Frequently Asked Questions

Throughout the last couple of months, I have been telling almost everyone I meet about this trip. Whether it is my coworkers, random strangers, or distant family members, I absolutly love telling people about the journey I'm about to partake in.

But since my departure is next Tuesday, and my contact with people in the US won't be as frequent (booooo) I thought I'd answer some questions that people ask me about my trip on the blog. If you have any others for me, *feel free to ask!

Here we go...

Why Italy and why now?
It was never in my college plans to study abroad. But after much prayer and thought, I decided that it would be the perfect way to end my Chapman experience. I may have been putting it off til the last minute...but better late than never, right? Besides, when will I have another opportunity to live in Europe?

I chose Italy because I have never been to Europe, and have always wanted to go. As a child, I dreamed of visiting Italy. I had this crazy idea that all they did was eat pizza all day and they took boats to work. As I grew older, my perception obviously changed, and I began to recognize what a rich history the country had. And oh yeah, AMAZING FOOD (By the way, I plan on coming back 40lbs heavier. Don't judge me and my lifestyle!)

I had a few friends positively rave to me about Chapman's Florence, Italy, study abroad program, and I yearned to be a part of it. And 8 months later...here I am!

Where will you be living?
I will be living in the heart of Florence, Italy, in an apartment that was selected for me via my program. I am excited because I will be living with 4 other women, two of who happen to go to Chapman! :D

What classes will you be taking?
Since I am entering my senior year, I am fortunate enough to have most of my GE's, major, and minor classes completed. So while in Italy, I will only be taking one class that applies to my minor. Otherwise, it is electives for me! I will be taking courses such as food and wine pairing, art history, Italian, and event planning. Not too bad of a load, if I do say so myself (especially since I get to return to PR campaigns and Entertainment Marketing. Ugh).

Do you speak Italian?
Nope! Not a word. But I will be taking basic Italian while I'm there...and I think there is no better place to practice!

Where else do you want to go?
This truly depends on the amount of funds I have. But I have booked a field trip to Switzerland and the French Rivera through the school. I also want to visit other parts of Italy, such as Rome, Venice, Cinque Terre, and Milan, to name a few. I also plan on spending many a weekend exploring all that Florence and the greater Tuscany area has to offer. Other countries I would love to visit are:

• Germany (Can you say Oktoberfest?!)
• Ireland (To visit my Irish peeps from Knott's!)
• Spain (In honor of my dearest Michelle's study abroad experience)
• France (Not gonna lie...half of this reason is cause I want to go to Disneyland Paris)

My next entry will be all about ways to contact me while I'm in Italy. Ciao!

-Kara

*By the way, even if you don't have blogger, I believe you can still comment :)