My name is Yssa McKaig, I am a Marketing student from Mississippi State University! I am currently living out a dream of mine by living in the heart of Florence and studying/interning here for the summer! I love food and traveling and it is a goal of mine to make a stop on every continent at some point in my life. I am so excited to be in this amazing country and cannot wait to share all of my experiences with you!
My name is Cara Domings and I am an American singer-songwriter and passionate Italian speaker, and I’ve been coming to live in Florence every chance I’ve had for the last five years. Apart from writing for travel blogs, I currently perform regularly in the city and as well as study Italian language at the University of Florence. Florence is a place where I’ve always felt completely at home –more than anywhere else in the world — and I’m equally as passionate about sharing my love for Italian culture as I am about sharing my music. No matter where music takes me, Italy will always be included in my plans! To hear the music I write, visit www.listentocara.com
A little about me to describe somewhat my goals and experience; however, it leaves much to be said about myself, personally, and my broader plans, experience and objectives that are relevant to my future. I am goal oriented, ambitious, a creative thinker in love with words and Im not afraid of a challenge. I like to go after what I want to achieve maximum potential. May come across as a little fiesty, sarcastic and a can make anything funny. Laughing is what keeps us young. Plus I don’t take myself too seriously. I’m a story teller and a dreamer.Recently I have returned from living abroad in Tuscany after 5 years and being home in America for 2. I speak Italian almost fluently. It was the best experience thus far,it has really helped me grow personally and see the world from a different place. I enjoy travel, cooking, shopping, reading, wine,swimming, working out a beautiful view…most things every woman loves .What I find the most intriguing is meeting a person who can help me see things from another perspective and make me more knowledgeable. Love to meet interesting characters and discuss wisdom and life experience. I came back because now Italy has become a huge part of my life and I would like to be able to share more with others. Did I mention the shopping?!Blogging is an extension to branch out and meet some different successful people share stories and experiences as well as my adventures. I write this stories to inform anyone who is visiting this lovely country and I hope my experiences find you well.
I come to Florencetown originally from Maine but currently from Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been fortunate enough to also live in many major cities including Boston, New York, San Francisco and now Florence. I have a Bachelors degree in Communication and minor in Media Analysis from Arizona State University, where I went not only to study but to enjoy both the sun and a passion of mine since the age of twelve — golf. My professional experience spans areas such as public relations, hospitality, hairstyling and makeup artistry for weddings, and style consulting. Most recently, I worked in the fashion industry as a former event planner and public relations director in San Francisco and New York City. That passion followed me to Phoenix where I work now as a freelance consultant in hospitality, fashion, and publishing. Coming from a family of cooks, sailors, and adventurers; I live for food and the seaside — always trying to taste flavors from different regions and never shying away from a chance to experience something new. I’ve found that through my love of travel and the thrill of never knowing where I’ll end up, meeting new people and seeing new countries has shaped my personality and contributed to my zest for life. My travels have taken me to Spain, Germany, Canada, France, Holland, Italy, and many places throughout the United States. As the sister of both an Occupational Therapist and a Registered Dietitian, I have tried to balance a life of indulgence with good health. I savor fresh produce and dairy from my newfound haven, Il Mercato Centrale as well as long walks and stair climbs around Florence (so I can drink more wine and eat more cheese of course). I am devoted to trying to master the Italian language and am incredibly lucky that I have found myself in the breathtaking city of Florence. If I ever have leave this great city, I hope to visit more amazing countries across the globe and continue to revel in what the world has to offer. Other goals include spending more time near the water, a love of sports, reading, great caffe, shopping, and the hope of having a family one day. My adventures have inspired a new love of writing, which is what drove me back to Florence to live and record a life of cultural and social richness. Most importantly, I believe that living each day to the fullest and a positive, ambitious outlook on life can take you anywhere you want to go and expose a world of possibilities.
My name is Lindsay Alesso and I’m a student abroad from the University of California, Santa Barbara. As a huge art history nerd and major foodie, I am living my dream from an apartment in the heart of Florence’s city center and working as an intern with Florencetown. I’m an International Studies major who is eager to experience new cultures and learn new languages in hopes to pursue a career in global non-profit work. Follow and uncover the secrets of majestic Florence through my perspective as an American expat!
Born in Toronto, Canada, Tiffany Tobias received a degree in Social Work from Ryerson University and has also studied in areas such as Holistic Nutrition and Psychology. For several years she specialized in mental health working in the non-profit sector while recreationally studying both classical voice and dance. In 2010, she began singing with Toronto City Opera, and in early 2013, after two seasons, she left her career as a social worker to focus on pursuing her dream as an opera singer. She currently studies the Italian language, lyrical opera, music theory and pianoforte at Istituto Europeo in Florence, Italy.
Hello everyone! My name is Molly Prey and I am an American student and I spent the semester in Florence. I am a junior at the University of Vermont but I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland (GO RAVENS!). I am a Public Communications major and a Business Administration minor. Florencetown was an incredible opportunity for me. I have been so lucky to be in such an amazing city for an entire semester and my internship with Florencetown was an added bonus!
Erich Schrader is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and studied journalism and political science at Miami University, studying abroad in Florence the summer before his senior year. He has worked with a number of different print and online publications here in Florence and is currently blogging for Florencetown.
Ciao! My name is Shannon Grady, I’m a Communications student at UC Berkeley, currently studying in Florence! This is my first time abroad and I’m making the most of my short time here with plenty of weekend trips around Europe as well as with an internship at Florencetown in the heart of the city. Florence is a beautiful place with so many so many different kinds of people that still holds onto its unique Florentine culture. From the great food and wine, to an opera or an adrenaline-filled calico match, there’s always something to do here that will make you love the city even more. I can happily say I made a great choice studying here and I would highly recommend a trip to Florence (and the rest of Italy) to anyone I meet!
Ciao! My name is Caroline and I am from Minnesota (the state known only for the snow)! A little about me is that I love to downhill ski, learn about the interactions between the different generations, and I am very close to my family! I am studying in Florence for 4 months and I am already in love with the city. I was drawn to Florence because of the rich history, beautiful language, walk-able city, and deep rooted traditions. Living with an Italian family, I am quickly learning just how little I knew about Florence before arriving. Now that I am here, I am determined to find (and tell all of you about) the adventures, history, food, wine, and culture that Florence has to offer!
