Claire Galt
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Media and Journalism
Program: UNC in Firenze
Location: Florence, Italy
Email: cegalt@live.unc.edu
Term: Spring 2020
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I have always wanted to travel and experience not just a vacation in another country, but to actually experience living in one. I decided the best way to do this would be studying abroad. I had always heard wonderful things about Italy, and when I was in London with my family on vacation, we had a tour guide who told us his absolute favorite place in the world was Florence, Italy, so Florence was always in the back of my mind.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I am able to be in another country, and be independent, while still keeping my Chapel Hill friends. I was so worried I was going to get horrible FOMO, but I ended up staying so busy that I didn't even really think about it. My friends were all still here when I got back.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories is taking a cooking class in the market which was in the city center of Florence. I was not a great chef previously, so I was a little worried about how the class would go for me, but I ended up having so much fun. I learned how to make gnocchi, and I can still make it to this day!
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
I would advise them to wait it out longer than they think. When I first arrived, I got a little bit of cold feet and started getting nervous, but when I pushed myself to wait it out, I ended up having more fun than I could have imagined.
Memories
