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A group from the Study and Travel Abroad Program again will be heading to Florence, Italy during the fall semester, said college officials. 

The trip will give students a chance to experience the culture and history of Italy, said Rita D’Amico, an insturctor in the languages division, who is also the lead instructor too the trip. “Studying abroad is so important,” she said.

D’Amico added that students who travel abroad generally come back with a strong set of leadership skills. “It’s a life changing experience.” said D’Amico. 

Students will be able to take for credit classes that are all taught by PCC isntructors. The classes are all structured around teaching Italian culture, and include Italian langue, history of Italy as well as art classes, said study abroad Coordinator, Joseph Sierra.

Sierra added that Florence is the most popular trip that the program offers. He said the trip to Florence usually take between 30 and 35 students. “It’s a very popular trip,” he said. Sierra added that students from other areas apply to the program.

Students will take classes four days a week. While students are not in class they will have the chance to view the sights of not only Italy, but Europe as well. “Florence is a virtual museum.” said Sierra, who added that students will take trips to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and multiple museums, due to inexpensive airfare and the close proximity of other countries like Germany, France and England, many students will be able to visit those places on their own, said Instructor Simonetta May, who created the Florence trip in the Fall of 1996. May added that students will also travel to Rome, the Sistine Chapel, the Forum and many other sites. Students also get a one week break during the trip. 

The trip is also a great experience for teachers, said May, who added “It establishes relationships.” she said

Students need a 2.0 GPA and at least one semester of college, said Sierra, who added that the group will depart in either the first or second week of the fall semester and will stay in Florence for 90 days

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