I chose CET’s Study in Siena, Italy
Program in order to increase and refine my language skills. The Italian
language has an extremely intricate history, and learning Italian is
fundamental to get closer to understanding Italy’s history, society, problems,
and one of the colorful cultures in the world. However, it is very important to
stress that learning a language goes well beyond the concept of ‘usefulness’—I
have always viewed Italian language acquisition as an opportunity to understanding
Italy, a country that I find enthralling and—even more significantly, the
wellspring through which all my knowledge, interests, passions and aspirations are manufactured. CET has made me realize that it is too
elemental to think of language acquisition as serving only a “pragmatic”
purpose. On the contrary, it is important in, I believe, many more significant
ways: language proficiency enables one to learn new research methods and
ethics, maintain a penchant for sophisticated ways of learning and
intercultural interaction, and discover a country and its people in new ways.
Making the distinction between “useful” and “important” is the first step in
renewing student’s interest in foreign language acquisition—CET in Siena provides a reputable gateway to full language immersion, in a
small-classroom environment.
International experience provides
lasting benefits that can shape a student professionally and personally. As an current participant of CET,
I believe there are unique opportunities that only this program can offer
me—such as an interesting class selections, a chance for language improvement
and refinement, an understanding of Italy’s culture and values as well as the
chance to stand out amongst other undergraduates with skills that can only be gained
through transnational exposure. Specifically,
for me, this program can provide the groundwork to proceed with my plans of
enrolling in Georgetown University’s Ph.D. program in Italian Studies after in
the Fall of 2015.
The prospect of traveling, for an entire
semester, abroad to anywhere is a
very exciting one, indeed; But Enrolling in CET Siena can not only serve as an extension to the intellectual
and personal acculturation started at the applicant’s host university, but also
is representative of how true immersion in other cultures can help one
recognize and appreciate diversity, and tolerate differences. Studying in Siena, has exposed me to a new
world, and within that new world, I can more easily put myself in someone
else’s shoes and cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the world.
For example, studying in Siena has given
me the opportunity to even teach English at a local Elementary School!
My future goals to contribute to more
peaceful relations between cultures were inspired by a very dear professor of mine at Vanderbilt University.
Not only did she try her hardest to motivate us students, she
also fostered an open, collaborative environment conducive to second language
acquisition. Just as significant, her
passion and expertise in Italian Studies was so palpable that we students grew
not just independently as second language enthusiast, but as community as
unique and delightful as Italy itself.
With the small class sizes of CET my interest my interest in Italian language and culture has
not only grown, but blossomed from a hobby into a passion!
Overlooking
one of my favorite hang out spots in Siena: Piazza Del Campo!
The
architectural detail of the Cathedral di Siena is so intricate. Definitely A
Must-See Attraction!
Piazza Salimbeni is even more beautiful at
night. My friends and I often come here to share stories and gelato! Yum!
Cassie Washington, Vanderbilt University
Spring 2014
