The Students Are Here!

Gli studenti sono arrivati! (The students have arrived!)

The student flights arrived on Sunday, February 4. Students were taken to Hotel Michelangelo, where they spent their first night. The faculty were specifically told to stay as far away from the hotel as possible. I guess that trying to check in 175 students can create some chaos!

The faculty arrived at the hotel yesterday morning to attend a two-hour student orientation. It was so wonderful to see them all. They may have been jet lagged, but they all looked happy and extremely excited. Before the orientation students were given a packet, a virtual treasure trove really, filled with a wealth of information and goodies, such as a Uffizi card (which gets the into all state-run museums in Florence for free without, and this is the best part, having to wait in line), a pass for four hours of e-mail use at a local Internet Train, and their meal vouchers. Interestingly, I learned that my favorite restaurant in Florence so far, Antica Trattoria Nella, is one of the nine restaurants on the meal voucher plan. The students have really lucked out with this one!

After everyone was settled in the auditorium, the orientation began. Over the course of two hours, the highly knowledgeable and personable AIFS staff told students everything they need to know to start settling into their new home, including many practicalities and warnings. We want to make sure that everyone has a safe and healthy study abroad experience!

There was much to digest, but at the same time I know that students were probably thinking about one thing: "I can't wait to see what my apartment looks like!" But they showed great patience, and then the moment arrived. Students, in shifts, were told to retrieve their luggage and to meet out front, where taxis were waiting to take them to their new homes. How exciting for them! Some already knew their roommates, and others were about to meet theirs for the first time. This is the type of experience that will result in lifelong friendships. They have so much to look forward to in these next three months!

After settling into their apartments, students were then given customized walking tours of their neighborhood, including a stroll to the school so that they would know exactly how to get there. And their evening was free to do as they wished: explore the neighborhood, have a nice dinner, or just catch up on some sleep!

Today began early with a morning cultural workshop for the students, which will be followed by a faculty meeting, during which time the students will presumably go out and enjoy a nice lunch. This afternoon students will attend a workshop about traveling in Europe, which is something many students will be doing during their long three-weekends. And then the rest of the day is free. They'd better get a good night's sleep. After all, classes begin tomorrow!