years of college prior to that semester abroad, living in Italy marked my first extended period away from home.  As you can imagine, I was quite anxious.

However, once I arrived I found myself engulfed by the magnificent stone architecture, my breath taken away by the art etched about the buildings, mesmerized by gelaterias offering delicious, freshly made ice-cream, hypnotized by the aroma of cafes serving cornetti and cappuccino, and truly inspired by a culture so vivacious and so passionate about food, wine, and life.  I realized my trepidation was astoundingly unwarranted.  The International Studies Institute provided me with an incredibly comfortable transition from my over-consuming and rushed American lifestyle to one where I eat slower, savor my food, appreciate the time I spend fostering relationships with those I love.

I had started the semester as an accounting major.  I had anticipated someday taking over my father’s practice and continuing in his legacy, but this was not my dream.  Instead, I was passionate about nutrition, fitness, and the attainment of optimal health.  Specifically, the Analysis of the Mediterranean Diet course offered by the Institute fueled my desire to abandon the comforts of a  pre-determined future in business and pursue a degree in nutrition.  My time in Italy provided me the self-assurance to study abroad once again in summer  2012, this time learning Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing.  I regard the independence and confidence ISI Florence instilled in me as a paramount factor in my motivation to become a naturopathic physician.  I will graduate in May of 2013 with a degree in nutritional science from the University of Connecticut and 2017 as a licensed Naturopath from the University of Bridgeport.

Matthew Castanho, UConn