On February 7 four of our students attended Welcome Day 2024 in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s city hall. The event took place in the grandiose Salone dei Cinquecento which is decorated with 16th-century frescoes and Renaissance marble statues. “It was a great event, and I was able to speak to the mayor!” enthused Jean Castilla, who took the photos published here.
Jean Castilla in front of the camera
The gathering of some 200 American study abroad participants has become an annual tradition in which city officials mark the special relationship between Florence and the United States. As town councilor Elisabetta Meucci told T24 newspaper:
“The relationship with young Americans has long been special for our city, both for our strong ties with the US and because young Americans increasingly believe that studying in Florence is a significant part of their education.”
Indeed, a record 18 thousand American students will be residing temporarily in Florence this year.
Art history professor Jonathan Nelson has co-authored a book that is free to download from here until January 25. Prof. Nelson wrote Risks in Renaissance Art: Production, Purchase and Reception with Harvard economist Richard Zeckhauser, weaving insights from their two disciplines to produce this study. The two also co-wrote The Patron’s Payoff published by Princeton University Press in 2014.
From the publisher’s description:
“Production Risks, for artists, include late and non-payment. … Reception risks arise when art brings shame, not acclaim. … Ignorance afflicts players in the art world who cannot even conjecture important possible outcomes from their actions. … Major losses were common in the Renaissance art world, but these stories were often buried, while successes got proclaimed. This study corrects this rosy record. It recounts dozens of intriguing cases where parties suffered significant losses, and we diagnose the causes. You are encouraged to take a tiny risk: look at this short study presenting a new approach to a well-studied field. Consider the impact of risk on art production in Renaissance Europe and beyond.”
The Syracuse Florence art and architecture departments held another successful exhibit of student work on December 13 in their studios spaces in Piazza Donatello. Kicking off the event was the screening of a documentary following the architecture students on a field trip to the island of Elba. Guests were heard expressing admiration and delight over the skill and talent on display. Students showed work from their classes in painting, drawing, photography, architecture, painting conservation, metalsmithing, and silk screening.
On Friday 1 December 2023 the Villa Rossa hosted the 37th Annual Florence Graduate Symposium in Italian Renaissance Art, where our graduating class of six MA candidates presented the results of their capstone projects.
“The students did an excellent job of showcasing their research, which covered a wide range of topics,” said graduate program coordinator Molly Bourne. “They gave presentations on works of sculpture, painting, and portable textiles for religious and lay communities in Florence, Venice, and northern Italy. We are very proud of our grads, who each made an original contribution to the field.”
In 2024 the Graduate Program in Italian Renaissance Art will be celebrating its 60th anniversary with events: stay tuned for updates!
Northwestern econ major Mary Kate Tracy, who is studying at Syracuse Florence this fall, found out about the Firenze Marathon from her friend who is studying in Madrid and came to run the race with her. It was the 39th edition of a classic race that takes place on the last Sunday in November. “It was pretty cold in the morning, but overall pretty ideal running conditions,” says Mary.
She was surprised by how many people were there. In fact, Mary was among some 8000 runners, many who came from abroad for what has become one of the 20 most important marathons in the world.
The flat, entirely asphalted 26-mile course is particularly attractive to participants for all the natural and human-made beauty that surrounds them. “The route was so pretty,” says Mary. “It was so cool to go by all the Florentine monuments.”
It was Mary’s first marathon, and she was very happy with her time of 3 hours and 47 minutes. “I loved it! It was so much fun.”
I’m originally from Southern California’s Santa Clarita Valley.
What led you to join the military?
I chose to join the U.S. Coast Guard out of a deep-seated desire to serve my country and community.
What did you do and how long did you serve?
I have proudly served in the Coast Guard for 11 years and plan to continue this commitment. This path reflects my dedication and professional commitment.
How did that experience affect your life?
Serving in the Coast Guard has been a transformative journey for me. It has profoundly enhanced my understanding of humanitarian efforts, especially during critical times like the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Is there a connection between your service and your education?
My military career has been instrumental in my educational journey, significantly supported by resources and guidance from the Coast Guard and the Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), and I have to thank the Daniel D’Aniello Foundation.
What are you studying?
Cyber Security. In my career, I’ve developed a strong interest in policy and intellectual property regarding technology, with a focus on cybersecurity, which has directed my academic pursuits in this vital field.
Marisa (far left) with the other 3 scholarship recipients at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
How did your study abroad experience come about?
My academic journey took an exciting turn when I became a part-time online student at Syracuse University in 2021. The supportive academic environment, along with the OVMA office’s encouragement, led me to be selected for the Daniel D’Aniello Study Abroad Program under the mentorship of Deputy Director Dwayne Anthony Murray. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
What are you enjoying the most about your semester in Florence?
I am professionally immersing myself in Italian culture and daily life. I am benefiting greatly from the unique perspectives of the teaching staff, cultural exposure, language, adaptability, and diverse experiences of my fellow students.
Jacopo Bertone on graduation day at Syracuse University in the US
Professor Tulia Gattone, who teaches Globalization, Development, and the Environment, and Jacopo Bertone, who assists our Student Life Office, have an edge over their fellow Italian colleagues here at Syracuse Florence: they have both studied at Syracuse University in New York.
They also both work with our Discovery Florence students, who spend the first semester of their undergraduate career here in Italy. The time Bertone and Gattone spent as international students in America gives them a unique, helpful perspective on our students’ experience living in Florence. We asked them to tell us more.
Where are you from originally?
Bertone: I am originally from Bagno a Ripoli [a suburb of Florence], but I was raised in Varese from the time I was 6.
Gattone: I was born and raised in a charming little village nestled at the base of the Majella mountain in the Abruzzo region.
Please tell us how you came to study at Syracuse University in the US.
Bertone: I studied at SU USA because talent scouts from the rowing team contacted me at a World Championship I competed at for the Italian National Team. They offered me a scholarship to row for them so I said, “why not.”
Gattone: My journey to Syracuse University commenced during my exchange program at Dartmouth College. The discovery of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs prompted my application, culminating in the receipt of a substantial scholarship for my graduate studies—an unforeseen stroke of fortune.
What did you study there and what was your favorite thing about the experience?
Bertone: I studied Political Science (International Law) at Maxwell and Communication at VPA. My favorite “thing” was the community around SU. It’s much more patriotic than it is in Italy, and the feeling of belonging is incomparable. I mean…find me an Italian university with a 70,000-seat stadium for their athletics teams!
Gattone: At the Maxwell School, I pursued a Master of Arts in International Relations, complemented by a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Security Studies at the current Institute for Security Policy and Law. The allure lay in the intellectually stimulating classes, distinguished faculty, and the collective spirit of the student body.
Tulia Gattone while studying in Syracuse, NY
Any funny stories about cultural differences, things that surprised you, things you did not expect?
Bertone: I remember than since I did not speak much slang when I first landed in the US, I thought the concept of “hanging out” was to hang things out of the dorm window. It took me months to realize why so many people hung out all the time but I did not see anything out of the windows!
Gattone: A humorous anecdote emerges from a dinner I hosted, misinterpreting the cultural nuance of timing. Assuming a casual “aperitivo,” I found my American guests anticipating a full-fledged dinner, leading to a delightful mishap.
How might other Italians benefit from studying in the US?
Bertone: I think that everyone should try to have an international experience. You find out about another culture that you might resonate with more than your own, or you gain a different perspective that helps you appreciate “home” more.
Gattone: Recommending the US educational experience to fellow Italians is a proposition grounded in profound personal growth. The intrinsic appreciation for Italian culture, coupled with the welcoming embrace of Italian communities, renders it an invaluable opportunity.
How does your experience on the home campus help you in your job at Syracuse Florence?
Bertone: It helps me better understand what the expectations are on this campus. I quickly understand what the students need so I can anticipate what they would like to do/see, and what they would put on their nonpriority list. It is also fundamental to help them adjust to a Western European lifestyle, which can be a bit of a shock at times. It’s the reverse process that I experienced when I was catapulted into the American reality back in 2018, when my college career had just started.
Gattone: My tenure on the home campus significantly informs my role at Syracuse Florence. From deciphering colloquial banter about cold weather to dispensing nuanced academic and professional counsel, this experience serves as a pivotal bridge in understanding and connecting diverse perspectives.
Brent Barbano returned to the Villa Rossa recently to show his mom where he spent such a memorable summer studying abroad. He recounted fond memories of developing black and white photos in a darkroom for class, going on site visits with “Jay Zee” (art history professor Jane Zaloga), and hanging out a lot in Piazza Savonarola in front of the school with his friends. Brent studied at the Syracuse film school so he couldn’t come for a regular semester, and he has since become a successful director of photography.
What was it like to be back in Florence after 18 years?
It was very surreal. I have so many fond memories around the city and Villa Rossa’s neighborhood. So it was exciting to see that not much has changed. It’s just as beautiful and charming as I remembered!
How did the city and the school compare to when you studied here?
The city is definitely more crowded than I remembered but that’s to be expected. The school is even better! When I studied at Villa Rossa, they were renovating the expansion to the grounds. So it was really fulfilling to see how beautiful and larger the entire campus is now!
How did the experience affect your life and/or career path?
Studying abroad with Syracuse in Florence definitely opened my eyes to traveling internationally. At the time, it was my first trip overseas, so it was a big opportunity of growth for me. Since then, I’ve traveled to over 30 countries and 46 states, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
What was particularly memorable about your time studying abroad?
This is certainly the hardest question to answer. I created so many memories and made lifelong friends during my short summer semester (RIP Bebop*). I would have to say it’s either taking class tours in museums all over Florence and Italy, learning about classic Renaissance art and architecture. Or it would have to be all of the weekend trips my friends and I took through Italy, some locations included Naples, Capri, Sorrento, Verona, Elba, Cinque Terre, etc…
Any advice for present or future students?
Get out of your comfort zone, be inquisitive, take walks and explore, be polite, learn the language, order the weird thing on the menu, and don’t look back. It sounds corny and fairly obvious to say, but I can’t stress it enough. Seize the day and take advantage of this incredible opportunity most people won’t have in their lifetime. Syracuse did an incredible job with their program and you’re so lucky to be a part of it. SU really has one of if not the best abroad program in the country!
Plan some time to travel around Italy (and even Europe), during and after your semester too. Don’t take school (sorry professors) too seriously. Work hard, of course, but try and prioritize time to learn about the Italian culture, food, arts, customs, and general way of life. Living in any foreign country can be such an enriching experience, and it’d be a shame if you flew all this way to just study, party, sleep and repeat. You’ll regret it. Oh, and try not to order any food near the Duomo or any touristy area for that matter. Find out where the locals go and eat there.
* A bar with live music that was popular with study abroad students and closed in 2014.
Italian language professors Alessandra Adriani, Francesca Bea, and Rossella Falciai have published an article in the latest issue of Lingua in Azione, a journal about Italian language instruction, on the differences between the US study-abroad model and the European exchange program Erasmus, using Syracuse Florence as a case study.
Erasmus is used as an easy reference point when explaining the American study abroad experience to an Italian, but as explained in their article, “This is Not Erasmus,” there are some important differences.
Erasmus students go to another country [in Europe], for a semester or a year, prepared to integrate into the university and social reality of the destination country, fully embracing the course timetables, lessons and linguistic difficulties. It is a rather radical experience, which requires significant adaptation.*
Adriani, Bea, and Falciai, “Questo non e’ Erasmus,” LIA, n.1, 12/2023
In other words, US study abroad students have a lot more support and guidance in their experience living in a foreign country and adapting to cultural differences. They also tend to be younger, less experienced with college-level classes, and less autonomous than Erasmus students.
Art History Professor Jonathan K. Nelson is one of three presenters in a new video on YouTube produced by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), which has already had 17k views. The short documentary takes viewers through the streets of Florence to recount the life and work of renowned Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli.
Professor Nelson is a world renowned expert on Botticelli, and tells the artist’s story here along with Furio Rinaldi, the curator of prints and drawings at FAMSF, and Cecilia Frosinini, an art historian at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence.
