Photo credit: Esther and I on the Torre dell’Orologio in Bologna overlooking the Piazza Maggiore
Ben from Flinders University, undertaking an Italian Language Study Tour in Italy during semester 2 2024.
Recently, I participated in a fun, immersive and fully funded study tour to Italy. Though not of Italian origin, I have always been interested in Italian languages and cultures, having studied them throughout school and now at university. Having missed an opportunity to visit Italy during high school, I was ecstatic when this study tour was announced. Successful in my application, I nervously, but albeit eagerly, departed Adelaide in late November 2024, along with some fellow Italian Language students and staff from Flinders and UniSA.
Upon arriving in Italy, I was exhausted but fuelled by excitement as that night, we rolled into our new home for three weeks: the medieval city of Siena in picturesque Tuscany. Though it would’ve been wiser to head to bed, eager to put my Italian to the test, I went searching for a SIM card – much to the detriment of my friend and I who walked back up the steep hill to our hotel in the dark.
The next morning, although still nervous and frostbitten (thanks to the European Winter), I attended my first lesson at the Università per Stranieri di Siena (University for Foreigners). It was a true pleasure meeting our lecturers and I would come to enjoy participating in our classes over the three weeks. I particularly loved their emphasis on cultural aspects of the local area and other parts of Italy.
Naturally though, my favourite part of the experience was the flexibility and independence to explore and travel with my friend outside of our study time. Although initially exploring Siena, we headed into some surrounding areas including San Gimignano, Firenze (Florence) and Arezzo. We also managed to spend our open weekend in Bologna. We visited countless historical monuments, museums and churches and encountered spectacular views everywhere. Of course, eating amazing food was an essential part of our daily plans. We even participated in a local cooking class!
Although the three weeks flew by, I was grateful to stay in Italy and travel solo for an extra two weeks. I managed to visit the Dolomites, Venezia, Napoli and even return to Pisa to spend Christmas with some family friends. I also spent Christmas Day in Rome before returning home to Australia the following afternoon.
In short, I really enjoyed and am so grateful for my Flinders overseas Experience and it’s one I’ll never forget. I can’t urge people enough to study another language. It opens a world of opportunities and, in my case, allowed me to meet a best friend. I can’t wait to participate in any future longer-term opportunities that may arise!
Photos: The infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa + The morning view from my bed and breakfast in the Dolomites + One of the many tranquil canals in Venezia
