Italy: Coming May 2023

Study Abroad Program Director; Professor

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m a professor in the Advertising Department and a textbook author.  I teach a happiness class in the program and love every destination we visit. Spending time each summer with our staff and students is one of the highlights of my year.

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Curious, entrepreneurial, goal-oriented.

What are your must-have items when traveling? My European coffee maker. My laptop. My iPad.

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. They are all great: Rome, Sydney, Florence, Paris, London, Barcelona, Dublin, Santorini, Madrid, Galway.   

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Truffle pasta in my favorite Florence restaurant.

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? Congratulate yourself on your courage and sense of adventure for going!  Prepare for the trip by studying up on the culture and places you will visit. Live each day fully. Make connections, they will last a lifetime.

Former News Manager, Innovation New Center

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born in Georgia, raised in Florida and have a passion for driving fast cars. I hate living where it snows. I LOVE teaching college students. They keep me young.

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Organized, silly, passionate.

What are your must-have items when traveling? iPhone for taking pictures, comfortable shoes, hot rollers.

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. I can’t decide. I would have to say Ireland is a favorite because I got married there. But there are so many other places I truly love…the Greek Islands, Barcelona and Seville, Spain. I also love Belgium, Austria, France, the Netherlands, England, Germany.

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Chocolate Gelato.

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? As Mike says, do your homework and learn about the places we will visit. The month goes by very quickly so it’s a good idea to make a list of your must-go places that you don’t want to miss. Pack light and save room for souvenirs. No need to pack 30 outfits. No one will notice or care if you wear the same thing twice or ten times. I over-packed my first Study Abroad year and regretted it!

Professor, Appalachian State University

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m a Ph.D. grad from University of Florida in 2009. Professor in advertising, faculty in residence, fitness advocate, published author. My recent research has been directed at energy conservation through consumer behavior, also new models in gender identity. I was recently named to the board of directors for the Journal of Gender Studies.

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be?  Compassionate, resilient, loyal.

What are your must-have items when traveling? My unlocked smart phone (buy a SIM card where ever I go); running gear; lightweight day pack; laptop with HDMI cord; MeetUp.com to join local running, tour and hiking groups. 

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. I find it hard to define “best” because every UF study abroad trip is a privilege. To be part of alternate cultures, be in communities and find the best running loops and parks! Getting back to Barcelona is excellent. What a wonderful walking city with epic views, history and night life!

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be?  Crispy apples and protein bars.

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? Remain open to new experiences. Use the mantra “not better or worse, just different.” Strive to transition from tourist to temporary local resident. Enjoy the simple things. Have a cup of coffee and relax.

 Debbie Treise (ADV)

Professor

Tell us a little bit about yourself. In no particular order: I’m from Buffalo, N.Y., I’m a professor in advertising, flight instructor, head up the science/health grad program, a mom to the best two sons in the world, health researcher, avid biker, exercise fiend.

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Happy, goal-oriented, funny (or maybe that’s goofy).

What are your must-have items when traveling? Flattening iron, iPad, credit card.

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. Wow!  Tough question – Italy for the culture, art and SHOES. Australia for the culture and fun. Greece for the absolute beauty and history (oh, and the food), Ireland for the people, Spain for the food, opportunities, architecture and shopping, etc….

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Donuts and Chicago hot dogs – only healthy food for me.

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? This is an amazing opportunity! Plan every day to see or do something new. Challenge yourself. Meet new people among our group and in the community where we’ll be staying.

Professor

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born in Roswell, N.M., while my dad was in the Air Force (which could explain a lot, eh?), but I grew up in a small town in southwest Missouri. I got my bachelor’s in journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia and worked as a health reporter for several years before going to UNC-Chapel Hill for my master’s and Ph.D. The only thing I don’t like about traveling is leaving behind my family – my husband (a potter), my two sons, a snooty cat, a goofy Labrador retriever and two horses. My family has spent more than a year of our lives in Ireland, so I look forward to going “home,” if only briefly.

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Passionate, responsible and goofy.

What are your must-have items when traveling? Laptop, really comfortable shoes, books.

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. Ireland. I loved New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Australia. But I feel connected to Ireland in a way that’s almost creepy. It felt like home from the first time I landed on Irish soil. 

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Aaargh – I have to pick just one? OK, grilled fish. No, wait, steak. No, wait, really good cherries… 

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? It’s not going to be like living in Florida or anywhere else in the United States, and that’s a GOOD thing. Relax and go with the flow, taking advantage of the chance to experience a totally different culture, make new friends, and see the world – and the United States – from a new perspective.

Lecturer

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  Originally from Pensacola, FL, a UF master's graduate, and worked for more than 22 years at Ogilvy & Mather in Washington, DC, New York City and finally as head of the Atlanta, GA office. I've won lots and lots of awards because that's what makes clients happy and renew their contracts! Client management stories -- I've got a million of 'em. I enjoy all the vices and believe we learn most from our mistakes.  Love my family, great food and drink and coffee -- lots of coffee 

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be?  Kind, Funny, Excited 

What are your must-have items when traveling?  AMEX card; local cash; Uber app 

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. I Lots of great places mostly beaches, but one place above-all, London for me cause I am an unabashed anglophile! Totally got into the 4 p.m. High Tea experiences there.  Love art museums, great restaurants, book stores and open-markets.  

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Cheeseburgers and fries!   

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad?   

Learn a little in advance about each place you'll visit.  Try new foods and drinks. Pack lighter than they tell you. Bring great walking shoes! Get to know your fellow travelers, they'll become life-long friends.  Experience items not on the official schedule.  You can sleep when you get back home! 

Lecturer

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I’m originally from Meridian, Mississippi but spent much of my childhood in Pensacola. My undergraduate degree is in Zoology. My wife and I have three sons, three cats, and a dog (so that Zoology degree is really paying off.) 

I have been working in video production for a couple of decades and currently teach several production courses in the CJC. I’m fascinated by the crafting of messages and how they are interpreted.  

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? 

obsequious, purple, clairvoyant 

(The significance of these is a simple Google search away. You can thank me later.) 

What are your must-have items when traveling? 

Noise-canceling passport, old-timey bathing costume, multilingual pencil, my worldly belongings tied up on the end of a stick, and an adorable puppy. 

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why? 

Spain! It was with the UF CJC Study Abroad program. Need I say more?  

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? 

Hasenpfeffer 

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? 

Seek out places off the prescribed track. Try new foods. Talk to strangers. Watch the locals and match their energy. Tread lightly and breathe deeply. Hydrate, rest, repeat. 

 Professor

Tell us a little about yourself: I am a professor in the Media Production and Management and Technology Department.  I create documentary films concerning pediatric health and literacy.  I will be teaching video storytelling and photography. 

If you could describe yourself in three words: ambitious, creative, visionary

What are your must- haves when traveling? Camera, computer, cell phone, chargers, power adaptors, nightlight

Best place I ever travelled: Boston’s north end because people tawk nohmal and the food is second to none.

If I could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be?  Hands down, vanilla cake with white butter cream frosting.

What advice do you have for our students when traveling abroad?  Be a traveler, not a tourist. Less emphasis on social media updates and more enjoyment of where you are.  Meet someone local and find out about them. Step out of your comfort zone and try new food. 

Taylor Vasquez

 PhD Student

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I am a doctoral student studying interpersonal health and relational communication here in the CJC, and a proud triple Gator! I love to travel, go to the gym, and cook delicious food. Fun fact: I met my husband while skydiving. 

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? 

Compassionate, adventurous, ambitious 

What are your must-have items when traveling? 

Comfortable shoes, more than one type of payment method, iphone/camera, a blanket

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. 

That is nearly impossible to choose. I think Norway and Iceland have been the most breathtaking places I’ve traveled since the landscapes changes every time you look out the car window. Italy and Greece had the best food, Spain’s culture… I can’t decide! 

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? 

I think I have to go with pasta since it’s so versatile.

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? 

It’s so true that time flies when you’re having fun so make sure to soak up every second!! Plan ahead and make a list of must-do/see/eats. You have a lot of time to adventure outside of the scheduled classes and activities to make the most of your month abroad so you should seize the moment and experience as much as you can. 

Renee Mitson

 PhD Student

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I'm a third year PhD student studying organizational leadership communication and emerging technology. Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, I went to undergrad in Boston, then attended the University of Minnesota before making her way to the University of Florida. My love of travel began when I attended an exchange program in high school in Japan, and now I can’t wait to get to experience Florence, Italy. 

If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be?

Friendly, Playful, Organized

What are your must-have items when traveling? 

When traveling, I love to pack light! But I always make room for my own silk pillowcase (great for skin and hair), earplugs (nothing worse than a bad night’s sleep), and bar shampoo (no leaks on the airplane and takes up very little space). If I have these three things I can handle any traveling situation. 

Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. 

There’s so many places I have loved. Prague was out of a fairytale, I think Copenhagen is a very special city, but if I had to pick, Osaka in Japan. Osaka is smaller than Tokyo which makes it approachable but has a really fun culture with lots of festivals and street vendors and extremely nice people. 

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be?

Endless supply of food?! I hate feeling hungry so I eat a lot of protein bars while traveling, so that’s the smart answer. But if I’m not being smart, then probably the frozen hot chocolate from Wawa. 

What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad?

Have a positive attitude and say yes to new experiences. Traveling is so much fun and if given the option to take an extra day trip or go on a walking tour, try to always start from a place of “why not?”