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Every so often, a student comes along who fully embraces the spirit of study abroad—immersing themselves in the culture, engaging deeply with their academics, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone they meet. At Syracuse Florence, we’re proud to celebrate one such student whose time here has been nothing short of inspiring. From navigating the cobblestone streets of Florence with curiosity and confidence to forging meaningful connections both in and out of the classroom, Christian Han exemplifies what it means to truly commit to the study abroad experience. In this interview, we dive into his journey, insights, and the transformative impact of his time in Italy.

Please tell us a bit about your background.

I’m from Las Vegas, born and raised. My home school is the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University, where I’m a mechanical engineering major and currently a rising sophomore. I’m still exploring my career path, but I’ve been considering fields such as the defense industry or aeronautics. I’m also part of the Army ROTC program at Syracuse, which has shaped much of my college experience so far and has played a considerable influence on my career aspirations.

What led you to decide to do an internship abroad?

During my first year in ROTC, our instructor SFC Zellar encouraged us to study abroad, especially during the summer semester in Florence. I thought that pairing a study abroad experience with an internship would be the best way to make the most of my time here — academically, professionally, and culturally. Moreover, Syracuse is known to have an excellent study abroad program so I thought it would be best to take advantage of it while I have time and opportunity to do so.

What has been the best part of your time abroad? The most surprising?

Two parts stand out as the most memorable experiences. First is oil painting — I enrolled in a local art school here to learn oil painting from scratch, and each session has been incredibly pleasant and fulfilling. What made it even more enjoyable was having the chance to chat with other students around me, who were almost all international like myself, visiting from all around the world from New Zealand to Mexico.

Second is practicing Kendo at a local dojo. I serve as the president of the Kendo Club at Syracuse University, where we haven’t had a sensei, or a proper instructor for that matter, in multiple years. That means that more experienced members like me have taken up the mantle of leadership and instruction in their place. Although we try our best, our understanding of the art is unfortunately, but understandably, limited, and it certainly shows in our lackluster performances at intercollegiate tournaments such as the annual Shoryuhai hosted by Harvard University. So being able to train in a formal dojo environment with dedicated instructors and fellow kendoka (kendo practitioners) has been an invaluable and most impactful experience, as it has not only help refine my own skills but also provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I can bring back and teach others at home.

As for what surprised me the most: how widely English is spoken here. It’s made navigating daily life much more accessible for an individual like me who finds it substantially difficult to learn a new language.

Your host mom said she wishes all students were as engaged as you are. Any tips for future students on immersing yourself in the local culture?

My advice would be to just throw yourself out there. Try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of the many opportunities available. Every experience adds something to your perspective — whether it’s cultural, personal, or professional.

You took advantage of every opportunity we offer while you’ve been here (volunteering, book club, field trips, etc.). What have you enjoyed the most?

Volunteering has been one of the most enjoyable aspects. I spent most of my time assisting in the garden at St. James Church — planting, cultivating, and connecting with others. It felt meaningful not just as an act of service but also as a way to engage with the local community on a grounded, personal level.

How do you think your experience here will impact your future endeavors?

This experience has definitely broadened my perspective and increased my global awareness. It’s made me more open-minded and reflective. If everything goes as planned, I hope to return again in the spring semester to continue learning and growing here.

This summer, Syracuse University marked a historic milestone with its first-ever inclusive study abroad program, bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities for a transformative two-week journey through Italy. Anchored at the Syracuse University Florence Center, the course titled Inclusive Schools and Societies: Lessons from the Italian Context offered a unique blend of academic exploration, cultural immersion, and inclusive living.

A Vision Years in the Making

The program was led by Dr. Christine Ashby and Dr. Beth Myers, faculty members from the School of Education’s Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI). Their vision for an inclusive study abroad experience had been in development for years, building on the foundation of previous iterations of the course. This year, in partnership with Syracuse Abroad and the Florence Center, that vision became a reality.

CDI’s mission to make higher education fully inclusive found a new expression in this program, extending the college experience beyond the classroom and across borders.

Who Took Part?

The group included 14 students—a mix of current and former InclusiveU students and School of Education undergraduates—along with two faculty members and two InclusiveU staff. Together, they formed a learning community that lived, dined, traveled, and studied side by side, modeling true inclusion in every aspect of the experience.

Learning Across Italy

The course took students through Florence, Padua, Venice, and Rome, where they visited museums, historical landmarks, schools, and universities. These visits provided rich opportunities to explore how Italy’s long-standing commitment to inclusive education is reflected in its institutions and communities.

Highlights included:

• School and university visits that showcased inclusive practices in action.
• Museum tours that brought history and culture to life.
• Group outings filled with laughter, learning, and lots of gelato.

What Made This Program Unique?

This was the first time Syracuse University offered a study abroad experience that was fully inclusive of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a model in the U.S. for inclusive postsecondary education, InclusiveU continues to break new ground—and this program is a powerful example of what’s possible when inclusion is prioritized.

A Lasting Impact

Beyond the academic insights, the program left a deep personal impact on participants. Students engaged in meaningful discussions about the similarities and differences between U.S. and Italian approaches to inclusion. More importantly, they experienced what it means to live and learn in a truly inclusive environment.

As one faculty member put it, “This kind of immersive learning changes how students view inclusion—and how they view the world.”

Looking Ahead

This pilot program is just the beginning. The hope is that it will pave the way for more inclusive study abroad opportunities at Syracuse University and beyond. By expanding access to global learning, the university continues to lead the way in creating a more inclusive future for all students.

This past spring, Dr. Jennifer Naccarelli returned to the Syracuse Florence campus to visit her daughter, who was following in her footsteps and doing a semester with our program. In addition to teaching, Jennifer trains students in gender-based violence advocacy. She told us how her semester in Florence changed the course of her life.

You were a women’s studies and religious studies major. Please tell us about how Professor Sara Matthews-Grieco’s class impacted you.

I am currently an associate professor of Women & Gender Studies at the University of Delaware.  I credit my time in the Florence program with this career trajectory.  While in Florence, I primarily took Women’s Studies courses and my experience with Prof. Sara Matthews Grieco inspired me to attend graduate school.  She was the first faculty to introduce me to archival research—I was fascinated by the prospect of using historical documents to better understand the experiences of early modern women.  Her course connected the past and the present in ways I wanted to emulate.

You remembered meeting your host mom in room 13 of the Villa Rossa. Why would you recommend that students have the host family experience?

The host family experience enabled me to be more adventurous because I felt like I had a safety net.  They never limited my behavior, travel, or socialization rather just gave me advice for how to navigate Europe.  It was comforting to know that someone local was expecting my arrival home. The Cocciolli family spoiled us and provided beautiful accommodations.  Every morning and evening we shared delicious meals with the family.  I never had to worry about linens, laundry, or other domestic tasks. My time with them ensured that I developed Italian language skills.  They were wonderful, and I quickly felt like Florence was home.

What did you like best about the Syracuse Florence program? 

The Villa Rossa!  It was so special to have a magnificent home base in the heart of Florence. So many wonderful memories took place in the courtyard.  Additionally, I loved meeting the students from other universities.  I keep in touch with many of the friends I made during one brief semester.

How has Florence changed since you studied here? 

Florence is still the beautiful and welcoming city that it was in 1994.  The biggest change is in the size of the crowds.

Any advice for current students?

Try not to travel every weekend.  In fact, consider limiting travel to every third weekend.  I understand the peer pressure to fly all over Europe, but constantly being on the go is exhausting and expensive.  It hinders your ability to settle into your lifestyle and community in Florence.  There are adventures to be had in Florence and the nearby communities that are easy to miss if you are constantly traveling to other countries. Be present and soak it all in.  

Professor Eric Nicholson, who teaches Comedy in Italy from Ancient to Modern Times and Laughter and Passion: Italian and European Theatre 1500-1700, has published a chapter in the book Performing Girls and Women, Medieval to Early Modern and Beyond, edited by Deanne Williams and published by Amsterdam University Press.

His chapter, “You Know We’re No Good:  Moll Cutpurse, Ophelia, and Her Musically Unruly Sisters,” appraises how the charismatic Italian-style female singing voice —even when emulated by an adolescent male in Shakespeare’s England—could release unruly theatrical energies, especially when linked to sexual intrigue and suggestive musical instrumentations.

Alumna Kristen Portanova recently returned to the Villa Rossa where she spent some time doing remote work (for NBC Universal) in the Villino Library while staying in Florence with her family. She has returned many times since studying here, but this was the first time she stayed more than a few days. She told us about how her experience studying at Syracuse Florence changed her life.

You were a Radio, TV and Film major at Syracuse when you studied in Florence. How did your coursework here relate to your studies at home?

I was not able to take any classes that counted directly towards my major, however the electives I took in Florence were engaging, interesting, and impactful. Italian language was a requirement which I was grateful for, as it assisted me in providing the foundation for conversation with my host family as well as throughout my experience living in Florence. Art History was necessary as it gave me great understanding and appreciation for the art, history, and architecture of Florence. I also took writing and Italian film which were both similar to my Newhouse coursework and certainly assisted me with my senior year courses once I returned to campus. I hadn’t previously been exposed to Italian cinema before I took this course in Florence and I feel it was a vital part of my film education. 

Please tell us about your experience with your host mom Giovanna and why you said you’d recommend every student do this.

Giovanna and Piero were wonderful host parents! I absolutely loved the experience of living with them, and would definitely recommend all students live with host families as it provided me with an unmatched immersive experience into Italian culture within the comfort of a home. Giovanna was an amazing cook, who prepared fresh dinners every evening where we sat at the table for hours which assisted me in not only learning Italian language but also understanding the culture that is placed around meals. Giovanna’s amazing dishes are still some of the best food I have ever had in my life. I appreciated how she allowed me to observe her skills, and took so much time and care in the preparation of each meal. She showed me how Italian culture is so strongly linked to food and the experience of meal time.

You had quite an experience studying art history with the renowned Professor Rab Hatfield and “Robocop” as your TA. What was that like?

Yes, that was absolutely amazing! To study Renaissance Art History with the expert who wrote the textbook was inspiring and unparallelled. Professor Hatfield provided me with the knowledge and appreciation for the art and architecture of Florence and Tuscany that I have cherished throughout my life. He provided such a solid foundation for understanding the city of Florence as we frequently ventured out to see the actual pieces of art in person! 

Peter Weller (“Robocop”) was so animated and passionate, I could tell how much he loved Florence and the art he was teaching us about–he really instilled an excitement in learning! 

Another gift Professor Hatfield gave me was introducing me to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. During our field trip to the city he had urged us to try a bottle of wine there, and since then my life has changed as this wine has been a staple throughout my life as well as the lives of my family and friends with whom I have shared this knowledge!

You mentioned fun differences like writing your papers by hand and arranging to meet friends at the Duomo without a cell phone. How else has Florence changed since you were here as a student?

I loved writing our papers by hand, since I could sit down with my notebook at a cafe overlooking the Duomo, or on the floor inside the Uffizi, or in a pew at Santa Croce. We did have cell phones at the time and were just introduced to text messaging at the time. Though Florence has since embraced technology now like WiFi, I don’t see many differences to when I studied here in 2003. It’s exactly like going back in time, and being here makes me feel like a student again. The Villa Rossa is still the same warm, welcoming, beautiful place it was when I studied here though it is now full of memories experienced by a younger version of myself. I still go to the taxi stand and sit down at a restaurant for lunch here, instead of grabbing an Uber or ordering Door Dash which I would do at home in New York. It’s comforting to be in such an old unflappable city that has withstood so many generations. It’s part of the many charms that make Florence such an enchanting city to visit. 

How did your experience at Syracuse Florence influence your life and/or career?

Studying abroad in Florence changed my life, and I would not trade that experience for anything. It had such a huge influence on the trajectory of my life, as it opened my mind to the amazing experience of travel, of living in other cities, and meeting new people. When my time in Florence ended, I returned back to Syracuse more cultured, more appreciative, more compassionate, and with an overall greater understanding of my tiny place in the world. I believe it impacted my professional life, in that I was able to navigate through the chaotic film and television industry with flexibility, and the inspiration to travel and work in all of the different places I have worked in throughout my career. 

By Michelle Tarnopolsky

At Syracuse Florence, we are privileged to be part of countless stories that span continents, generations, and lifetimes. One such story is that of Virginia Arey Querci—a woman whose life was as vibrant and layered as the art she created. Following her recent passing, her son and personal assistant Merita Marashi made a heartfelt donation of Virginia’s art supplies to our studio art department. This generous gesture not only enriches our program but also invites us to reflect on the extraordinary life of a truly unique alumna.

Born in Boston in 1928, Virginia’s artistic journey began at the Boston Museum School and continued at the Yale School of Fine Arts. In her early 20s she travelled to Italy, including a bike trip that ended in Florence. But it was a serendipitous moment in Paris that would alter the course of her life. While walking along the Seine, she heard an Italian singing from a boat and was overcome with emotion. “I have to go back to Florence,” she told her friend. A nearby woman overheard and offered a connection to a countess in Florence. That chance encounter led Virginia to a home along the Arno River—and to the city that would become her lifelong muse.

In Florence, Virginia studied under the renowned painter Pietro Annigoni and immersed herself in the local art scene. She married a Florentine and had three children. After his untimely death, she found lasting love with her second husband, with whom she shared six decades and a son who now lives in Milan.

Virginia’s connection to Syracuse Florence began in the 1970s, when she enrolled in our program and, remarkably, completed an entire Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts through our Florence campus—an extraordinary feat for an American abroad at the time. Her career as a visual artist was rich and expressive, though often balanced with her roles as wife and mother. She exhibited her work in Italy, the UK, and the US, and was represented by the British gallery Bilmes Hawkins & Co. Her painted tapestries—evocative of 17th-century wall hangings—captured the essence of Tuscan landscapes and architecture with a timeless grace.

Virginia lived in Fiesole, a hilltop town just above Florence. It was there that she met Merita Marashi in 2016. What began as a job quickly became a deep bond. Just six days after Merita began working with Virginia, the older woman’s husband passed away. From that moment, the two women became inseparable—more like family than employer and assistant. “She treated me like a treasure,” Merita shared, her voice still heavy with grief.

Virginia remained fiercely independent into her 90s—driving, living alone, and painting every day. She was curious, joyful, and always eager to discuss everything from politics to Harry Potter. She left behind a significant body of work and a legacy of creativity, resilience, and warmth.

We are deeply grateful for the donation of her art supplies, which will inspire and support future generations of artists at Syracuse Florence. More than that, we are honored to have been a part of Virginia’s remarkable journey—a journey that began with a song on the Seine and found its home in the heart of Tuscany.

At Syracuse Florence, our studio art professors are more than educators—they’re practicing artists who bring their expertise, creativity, and passion into the classroom. One such individual is Professor Kirsten Stromberg, who teaches painting and sound art. She epitomizes the dynamic nature of our faculty, sharing not only her knowledge but also her experience as an accomplished artist actively engaged in innovative projects.

Over the past two years, Professor Stromberg has been involved in a series of extraordinary initiatives that highlight her dedication to sound as an artistic medium. We’re thrilled to share some highlights of her recent achievements.

In December 2023, Professor Stromberg traveled to Goa, India, to participate in The Listening Academy. This unique research academy explores listening as both a creative and critical practice, bringing together artists, researchers, and thinkers from around the world to investigate the profound act of listening.

In March 2024, she brought her talents to Warsaw, Poland, where she led a captivating workshop and performance in collaboration with artist Benedetta Manfriani for the Lost and Found International Symposium. Together, they engaged with a 15th-century painting, translating its bodily gestures into sound, creating a bridge between visual and auditory art forms.

Later that year, in October, she performed at the Murate Art District (M.A.D.) in Florence. Her text score, Master Piece (materpieces), is part of the series Open Throat Histories which reimagines and critiques the history of European painting. Through this work, Professor Stromberg pays homage to iconic artworks while offering a feminist perspective on the cultural and socio-economic conditions in which these masterpieces were created.

In addition to her international endeavors, Professor Stromberg has made significant contributions closer to home. Throughout 2024 and 2025, she has collaborated with local elementary school children on sound art projects, also in partnership with M.A.D. These initiatives not only introduced young students to the world of sound art but also fostered creativity and community engagement.

Professor Kirsten Stromberg’s work exemplifies the intersection of education, artistic practice, and social impact. At Syracuse Florence, we are proud to have such inspiring faculty who continue to push the boundaries of art and inspire the next generation of artists.

Professor Elia Nichols, who teaches Presentational Speaking at Syracuse Florence, has achieved an impressive milestone. Her TEDx talk, delivered last August, has been published on TED.com and selected as an Editor’s Pick—a distinction awarded to only 0.07% of TEDx talks.

In just one week of being online, Professor Nichols’ talk has already garnered over 36,000 views. Titled The Secret to Looking More Confident, the talk draws from her extensive acting career to share practical tips on radiating confidence, even when you might not feel it.

Professor Nichols is thrilled to share this achievement with the Syracuse Florence community, and invites everyone to watch her talk here. Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, navigating social interactions, or simply looking to boost your confidence, her advice is sure to resonate.

On Wednesday, April 23, our art and architecture students celebrated three months of artistic and academic exploration with the Final Art and Architecture Show. The event highlighted the impressive projects they’ve worked on since arriving in January.

Before opening to the public, the studio art students received valuable critiques from Christian Levett, a prominent contemporary art collector and museum owner. His visit was an inspiring addition that motivated and encouraged the students as they prepared to showcase their work.

The exhibition drew an enthusiastic crowd, who admired an array of creative pieces reflecting the students’ journey in one of the world’s most historically rich cities. From intricate architectural designs to thought-provoking works of art, the show was a celebration of their growth, dedication, and connection to Florence’s cultural heritage.

The evening was a joyful and fitting conclusion to a successful semester, leaving attendees inspired by the results of their transformative experience in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Bravo to all involved!