Studying Abroad in Italy

Hello sweet friends! 
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to stop by this page. If you’re reading this, we are probably good friends, family, colleagues, or some of my awesome blog followers. I am asking for your help. This summer, I was accepted into the University Studies Abroad Program (USAC) to travel to the beautiful Reggio Emilia, Italy. During my time there I will be taking a couple of classes and learning about the Italian culture. 

Any donations are greatly appreciated. Every dollar counts! I have opened up two ways to donate, through GoFundMe or via PayPal (by clicking “Donate”  or sending money via “friends and family” to leanna.ranieri{at}gmail.com).

Also GoFundMe and WePay take 7.9% + 0.30 per donation. To avoid this, donate via PayPal! 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why Do You Want to Study Abroad?
A: The idea that I could be able to explore and learn while emerged in a different culture and community making the best memories and taking back to the states with me an abundance of stories. I pondered this thought and told myself, “This is my chance to go on an adventure that will have memories to last a lifetime”. 
To be in an unfamiliar place and familiarize myself with it and become that local and not just a tourist, to study the language and connect with some of the most amazing people I will ever meet, and to be out of my comfort zone knowing it will be one for the books. All of these challenges will shape me into a better person.

Q: Why do you want to go to Italy?
A: I spent countless hours researching every opportunity and when I had to decide, I chose to study abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Being able to immerse myself in the Italian culture, education, economics, and learning the Italian language, I will make unforgettable relationships and memories to that I will value for the rest of my life. Being from Sicilian descent, I want to be able to dig into my roots and become knowledgeable about my own ancestry and culture. I know at times it may be challenging, because I do not have as much knowledge as I would like about Reggio Emilia, but studying abroad will enable me to overcome these challenges.

Q: What Classes Are You Going to Be Taking?
A: I will be taking an Italian Cuisine course as well as a Anthropology Food and Culture course. 

Q: Why Not Just Wait Until You Graduate To Travel?
A: At this point in my life, why wait? I am fortunate enough to be able to study at such a prestigious university (Nevada) and to be able to study at UNIMORE at an affordable price will really help me. This is a completely different experience than just being a tourist. 

Q: Are You Entirely Dependent On This GoFundMe?
A: No, I am fortunate enough to have family who loves me who will be assisting me with the expenses associated with studying abroad. However, I want to be able to repay them back and show my appreciation. I also would like to have money for traveling there. It costs approximately $3000 for the program + $2500 for airfare. I also would like to have money for traveling there. 

Also GoFundMe and WePay take 7.9% + 0.30 per donation. To avoid this, you can donate to my travels via PayPal by sending money “friends and family” to leanna{dot}ranieri{at}gmail.com. I would really appreciate it!

Q: What Are You Going To Do With Any Extra Funds?
A: Any extra funds that I receive will be put towards travel expenses once I am in Italy. This includes traveling to other countries (Greece, Spain, France), learning at various museums and tours, and hopefully buying some goodies to bring back home to share with all of my supporters and followers.

For more information regarding my USAC program, visit here. Thank you so so much for all your help and continued support. I will be posting updates of my travels frequently!