Grace Smith, Alumni Ambassador

What was your favorite class while abroad, and why?
While I was abroad I did an internship and studied, my internship experience was at an art gallery called Scarpelli Mosaic, this art gallery specializes in a traditional Florentine mosaic called comesso florentino, this form of mosaic is different from traditional mosaics because of the way they are put together. Each piece is cut out and filed by hand to fit perfectly together with the other, being put together like a puzzle. 

How did you engage with the local community while abroad?
Through my internship abroad, I met locals and also grew close to my coworkers. We went out to dinner and drinks after work and I experienced a different side of Italian culture that I wouldn't experience without my internship. Additionally while abroad I spoke Italian and made as many local friends as I could. By becoming friends with locals I witnessed a whole new way of life for someone my age, I not only met new people almost everyday but also gained a new perspective on life and learned how to embrace new experiences.