Samuel Parker

Beautiful in every way. Living in Urbino was not enough time to spend in such an incredible place. The Landscape, the people, the experiences, and all the small moments; there is no better way to describe this place other than beautiful. Arriving here, I was intimidated by the idea of being thrust into a country where I knew only the basics of the language and culture and that’s all. That fear quickly went away when I took my first few strolls in the city walls. Everyone was beyond inviting, and even excited just to speak with you and make a connection. I couldn’t be happier. Our time in and outside the classroom helped me grow, learn, and experience new things. Everyday it was something out of a movie. For example, when I went to an interview for my story. Instead of just starting my interview right away, I walked into the leather shop where I was greeted by cheering. A lunch of pasta, cuttlefish, blue fish, muscles, clams and different types of drinks were set up on the table. Mauro, the leather worker, had invited over a number of his friends and people he had just met 30 minutes earlier. For the next 2 and a half hours, we talked, ate, drank, and just enjoyed each others presence. This is the kind of place I lived in for a month. I lived in the best film you could imagine. I can’t thank my parents, this program, and the town of Urbino enough for all that they have given me.