auren Iacono described herself as an Italian-American girl who loves the culture and history of Italy, but who had never been to the country. Like most Americans, all she knew of the country was its food and what is shown in travel magazines and the movies. Being a member of the Proud Italian Student Organization (PISA) at FDU’s College at Florham, Iacono was able to apply for a scholarship funded by the Coccia family, which works to preserve the Italian culture and make younger generations more knowledgeable of their heritage. Thanks to this opportunity, she was soon on her way to exploring the Italian culture and language through an FDU study-abroad experience in Italy. The following is her account of the journey last summer.

By the end of July, we were finishing the on-campus portion of our Italian cultural experience with classes taught by Professors Angelo and Josephine Spina. They were not only our teachers, but our guides to the Italian culture while in Italy. Nervous but excited, I anxiously awaited the big day and was packed at least a week before the trip.

We finally arrived on August 2. The flight was long — a good eight hours — but all that mattered was that we were there. As we drove through the Tuscan countryside, it was as if we had stepped into a movie. Although tired and jet-lagged from the flight and time change, the rest of the students and I could not wait to explore! We walked around Florence from the moment we got there and did not stop walking until we left!

Of course Signor Spina was ready and raring to go after our classes over the next couple of days. He took us through Florence, explaining every church, monument, river and statue, as we all listened with excitement and eager ears.

Sunday was a day off from classes, but surely not a day to sleep in. A group of girls and I woke up early and headed for the train. Our destination: Cinque Terre — a beach area hidden from tourists. Along the western coast of Italy, we climbed through the mountains and walked Via dell’ Amore until we reached the shore and dove into the Mediterranean Sea. Clear blue water and houses of every color spilled out of the mountainside, and it was as if time had stopped and we were walking through a postcard.

After that, we had a tight schedule, and each day after class Signor and Signora Spina had something planned for us. On Monday, we hopped on a train from Florence to Pisa and had a close-up look at “la Torre di Pisa,” or the leaning tower. We each posed for a picture of us holding up the tower, as if to prevent it from falling and listened as Signor Spina explained the history of this city.

Tuesday was a day full of museums! After class, we went to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, which has artwork from some of the most famous artists including Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and Michelangelo’s “Holy Family.” After a delicious group lunch, it was time to make our way over to the Accademia Gallery, the museum that is home to the very large and magnificent statue of David created by Michelangelo. This statue not only represents David’s strength as told in the story of David and Goliath, but also Michelangelo’s intelligence in creating such a masterpiece. While it took the artist more than two years to complete it, the statue clearly replicates every feature of a human being, from the veins in the hands to the waves in the hair.

Wednesday was another early and busy day. We left the hotel around 6 a.m. and headed for Venice. It was a warm, humid day but a perfect one for a gondola ride! We arrived to hundreds of tourists filling Saint Mark’s square, as they stood there feeding pigeons from their hands and buying souvenirs. We toured the Murano glass factory, and saw in person how they actually hand blow this glass. Signor Spina explained the architecture of the churches in Venice and how they differed from the ones we had seen in Florence and Pisa. Of course, some of us went on a gondola — not only once but twice! After much exploration of this city surrounded by water, we were back in the vans on our way to the hotel.

After a late night, many were exhausted, and after class only a few decided to go to Siena. A quaint and relaxing city, Siena was just how I pictured Italy to be. This had to be my favorite city, and it definitely had the best gelato! Children were playing soccer in the streets and others were setting up for Palio di Siena. The Palio is a horse race that takes place twice a year in the Piazza del Campo. The 16 neighborhoods of Siena compete against one another for the prize. Signor Spina also told us that this was a sacred but exciting event in which the whole city was involved. Unfortunately, we would be departing Italy before the race.

Friday, instead of having class in the morning, we went straight to the Palazzo Pitti, the former home of the Pitti family and now a museum. Not only did we see artifacts from the home and [the Renaissance] era, but costumes, crowns, jewelry and more. The murals on the ceiling came to life and looked as if they were carvings in the marble. Following our last group lunch we were caught in a rainstorm, and laughed as we ran though the streets of Florence as the rain poured on. After our evening class, we took the bus up to Fiesole, a neighborhood right outside the city. After climbing a steep hill, we realized the hike was worth it when we reached the top and overlooked Florence. We stood there in silence as we watched a magnificent sunset paint the sky red, orange and yellow.

Saturday was our last day in Italy. Another student and I decided to wake up early and climb the top of Giotto’s bell tower adjacent to il Duomo. After 414 narrow, winding steps, we finally reached the top and had a marvelous view of the city. Our last day flew by, and it was soon time for our farewell dinner. We were all sad and did not want this trip to end.

As I sat on the plane home, I realized what an amazing time I had in Italy. While there, I saw and experienced what it is really like to be an Italian and embrace the culture firsthand. There is a big difference between the stereotypes of what Italy and the Italian culture are like and actually being there. The trip was a dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back! Now I can proudly say that I am an Italian American who has traveled to Italy!

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For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring this and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor, 201-692-7024 or maxon@fdu.edu.