Kaileigh Strong

I studied abroad at Syracuse Florence and it was the best time of my life! I got to meet the coolest people and see breathtaking sights. I studied Italian history in many ways during my time there, as I took Italian Pop Culture, Italian Renaissance Art, and Family and Gender in Contemporary Italy. I loved meeting people from other schools and talking to native Italians!

I was very surprised by the independence I developed during my semester abroad. I was very worried about not having my family and friends at my disposal all the time like I do at home, but it allowed me to grow. I found that there are so many opportunities beyond where I live in the US. Because of my time abroad, I was able to open my eyes and consider life after graduation in a way I hadn’t before.

I don’t have any specific plans for the future, but I will say that my study abroad experience allowed me to conceptualize my life post-grad. For example, I lived in a very residential area, so I saw lots of kids all the time. I was able to think about the world outside my college campus. I often get lost in the college experience and forget that life exists outside of it. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit many different countries and cities as well as some non-profits and small businesses. All these different visits forced me to think about what I want my life to look like in the future.

The award I received from Honors allowed me to take advantage of my opportunities without having to worry about money. It was a privilege to be able to visit so many beautiful cities, and my grant made it possible. I was also able to experience authentic Italian culture through visiting different restaurants and stores. I am very grateful to Honors for the opportunities it has given me.

I took a class called Family and Gender in Contemporary Italy, in which we discussed the political state of Italy for women specifically. My major is Women’s and Gender Studies, so this topic was very relevant to me. I had a unique experience through this class that allowed me to reflect on the similarities and differences between the political states of Italy and the United States. I was reminded that women’s struggles are universal, while everyone experiences it in their own ways. This is a very important realization to come to in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies.

I am so grateful I went abroad because I met the most incredible people. I made a handful of really close friends that I hope to see again soon. It’s hard not having them at Syracuse, but I am honored I got to spend so much time with them. Shoutout Eleanor, Becca, Andrea, and Martina, I miss you all dearly.