AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester

Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at Richmond in Florence?

Ashley: I studied abroad with AIFS at Richmond in Florence because out of all the programs I looked into, AIFS had the most to offer. I wanted a program that would allow me to fulfill degree requirements while offering me classes I wouldn't be able to get through my own college. I also wanted a program with a meal plan since I wanted to save money where I could. When I saw that AIFS had weekend trips included in their tuition and that they accepted any scholarships you receive through your college, I was sold that this would not only be the best program for me to experience another culture, but AIFS also made it more than manageable financially.

What made your study abroad experience unique and special?

Ashley: This experience unqiue and special because of the people I was able to create friendships with and get to know. Also, the teachers in the program, both in Florence and during orientation. I was so lucky to meet people from all over the country and learn more about about myself and the world as a result of these connections. To this day, there is a group that I stay in close contact with and we travel often to get together. The teachers in the program were amazing. Their patience with the language barrier was helpful as was their tips on what to try, not try, etc.

How has this experience impacted your future?

Ashley: Personally, traveling abroad has changed me completely. The way I view the world and others has deepened. I learned more about myself and what I can handle being away from everything that is familiar to me. My relationships at home strengthened as a result of a different form of communication since we now had to take time and make an effort to stay in contact. Academically and professionally, I have more to contribute because of what I have been able to see and experience. I didn't know how I would handle living in another country while everyone back home just continued on with their lives. Upon returning I realized, while everyone I knew did the same old things, I got to see places I never thought I would see. I came home more culture shocked than when I went to Italy. I have a strong desire to continue to travel and continue to explore and challenge myself.

What position do you hold at AIFS? What has been your career path so far?

Monica: I am the Resident Director of Richmond, the American International University program in Florence. I am in charge of all the academic aspects of the program in liason with our main Richmond Campus in London: arranging and supervising curricular and extra-curricular activities; organizing cultural events; promoting and maintaining contacts with local authorities and cultural Institutions, dealing also with fiscal and financial matters.

I graduated from the University of Florence with a degree in Humanities focused in English and American literature. I was granted a merit scholarship for spending one year at Smith College, Mass as a graduate student receiving a post-graduate Diploma in American Studies. I eventually obtained a post-graduate certification from the Italian Education Authority for teaching English language and literature.
I started working for AIFS in 1983 and was appointed director in 1986. From 1989, I became Director of the Florence branch of Richmond, The American International University in London.

Did YOU study abroad? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Monica: Since when I decided to study foreign languages and Literature I had a dream: going to the US to know first- hand the country which I could portray in my mind only through studying its history and literature. Thirty years ago there was no internet or Facebook, therefore much more was left to personal imagination and American movies than in our days and my imagination was pretty fervid. When my American History Professor at the University of Florence asked me if I wished to be presented as candidate for a full merit scholarship at Smith College, Mass, I could not even believe that a dream that I had pursued for so many years could come true. Spending a year at an American University turned out to be an amazing life changing experience.

How have you changed or grown since working for your current company?

Monica: Working with young American students is a challenge especially if you see this also as a mission: guiding and encouraging them to discover a new culture, keeping their academic motivation high, helping them solve their personal problems has been the most rewarding part of my job. And thanks to my students I can also keep up with what is trendy among young Americans, what they like, what they think. This gives me the illusion of being “forever young” as they are always the same age!

What unique qualities does your company possess?

Monica: Our program in Florence is organized in such a way that we constantly interact with students. I tell students that they help us “shaping the program” and the more effort they put in the more they get out of it. Their active participation and constructive critical thinking is fundamental to the success of the program. It is a great satisfaction to read on final students’ evaluations that: “AIFS in Florence was my family abroad." Helping students integrate means sharing with them the things that we find distinctive in our culture enjoying doing activities together.” Learning through experience “is our favourite motto.

What does your home-country’s culture value that is taught in your program?

Monica: Learning a new culture from inside means not only studying it but also being personally involved and participating. “Empathy" is the key word and involving our students in community service activities has been a mission for us since when we established in Florence. More than 1000 of our students have volunteered in Florence giving back to the community and at the time same receiving in terms of personal growth, experience of local culture and interpersonal relation.