Study Abroad Option: Cortona, Italy

Recently, two study abroad programs for the Visual Arts have been approved by Emory. Both are in Italy and are simply lovely! The one through Syracuse University is specialized in both Art History and the Visual Arts in central Florence while the program in Cortona through UGA focuses just on the arts. Whether you’re looking for an experience in the city or the countryside these two programs provide a very enriching environment to learn the Visual Arts. I recently caught up with Hannah Batsel who is currently living in Cortona.


While in Cortona what are you studying?
I'm taking Advanced Printmaking, Intro Jewelry/Metals, and Italian Art History. You can take just about any type of art class, though...everything from landscape architecture to book arts.

What is your living situation?
We live in a converted convent on top of a hill. I have 3 roommates, some people have 2, and I share one bathroom with 7 other people (which hasn't been a problem… yet). The town we live above is completely amazing, as is the view from our hill; the people are extremely nice -our program alone adds about 10% to their population, and a good deal to their economy- and everything you could possibly need is within walking distance. Laundry is probably the biggest drawback; it's pretty much hand-washing in the sink. Drying is by clothesline. We have wifi, which can be spotty, but is mostly reliable, and we get free breakfast and dinner. The dinner is spectacular, and we get a 3 to 4 course meal every night. Not to be too dramatic, but this is the most wonderful place I've ever been!

How are you enjoying the program!?
Obviously from my previous gushing I love it! We've been touring around Naples and Rome before getting here. Already I've settled into a routine in town and have an awesome chocolate shop guy that I go to and a 3-euro panini place that I have every day for lunch. There are museums, little produce markets, art supplies stores, and tons of alleyways and staircases to explore. It's awesome!