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Charlotte Gray

About My Study Abroad Program

Major/Minor: Double major in Political Science and Communications with a minor in Entrepreneurship
Program: Instituto Lorenzo de' Medici
Location: Florence, Italy
Email: chargray@unc.edu
Term: Summer 2024

 

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose this program because it was one of the most affordable study abroad programs that UNC offers, as well as it offered coursework that can be applied to my degree and career goals. I met with a study abroad advisor several times to discuss the best options for my circumstances and this program fit the best.

 

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I can live on my own and be confident in myself. Through trying new things and travelling to a new and different country, I learned that I really can do a lot of things and that I should be confident in myself more back home. 

 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
During my program there was a Florence local holiday and my favorite memory took place on this day. At night the city shot fireworks for everyone, and my favorite memory is gathering with the entire town watching them. Everyone was in such good spirits, smiling, cheering, hugging one another. 

 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Pay attention to the everyday things. Sometimes it's easy to get carried away and overwhelmed by the new and different culture, however, the best way to face uncertainties is focus on the present.

 

How do you identify?
Rural County Resident

 

Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
Being from a small, rural town, it was hard to adjust to a different culture in a foreign city. This made it difficult to adjust at first, however, by the end of my study abroad program Florence felt like home.

 

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
Just walk around the city. It's easy to get caught up doing a bunch of stuff like museums, tours, etc. but I found the best way to get to know a city and the culture is simply walking around the streets and observing everyday life and people. 

Memories