August 10, 2020

Live Like a Florentine: 5 Essential Expressions for your Italian Experience

Your travel plans might be on pause currently, which means it’s the perfect time to learn more about Italian culture and communication! Being a tourist in a foreign country can be hard, especially when you aren’t familiar with the language. These expressions will help you start your trip abroad with ease so you can enjoy everything Italy has to offer without having to worry about language barriers.

Boh

Meaning: no idea, expressing doubt, expressing indifference

Marvel fans might know this one already, but this expression is perfect for showing indifference. It can be used as a response for almost any question, although this is not advised as it might be considered antisocial or rude if used continuously.

Meh

Similarly to ‘boh’, meh has an infinite number of meanings depending on the use of tone or pitch. Use this term cautiously as the wrong tone might communicate indifference rather than approval.

Meanings: yes, no, maybe, this portion of food is rather small, i don’t agree with you, cheer up old sport, don’t worry, I’ll do it tomorrow, I am unimpressed, (in response to ‘how are you?’) I’m doing decently

Meanings (prolonged, increasing pitch): you look amazing, why are you wearing that

Example: Your friend is wearing scuba gear to a night out at the theatre.
*point disapprovingly at outfit* Meeeeeeeh?!

Moh

Meaning: Right now.

Example:
A: A che ora vogliamo mangiare (what time do we want to eat)?
B: Moh.

We

Pronounced: ‘wae’, usually prolonged or lengthened for impact. Also like the Mexican güey or we(y)

Meaning: hey man, that is an excessive amount of (insert food name here), you’re exaggerating, look at that, I disagree with you

Example: Your friend put 30kg (66 lbs) of grated Parmigiano Reggiano on your food.

Ou, weee basta!

Basta

Meaning: Stop

Although many Italians will understand English if you need to say stop it can’t hurt to know a few words that can get their attention. Basta can be used both in serious situations (said firmly), or with your friend who for the 5th time today is telling you about the “best gelato ever” (said in a drawn out baaaassttaa).

Example: Someone is serving you pasta and it seems well beyond the usual portion size.
Basta così, grazie (that’s enough, thank you).

To learn more about these Italian phrases, come join us on one of our study abroad programs to Italy! We offer Italian classes for every student, at any level (beginner to advanced). This will help you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural experience you’ll gain here in Florence. Get your suitcase ready!

---

About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide this summer to help you plan for a semester in Florence, Italian style.

 

 

August 3, 2020

Quick and Easy Summer Recipes to bring into your Home

When you can’t go to Italy, we’ll bring Italy to you. Journey through an easy menu filled with tradition, flavor and colorful alternatives to your typical summer meal.

Appetizer | Main Dish | Dessert

Antipasto – Prosciutto e Melone

Simple and refreshing: the sweet and salty flavors are a perfect amalgamation. There couldn’t be an easier recipe: Slice a cantaloupe, remove the peel, place the prosciutto crudo over the top and enjoy as if you were sitting in a 5-star restaurant!

Primo Piatto – Insalata di Riso

Ideal for lunch or dinner, this recipe can be vegan and vegetarian friendly. A revitalizing break from the hot Italian weather, commonly used by locals on their day trips to local beaches.

Ingredients: rice (preferably risotto rise e.g. Riso Gallo), pickled vegetables, hot dog/tuna (optional)

Preparation time: 30 minutes, 30 minutes cooling time

Instructions:

• Boil the rice, make sure to take it off the stovetop slightly earlier than usual
• Drain the rice and place it in a plastic bowl. Make sure you toss it regularly to help it cool down. Add some olive oil whilst doing so, as to ensure that the rice doesn’t become sticky
• Dice/chop the pickled vegetables and put into a large bowl
  
• Once the rice has cooled down, add it to the condiment bowl in small doses whilst mixing
• Mix well and store in the fridge for about half an hour (or more if you have time)

You can add other condiments (e.g. tuna, hot dog, seafood) if you’d like. The more condiments you have, the better it’ll taste!

Mamma Maria’s secret: Mix up your recipe by replacing rice with barley or farro.

Il Dolce – Vin Santo con Cantuccini

A traditional Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo, was extremely popular in the Middle Ages. Traces of it can also be found in Roman and Greek ancient history. Dip the famous Florentine cantuccini (almond-based biscuits, or biscotti) into the Vin Santo, and you’ll have the perfect dessert!

The Unforgettable

It’s not the end of an Italian meal if there isn’t any coffee! Usually an espresso from a local bar, complete by a beautiful view of an Italian Piazza and followed by a brief passeggiata.

---

About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide this summer to help you plan for a semester in Florence, Italian style.

 

 

 

July 27, 2020

Live Like a Florentine: Top 3 Day Trip Destinations Near Florence

Italy’s academic programs have all come to a close and summer break is in full swing. So where do Italians go for a brief trip? This blog highlights some of our favorite day trip destinations near Florence as part of this summer’s Live Like a Florentine – a series of blogs that will help students make the most of their future experiences in and around Florence. 

Siena

You can’t say you’ve experienced Italy unless you’ve been to Siena. 

Gaining its fame from its pilgrim routes leading to the south of France, Siena soon became a commercial and political hotspot in Italy. It became so strong, in fact, that it became a worthy rival of Florence, its sister city (Battle of Montaperti). Today, it is most well known for the Palio de Siena, an annual summer horse race between the city’s contrade, or medieval wards.

To this day, Siena remains a perfect example of the typical Italian medieval city, conserving its fascinating colors (Rosso di Siena/Siena Red), churches, intricate architecture, and botanic gardens. This noble city offers an abundance of local delicacies and traditional foods, including olive oil, tartufi (truffle), and pecorino. Make the trip and your tastebuds will thank you.

From Florence by train: 1 hour 15 minutes
Visit Siena, Il Duomo: Duomo di Siena

Pisa

So much history, so much culture!

Home to countless research centers,  Pisa welcomes visitors with eye-opening tours and excursions, including to the lovely San Rossore National Park. Pisa solidifies its role as an ideal city for perspective on Italian history and culture by hosting numerous festivals like Metarock, Luminara di San Ranieri, and Il Gioco del Ponte.

With a chance to analyze the Etruscan and Roman occupation, technological advancements through time, and the cultural impact of religious devotion on the Italian community. What more could you want?

From Florence by train: 1 hour 20 minutes, including a train change at Empori
Nature Park: Parco San Rossore Website

Passignano sul Trasimeno

A quick trip to Umbria, Tuscany’s lesser-known but equally beautiful neighbor!

One of the many Trasimeno towns, but with a twist. Pack your panini for a relaxing picnic near the Trasimeno Lake and hop on a beautiful boat trip to nearby islands. The Isola Maggiore, a stupendously scenic island, hosts the hidden 14th century Guglielmi Castle (also known as the Isabella Castle). The mainland of Passignano hosts the 18th-century fortress used for the annual Boat Race (Palio delle Barche), during which local men drive their boats to the island and proceed to carry them through the historical town to commemorate a 15th-century battle.

Visitors can also venture into the Montegualandro Castle nearby, the Polvese Island (showcasing olive groves, monasteries and more), and many other culturally rich sites. 

From Florence by train: 1.5 – 2 hours
A brief history of the infamous Boat Race: Palio delle Barche

---

For more travel tips, visit ISI Florence’s page for exploring Italy.

---

About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide this summer to help you plan for a semester in Florence, Italian style.

 

January 30, 2020

FLORENCE DANCE FOR KIDS!

FUNDRAISING EVENT
FLORENCE DANCE FOR KIDS!

Organized by ISI Florence students to support children’s cancer research

florencedfk.net

The NGO Milano 25 and ISI Florence have been working together for several years now on projects that aim to sensitize our students on childhood, solidarity, and volunteering through lectures, interviews, and field trips to local children’s hospitals.
Students are exposed to the Florentine framework and its infrastructures, and to the therapies made available to cancer-diagnosed children and the support offered to these children’s families.

In this perspective, we devised a fundraising event, FLORENCE DANCE FOR KIDS – A Thon™-related event for childhood cancer research. Inspired by the atmosphere and feelings of the Thon™ Weekend at Penn State, we would like to replicate a similar, smaller version, to have students involved in the cause FOR THE KIDS™.

This fundraising event, at its first edition, will consist of an afternoon with dance, music, entertainment, games, organized by ISI Florence students for Florentine families, individuals, schools, etc.

Proceedings will go towards childhood cancer research and related educational projects.

 

 

January 24, 2020

Cultural Bubble

There is something so necessary about putting yourself in a place where you are the outsider so that you can observe your tendencies, both the good and bad ones. However, this experience is very hard for the hyperaware and introspective individuals like myself. I tend to overanalyze my actions and my personality on a minute-to-minute basis…being here for four months is a real test of resilience.

In one of my classes, I was asked what it means to be American, and after some silence from the class, the professor changed his question to what doesn’t make you Italian?

When you’re a tourist in a new space it is evident who you are, there is a clear barrier between you and the place you are visiting. Locals know you are a tourist and you know your role in the city: to see what you came to see and get out. But when you’re studying abroad that line is blurred confusing both you and the people around you. The issue I have been having the past three weeks is this: I want to fit in so badly!

I come from Bulgaria and I have struggled with the duality of my existence for a long time. I am too American for Europe and too European for America, I never feel like I fit in anywhere. So when I came to Italy I wanted to feel like I am a part of this culture when in reality I haven’t grown up here, I’m not.

At least if your thought process is anything like mine, you can see where the cognitive dissonance happens. On my bad days, I wake up thinking about how I put myself in a very uncomfortable position. I dwell on the fact that I don’t fit into this culture and every gaze I get from a stranger on the street makes me feel like an outsider.

At the end of the day, I remind myself that I can’t lose perspective of this situation. I am in a beautiful, historic city that so many people dream of visiting. I am standing in front of the art that I studied in art history class just two months ago! I have to let go of my tendency to overthink and appreciate where I am.

Petra Tsocheva
Rutgers University
ISI Florence Blogger | SPRING 2020

 

November 14, 2019

How I Decided to Study Abroad

Gina Wierzbicki (UConn) tells us why she decided to study abroad, what fears she has overcome, and how her outlook has now changed.

When I think about how I decided to study abroad, I wouldn’t consider it much of a decision at all since it has always been something I knew I wanted to do. It was always a dream of mine to travel around the world. As someone who has lived mostly in the North East of the United States, I knew I wanted to experience a different way of life far from the small bubble I lived in.

However, while I knew I wanted to study abroad, the reality of actually going abroad posed some obstacles.

The biggest obstacle would probably be the expense of living in a foreign country for four months without income and with the hopes of traveling, which amounts to be a costly endeavor. For me, this meant many months of saving by working a school job during the semester and a full-time job over the summer. In addition, I also applied to as many study abroad scholarships as I could find at my school, which made the expense a lot more feasible. Lastly, budgeting was an important tool I used both before arriving in Italy, and continuously since I’ve been here, in order to keep track of my finances. It is important to have a set plan in place so that I know how much money I can spend on fun activities and travel after putting aside the right amount of money to cover necessities, such as grocery shopping and school fees.

Another obstacle I faced, was the fear of meeting people since I wasn’t going abroad with anyone that I knew. I worried about who my roommates, classmates, and maybe even future travel mates would be. I was nervous about being so far away from my friends, family, and home for a whole semester. Luckily, many of my fears disappeared once I arrived in Florence. I found it was a lot easier to meet and connect with people than I thought, since many people who study abroad are like-minded. We all made the decision to leave home and live across the globe – there’s a shared interest in wanting to explore new things and places, and we are together in this unique experience.

In terms of missing home, I realized that I am never really too far from those I love because Facetime, texting, and social media make it easy to stay in touch. I realized how short a semester truly is! Before arriving, I was so worried that the semester might feel too long; however, I now worry about time passing too quickly and that there’s not enough time to see and do everything. This has definitely taught me how important it is to embrace and make the most of every moment.

Overall, my personal outlook has changed tremendously since being here. Studying abroad has taught me to fully embrace new experiences and opportunities. While it may be daunting at times, stepping out of the comfort zone allows for growth and the possibility to find something great and otherwise unknown. This experience continually surpasses any expectations and I am so grateful for the amazing friends and memories I will take home.

Gina Wierzbicki
University of Connecticut

 

November 7, 2019

Interview with a Local

As part of the Fall 2019 GLP at ISI Florence, Julia Desiato from UConn interviewed a local shop keeper that has had an impact on her overall experience abroad.

La Bottega della Frutta is a small shop located behind Palazzo Rucellai, headquarters of ISI Florence. It has a mom-and-pop shop feel with its large variety of produce, pasta, wine, bread, and other Italian foods. It’s owned by Elisabetta and Francesco, a married couple that has been running the shop since 1991. When I asked them about how they came to own it, they told me the story of how it had originated. Before their ownership, the store was opened by a family in 1912 so it has been around for over 100 years. Elisabetta and Franceso really wanted to open a store and ended up finding this historic fruit shop.

I asked them how difficult it is to own a store like this nowadays with bigger grocery stores like Esselunga and Conad’s taking over and they said that it’s been hard to draw in as many customers these days and they’re looking to retire. Recently, it has declined 30% in profit and 10% of that is due to less Florentine people shopping there. They typically have only locals shopping despite being in a lot of travel books. Elisabetta said that it’s difficult to appeal to tourists because they don’t stay in Florence long enough to be curious about such historical shops and that they aren’t able to appreciate the quality of food in this store. The city council has recently started studying new ways to protect historical stores like this to keep them in business.

Elisabetta’s favorite thing about running a shop is the personal interaction she has with customers and meeting new people. I originally learned about this store on a walking tour with Professor Fischer for my Foundations of Sustainable Food Systems class and was able to get an inside look into this family-run shop. I’m hoping that in the future I break my habit of only going to chain grocery stores and start to explore more local shops like this to try out authentic Italian groceries!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 28, 2019

Volunteering at the Historical Riccardiana Library

ISI Florence student Megan Krynen, Ole Miss, toured this magnificent mid-15th-century building guided by the library director, Dr. Francesca Gallori.
The Biblioteca Riccardiana is a public library specialized in preserving precious collections of manuscripts and ancient editions and making them available for consultation to readers, researchers, and scholars.

In past semesters, ISI Florence students have helped translate the official library guide into English. During this Fall 2019, Megan will be translating specific pages of the library website into English, under the supervision of ISI Florence director, Prof. Stefano Baldassarri.

“Biblioteca Riccardiana has an extensive collection of manuscripts and the library itself is a work of art from floor to ceiling. It was an honor to be able to meet with the director and I’m excited about this project that will help make the history of the library more accessible for visitors from around the world. Thank you ISI Florence for this volunteering opportunity!” 
Megan Krynen
University of Mississippi 

 

October 14, 2019

Can Cooking at Home Improve your Eating Experience?

Yes, it absolutely can.

Studying abroad is an immersive experience, and a country’s cuisine plays an important role in understanding your host country’s culture. This rings true, especially in Italy. However, the excitement of trying a new dish often stops at a plate being set down in front of you, prepared by someone else, ingredients and techniques a mystery. It tastes delicious, but there’s still a gap in your understanding, an unanswered “how” and “why”?

This semester, with access to a full kitchen in our apartment, three of my neighbors and I have taken it upon ourselves to try and cook our way through the semester. One of my neighbors, Nicholas, is a fantastic cook, but his education has been anything but formal. His skill has come from practice; he watches cooking shows, the Bon Appétit YouTube channel, and reads and cooks from recipes.

 

 

 

Realizing how expensive eating out every night could be and how boring pasta with olive oil would inevitably become, we decided to indulge our cravings and try to make something new for each dinner. Using Nicholas’ knowledge as a starting point, we have managed to cook most of our meals simply based off of recipes. We have also occasionally tried to recreate some of the more traditional Italian dishes we have eaten out such as pasta cacio e pepe and all’Amatriciana.

 

 

What started out as just Nicholas cooking for us, and me helping when needed, has bloomed into a sort of teaching time for his other roommate, Kyle. Kyle has little knowledge or comfort in a kitchen, but watching Nicholas cook and make up recipes has inspired him to learn. Now, at least once a week, Kyle cooks all four of us dinner, with Nicholas guiding and explaining important steps such as chopping techniques, how to salt and pepper to taste, and how to garnish. The cooking and learning that happens is, undoubtedly, important.

 

 

It is the first time any of us have lived in an apartment setting, and also without a parent nearby to cook us homemade meals. By preparing our meals, with vegetables and everything, we’re able to grow that much more while abroad. Perhaps more significantly, though, is the togetherness of cooking and eating that will make this experience that much more memorable.

 

 

 

 

Margaret Morgenstern
Junior, Architecture Major
Roger Williams University

 

 

September 25, 2019

Global Leaders at ISI Florence

ISI Florence is thrilled to announce the launch of its Global Leadership Program, a semester long initiative that aims to continue the Institute’s commitment to encouraging student growth and engagement with the local community. In its inaugural semester, ten students from six different U.S. universities have chosen to participate, with each student bringing a diverse educational and professional background to the program.

Throughout the semester these ten students will enhance their leadership competencies and cross-cultural awareness skills as they create and carry out a variety of social activities centered on the themes of communication, event planning, creative writing, and social media. In addition, as the semester progresses, each global leader will participate in multiple reflective initiatives that will allow them the chance to gain insight into their progress through group discussion and brainstorm new goals as they move forward.

Stay tuned to see the exciting and thought-provoking content coming from these global leaders!

 

 

September 19, 2019

Giving Back to the Florentine Community

At ISI Florence we are passionate about immersion! And volunteering is not only one of the best ways to meet locals and delve into the local culture and society, but it also allows students to give back to the host city that will be their home for four months – Florence.

Volunteering also has many rewards. It provides a sense of fulfillment, confidence, and belonging, as students take part in something worthwhile. Moreover, they can demonstrate to potential employers that they used their time abroad in a meaningful way to grow and learn a lot about themselves.

The 2019 fall semester has just started and we already have many students involved in volunteering activities. Yesterday, for example, Laura Campos (University of Maryland) had her first meeting with MADE IN SIPARIO.

“I really had a great time with all the artists, everyone was so kind! In terms of my impressions for today I would say that as someone with no experience in the world of art, I was a bit nervous about working with the artists of MADE IN SIPARIO. However, after a quick round of introductions, I immediately felt at ease and extremely welcomed. Thanks to all the smiling faces in the shop, I was able to have a great start to this new experience and look forward to the rest of this semester!”
Laura Campos
University of Maryland
ISI Florence Fall 2019

MADE IN SIPARIO is a social co-operative that employs young adults with intellectual disabilities. These talented special artists work everyday to create beautiful and useful objects that are then sold in the small boutique and are appreciated for the design and quality.

ISI Florence students who volunteer for MADE IN SIPARIO support these special workers in every aspect of their daily activities. Students help them with the design and production process, but moreover, they spend valuable time with the artists, and together they create an incredible cultural and human exchange.

 

To learn more and sign up for ISI Florence volunteer activities, contact the ISI Florence Coordinator for Community Engagement, Serena Giorgi.

 

 

March 6, 2019

Welcome Day!

On Tuesday, February 5, 2019 a few hundred U.S. study abroad students were invited to gather at Palazzo Vecchio, the city council headquarters, for the 2019 Welcome Day held in the prestigious Salone dei Cinquecento.

I learned that about 15,000 North American students take residence in Florence each year. The speech by Benjamin Wohlauer, U.S. Consul General in Florence, emphasized that we have a responsibility to act as representatives of the American culture while living in our host city. We have more exposure to the locals and their culture than any government official and this event truly emphasized the importance of our role within the Florentine community, Consul Wohlauer said.

Malu Foley
University of Connecticut