Ciao! (Chow) Hello! My name is Angel, and I’m from California. I’m a preschool teacher and psychology student, and also a proud mother of four amazing children.
Today, I’m living in Florence, Italy, as a Gilman Scholar. The program here is fast-paced and full of exploration. Some of my “classroom” experiences have taken me beyond in-school lectures like visiting world-famous museums such as the Bargello and the Uffizi, exploring bustling markets through guided tours with meat and cheese tastings, and even stepping into the kitchen for an authentic Italian cooking class. We’ve also traveled by bus to incredible destinations, including Siena and Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden. Every outing is both a lesson and a memory in the making.
As one of the oldest students I’ve met abroad, my journey looks a little different, but that’s part of what makes it so meaningful. Balancing school, motherhood, new friendships, and this once-in-a-lifetime experience hasn’t been easy, but it’s proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. I hope my children see this adventure as an example of resilience, courage, and the power of education.
Join me on this adventure as I continue to explore Florence’s hidden treasures, discover nearby cities, and dive deeper into Italian traditions. Along the way, I’m making memories, building connections, and carrying back experiences that will inspire both my family and my future students.
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
