When we initially saw "Beach Volleyball" on our schedule for the program, we were confused. Ferrara is a centrally located city, not super close to any shoreline and certainly not close enough to be worth a drive over for a brief afternoon activity. We got on the bus not sure... Continue reading

This past Monday and Tuesday, we were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with Paola Sabbatani, a wonderful vocalist, as she prepared us to sing some traditional Italian songs. The experience was unique for the students because they were encouraged to "play" with their voices, making spontaneous... Continue reading

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of practicing Tai Chi in the garden of the CIEE center. Our instructor, Fabio, walked us through this interesting and relaxing practice. The students work on breathing exercises while they stretch. Tai Chi can be very calming because the practice requires you to understand your... Continue reading

Yesterday, the students went to the Vulandra center where they made kites that could be folded up and put in their pockets for easy transport! Lucia and Alexis work together to measure the plastic used to make their kite. The materials we used were recycled and it was fun knowing... Continue reading

This weekend, we went on a wonderful trip to the very special city of Firenze. The students were very excited to visit this charming and unique Renaissance city. Our tour began in Piazza Santissima Annunziata where our guide explained the history of the Ospedale degli Innocenti, a hospital that was... Continue reading

Yesterday, the students participated in a boxing lesson in which they worked with boxing champ Jorge Pompe. Upon entering the gym, Jorge immediately commented on how "ready" and "intense" the students appeared as they eagerly awaited their training session. The students pose with Jorge after an intense boxing session! The... Continue reading

Friday was an eventful day here in Ferrara. After having spent a portion of class at the market describing the various items sold and asking how much they cost (Quanto costa?), the students went to a small ceramics studio here in centro very close to our study center. There, they... Continue reading

Yesterday, the Ferrara students went on a scavenger hunt around the city with a clue, a map, and no cellphones! Yes, the students had to look at an actual map with absolutely no GPS to navigate through Ferrara based on clues carefully placed around the city. Students visited different sites... Continue reading

Yesterday in Ferrara we had the pleasure of working with Fabiana, a master pasta chef, and learned how to make pasta typical of northern Italy. Cirese starts to make her dough with Fabiana Jennifer breaks her egg into her flour "vulcano" (volcano)! Rebecca and Sylvia incorporate the egg into the... Continue reading

After a long day of traveling, we have finally arrived in the beautiful city of Ferrara! We are already so impressed by its charm and beauty and know that this city will be the perfect backdrop for the amazing adventure that we are about to set forth on. After taking... Continue reading