What inspired you to work for your organization?
I was inspired to join this organization because it’s the leading institution for Italian language and culture in Tuscany and offers unique Study Abroad programs. The chance to share my city and its culture was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The organization's approach to using Siena and its surroundings as a living classroom aligns perfectly with my passion. Additionally, I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and sharing experiences with them.
Describe a typical day at work.
There isn’t a typical day at work; each day brings unique challenges, fresh stimuli, and new projects. This dynamic environment ensures that no two days are ever the same, keeping work both exciting and engaging. We continuously adapt to new opportunities and evolving needs in our programs, making each day different.
Day trip to Florence
What is your favorite part of your job?
There are two aspects I love the most. On the one hand, I enjoy witnessing a new program gradually take shape from hundreds of proposals, ideas, and email exchanges "on paper" and, finally, seeing it become a reality. On the other hand, it’s incredibly rewarding to notice, as the program nears its end, how the students I met during the first orientation or welcome dinner have grown to be more confident, independent, adaptable, and mature. It makes me feel that I’ve made a difference in their growth.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My multifaceted educational background helps me link various subjects to design academic journeys that connect students with the city and local community while providing essential insights into contemporary Italy and, more broadly, Europe. Additionally, my international experiences enhance my empathy towards students from abroad, helping me establish connections and support those who may initially feel disoriented in a new environment.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
Finding a balance between the need to have the same exact life they have at home and the obvious fact that adapting to a new environment with different features is not only unavoidable but also part of the growth given by a study abroad program. This is difficult, but involving students and make them actors of their own growth rather than mere passive spectators has always proven to be helpful.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I’d tell my pre-travel self to start exploring sooner and travel more extensively. Traveling is one of the most powerful ways to truly get to know and understand oneself. It reveals personal limits while also uncovering unexpected strengths and resources that emerge in challenging situations. This journey of self-discovery is a tremendous confidence booster, as it demonstrates that you can thrive and succeed even when faced with difficulties.
On-site lesson in the historical archive
What makes Dante Alighieri Siena - Learning Italy special?
What makes our organization special is our deep connection with the city and its community. This strong relationship allows us to be trusted partners for local institutions, helping us uncover and offer the many opportunities that Siena provides, including those that may not be immediately apparent.
Why should someone choose Dante Alighieri Siena - Learning Italy over competitors?
Our organization stands out for two key reasons. First, we place exceptional care and attention on students, ensuring that every detail of our programs prioritizes their comfort and convenience. Second, we emphasize the academic value of the study abroad experience, not just the travel aspect. Our commitment to academic rigor and seriousness reflects our belief that studying abroad should include a strong focus on education.
What makes Dante Alighieri Siena - Learning Italy easy to market to potential participants?
Our organization is easy to market to potential participants due to our extensive network of collaborations with US universities, colleges, and high schools. Combined with over 20 years of experience in US Study Abroad programs, these factors highlight our seriousness, reliability, and trustworthiness, making us a compelling choice.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
DA Siena firmly believes in the power of cultural exchange and is dedicated to making study abroad accessible to a broad range of students through cost-competitive programs. We immerse students in local culture and provide the community with opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives, enriching both sides.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants take away more than just academic knowledge; I want them to develop a sense of wonder, curiosity, and openness to diversity. These qualities are crucial for truly understanding and appreciating the present-day world. Our programs should also help them gain a broader perspective, enabling them to view the world more objectively and meaningfully.
Selfie with Liquirizia
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants often ask about the drinkability of tap water in Italy, which I find amusing. Although it’s curious why they worry about its potability, I see it as a chance to highlight that Italy is the leading European exporter of mineral bottled water. This reflects the abundance of natural springs that feed into our aqueducts, ensuring that tap water is not only safe but also of high quality.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is vital because it significantly broadens one's perspective and fosters personal growth. These experiences enhance adaptability, problem-solving skills, and cultural awareness, all of which are highly valued by employers. Exposure to diverse environments also nurtures leadership abilities and resilience, making individuals more effective and versatile in their professional and personal lives. Overall, such experiences not only enrich one's understanding of the world but also contribute to valuable skills that can advance one's career.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is an incredibly powerful skill to acquire, not only because it helps you connect and feel welcomed in another community and enhances cognitive abilities but also because it opens up diverse career opportunities. Being multilingual increases employability and allows for greater professional flexibility, as it enables you to communicate effectively with a broader range of clients, colleagues, and partners. This skill is increasingly valuable in our globalized world, where cross-cultural communication and collaboration are essential.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice for individuals considering going abroad is to never fall into the trap of thinking it is a waste of time. On the contrary, few experiences can be as transformative as studying abroad. However, it's crucial to thoroughly assess the academic value of the program to ensure it aligns with your educational and personal growth goals. Embrace the opportunity with an open mind, be ready to immerse yourself in a new culture, and understand that the skills and perspectives you gain will be invaluable in both your personal and professional life.
Mountain bliss
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means avoiding the typical tourist experience. Unlike tourists who often just visit popular landmarks, take pictures for social media, and compare everything to their home, meaningful travel involves a deeper engagement. It’s about immersing yourself in the local way of life, connecting with residents, and appreciating different lifestyles without constant comparisons. Instead of simply seeing destinations, you truly experience how people live and understand that other ways of living are just as valid and enriching as your own.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
I’m concerned about programs that cover too many destinations, often hundreds of kilometers apart, within a short span of 3-5 weeks, and lack a cohesive academic theme. While making the most of the available time is understandable, this approach often prioritizes quantity over quality. I believe that meaningful international education should focus on deeper, more engaged experiences, even if it means covering fewer destinations. This ensures that the educational experience is both rich and impactful, fostering genuine connections with local communities and providing a more comprehensive understanding of each place.
