Summer 2017

Ciao my friends,

So I’ve started to get the ball rolling on my next big trip, and I’ve told enough people already that I might as well announce it to the world ….

I’m off to spend my summer in Italy!

That’s right… After walking at my graduation in May I will be spending my summer in the land of pizza and wine and gelato!

Although I will be walking at commencement, I will still have six hours (and a residency requirement) to finish up, so I’ve committed to the USF Science in Florence program. This means I will be living in an apartment in Florence, and taking biochemistry and organic chemistry II with USF professors, and another fun class (I’m not sure what yet!) through Florence University of the Arts. I wholeheartedly blame this on my job in the Education Abroad office, honestly from selling the programs all day it’s just too tempting not to go.

I’ve already put my deposit down on the program and I bought a one way ticket into Rome simply because there was an issue with my classes and I was afraid I was going to be told I couldn’t go… I’m crazy, I know.

The program lasts about six weeks and from there, well, I only bought a one way ticket so we’re going to see how long I can bounce around Europe before coming home. I’ve got my hands in a few areas looking for some jobs I can work around Europe or while traveling, but I’m always looking for more recommendations (feel free to leave me some in the comments!).

I bought my flight into Rome a week early, so I’ll have a little time to travel around and make my way to Florence before the program starts. Unfortunately I’ll be in classes Monday thru Friday, so my weekdays won’t allow for much travel, but I’m excited to be able to do as much sightseeing as I can during my weekends. Of course I’ll be making a bucket list and blogging about all that I’m doing.

I’m working on scholarships and saving up as much money as I can to support myself for a little bit, and since I will be done with University in August I wont have my students loans to help me out like I did in Australia (again, always looking for more tips!). Therefore, my last few months in the States will mostly be me working and trying to pass all my classes this semester so I don’t ruin my plans (just kidding, mom, I’m not going to fail I promise), and selling everything that I can’t carry on my back with me.

All in all, I’m mostly excited to be mistaken for a pop-star and fall in love with a famous Italian and perform at the Colosseum. Thanks Lizzie McGuire for the unrealistic expectations of Italian travel.

I’m super stoked for this next big adventure, both graduating from university and traveling around Europe, and can’t wait to see where I’ll end up. I know it’s a little crazy, but that’s half the fun, right?