This summer students and Dr. Mauro Palmero visited Florence, Italy, from June 5 through July 14, as part of a study abroad program. The host, Florence University of Arts, and its faculty and staff extended their warm hospitality to the group. They were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. When the group had any need, they went above and beyond to accommodate requests so that the students could succeed. They truly treated the group like family (Italian style)!

Students took part in a summer study abroad trip to Italy.

Students took classes in basic Italian, pairing food and wine, and restaurant management. They also took day trips to Montepulciano, Volterra and Bologna, and weekend trips to visit various locations in Italy (Rome, Venice, Siena, Cinque Terre national park, Amalfi Coast), and other countries like Switzerland and Croatia. They had time to experience the Italian way of life to its fullest.

Afterwards, some of the students stayed on to work on their internship experience at the pastry shop and restaurant owned by the Florence University of Arts.

Here is what some of the students who participated in the program have to say about the experience:

• “My overall study abroad experience was amazing! Being able to learn with foreign professors was also a cool experience.” — Courtney McFarland
• “I got to travel to at least 19 different cities while getting to live in the beautiful city of Florence.” — Tiffany Garavaglia
• “Overall, this was an experience of a lifetime. Looking back at it, I would do it again in a second. I learned so much about the restaurant business, working at Ganzo, because the managers were so willing to teach, which made it 10 times better.” — Lexi Brandt
• “My study abroad experience was amazing. This was my first time abroad, and I enjoyed every minute. Throughout this experience, I learned a lot, gained amazing work experience, and travelled to many places. The classes I took were very educational and I thoroughly enjoyed the topics — this made sitting through five hours of class four days a week worth it.” — Brittany Hurt
• “I thought that this internship really helped me grow as a professional. Even though it was pretty short I feel that I got a lot accomplished. I would recommend this experience to anyone that has the opportunity to do this program.” — Samantha Brauer

Dr. Palmero makes two trips to Italy

Dr. Mauro Palmero taught a course to the basketball team while in Italy.

Dr. Palmero had barely recovered from his study trip to Italy when he was invited by the Mizzou men’s basketball office to teach a class for the entire team and to go on a 10-day/4-game tour of Italy in August. They visited wonderful places such as Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Dr. Palmero had the opportunity to tour/collect information about sporting facilities in Europe and watch great basketball. The student athletes in the class had to conduct research projects comparing venues, events and guest services both in the U.S. and abroad.