What position do you hold at Summerfuel? What inspired you to join them?
Charlie: I am Program Director for Summerfuel Florence. My father worked with Marcia Evans, the founder of ASA/Summerfuel so we have a family connection that dates back for more than 30 years!
I run a Gap Year program in Italy that has been in action for 50 years and it seemed the logical step to join with Summerfuel. I am an art historian, I have young kids of my own and I love Italy.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Charlie: I love working with young people, introducing them to Italian culture and art. To be able to do that in some of the most beautiful cities in the world is a blessing.
What makes Summerfuel's programs in Florence unique/special?
Charlie: We present a delicate and deep cultural immersion. we stay in the one city (Florence) for a considerable amount of time so the students get to know that city really well.
I expect that they will return time and time again and be able to show their family and friends around with confidence and knowledge.
Share with us your favorite story of a student's Summerfuel Florence experience.
Charlie: I took a small group of kids on a gastronomic excursion, where we went off-piste in Florence and sat eating some amazing and unusual food (Tripe!) in a really authentic blue-collar roadside stall, really drinking in every aspect of the lifestyle. Brave and adventurous students, absolutely committed to exploring and understanding 'alien' culture!
Do you have any tips for high school students considering a summer experience in Florence?
Charlie: Europe is what the US once was. Most Americans are descended at only a few generations away from Europeans. How fantastic is it to be able to 'see' back in time to a culture that in some way 'became' America!
The art, architecture, language, laws...so much came out of Europe and in particular, from Italy. It's a great gift to take with you for your last years in high school and on to college.