***Note: I tried to post this several days ago, but due to the internet being crazy, it didn't work. so this is actually from friday, and more recent things will be updated soon***

Today started to feel a little more scholastic. We had orientation this morning, where they mostly talked about safety, what to do if you lose your passport, how pick-pocketers will get you, and some culture differences. Then we got our “free” cell phones. Here’s the catch: the phone is the only free part. We still have to pay per text and phone call locally and internationally. Lame.

After a little nap time, we had to go back for part due (that’s “two” in Italian) where we heard more about how unsafe we are and finally got into talking about classes, the university, etc. The cool thing about campus is that it’s actually part of the city. There are only a few small buildings, but they’re spread around Florence, tucked away with apartments, gelaterias, and markets. Basically, the campus is the city.

We also got our “schedules” today, which shouldn’t have been a surprise since I knew the class I signed up for. But surprise! I’m signed up for due (“two”) classes. Apparently the class I dropped months ago didn’t get dropped, and they have a policy where you can change one class, but not the number of hours you’re taking. So I’m stuck with both, even though I’m pretty certain I only paid for one… shhh… Then in typical Michelle fashion, my indecision prevailed and I decided to see what level of Italian I could test into, just for kicks. I’m in Advanced Italian! I am so excited. I can’t believe I didn’t decide to take this class in the first place. After the written exam (which was a little over 3 pages, but took me way too long for some reason), I had an oral exam, where the professor said that my grammar was “perfect,” but my speaking needed some work (which came as no surprise). She even commented on my use of the condizionale and congiuntivo which have been my biggest struggle. Then, when I mentioned to her that Italian is my minor and I really want to take advantage of being in Italy, she mentioned that during the full semesters sometimes they offer a “language partner.” She offered to hook me up with an Italian who wants to improve their English, who I would in turn speak to in Italian. Is there a better way to learn about a language and culture? Even though I’m very excited about both my classes, taking 6 hours in 3 weeks is going to be a little intense. I mean, I have mid-terms coming up and I haven’t even started school yet.

On a less academic note, this weekend is the gelato festival in Florence! Essentially, instead of gelato being offered on every street corner, there’s also a huge tent in the squares now.



Me and Melanie at the gelato festival!