We recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Kinsey Kelly, who answers some fun questions about her summer in Florence.  

The cutest coastal town! // Cinque Terre

What does your study abroad experience mean to you?

My study abroad experience means a great deal to me because it gave me the opportunity to learn and indulge in a completely foreign country. I absolutely loved throwing myself into the Italian lifestyle and encountering traditions from their culture. Alongside of my exploring, my scholarly journey with SAI opened my eyes to jobs and careers that I would not have had interest in beforehand.

Painting Ponte Vecchio // Florence, Italy

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?

There are too many amazing memories to have a favorite! One of my favorite memories was a night when about fifteen study abroad students and I went to a local restaurant in Florence. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere was so much fun and the laughter and friendships that were built will last a lifetime. After we finished our exquisite dinner we all headed to the Florentine famous bridge, Ponte Vecchio, where we danced to the street band and ate gelato. I felt like I was truly living the Italian lifestyle that night.

Boating around the islands // Island of Capri, Italy

What was your favorite class abroad and why?

My favorite class while abroad was my fashion merchandising class. It correlated directly with the SAI student run store, “FLY: Fashion Loves Me”. While in the class we did hands on merchandising planning projects, which was a great learning experience and also so much fun. We also studied different types of personal shoppers and learned about each.

Lost in the cobblestone streets! // Florence, Italy

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Kinsey was a summer 2018 SAI Florence student from the University of Missouri.  She is now an SAI Ambassador.