Two Florentine university students, Lapo and Edoardo, are spending the semester supporting Syracuse Florence as interns while engaging with academic life in an international setting. Both are in their final year of Political Science programs with a concentration in International Studies and saw the internship as a chance for them to immerse themselves in an American academic environment.
Lapo, who is currently writing a thesis on the U.S. arctic strategy in Greenland, was drawn to the opportunity to work in an international setting. He noted that, “being in an American university environment allows me to better understand how this educational model works in practice. Working with colleagues from different countries and professional backgrounds helps me develop my communication skills, my ability to work in a team, and my understanding of different work cultures.”
Much of Lapo’s work happens in the library office, along with supporting student internship coordination and other administrative projects. What he values most is the intercultural exchange: “Talking with American students, including graduate students, allows me to listen to and learn how other young people are building their academic paths and planning their future careers. This constant exchange helps me broaden my own outlook.”
Edoardo shared a similar motivation. His interest in history and geography as well as the chance to explore an international setting led him to explore opportunities outside of the traditional Italian university setting. Like Lapo, he works primarily in the library office at Syracuse Florence, while dividing his time across various offices and supporting whenever need. For him, “the most rewarding part is being in a healthy and stimulating environment, where there’s a nice relationship between students and staff with everybody being kind and helpful.”
Edoardo also has an interesting connection to the history of Syracuse Florence, since his grandparents knew Countess Bona, the original owner of the Villa Rossa.
They both highlighted noticeable differences between U.S. and Italian university systems, especially the smaller class sizes, close student-faculty relationships, and emphasis on student participation at Syracuse Florence. While recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of both systems, they shared how their exposure to a different academic culture is shaping their personal and professional growth.
Both Lapo and Edoardo are considering careers in diplomacy; whether they continue in academia, public service, or international work, they see their internships as a guiding step. For Syracuse Florence, their contributions represent local engagement that brings students within the city to a setting that can bridge various cultures.
By Jacqueline Monet David (Wake Forest University)