Ciao, Francesco! How are you doing? As you might have guessed, I'm safely back in the states : ) . Let me tell you, Florence was definitely worth it. I had a great time, and as far as I know all students did as well. From everyone I've talked to, we all miss Italy very much. For me, everything went perfectly and smoothly, thanks to the personal attention you provided for us. I couldn't have imagined a better time. I trust you are enjoying the rest of the NECA term. Say hello to Loredana : ) Have a great time and thank you very very much for a great term. Best wishes to you! regards, Cassandra
Cassandra Heller, Boston University, MA


Ciao, Francesco! I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying your time! I miss Florence, Italy, and the other NECA students more than you can imagine. It was an amazing experience and I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity not only to learn as much as I did in the classroom from my instructors, but to also learn so much from you, Loredana, and others in the community I came across. I will continue my studies in Italian next year... and as of now, I plan on going to Italy again for three or four weeks next year for conversational italian.
Take care and keep in touch! All my best, Derek (Chip-Chop)
Derek Illar, Washington & Jefferson College, PA


September 2007
Ciao Loredana and Francesco!!
I miss Florence VERY MUCH! I would like to thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the opportunity to fall in love with Italy and Florence as much as I did. I thank you for filling my mind with knowledge, and making learning fun. This experience was something I will never forget. The Fall semester 2006 started one year ago, and I have thought about my study abroad experience every single day since I have been home. I cannot wait until the January 2008 term, because I will be arriving once again in Florence. I have been studying the Italian language, and the history of Italy since I was younger, and I have been to Italy a handful of times before, but to be able to have class standing outside churches, or inside museums looking at statues, and paintings that I used to look at in textbooks, gave me a feeling that I think everyone should feel. It is indescribable. For two years I searched to find the perfect study abroad program, and NECA has definitely exceeded all of my expectations.
Thank you for caring for us as much as you did, but also giving us a feel of independence.
I cannot wait to see you both in January 2008!
Marisa Cellucci (Fall semester 2006 and January Term 2008), Dowling College, NY


Studying abroad at NECA was not only a great time, it was a life changing experience. I definitely recommend it to all students who want to broaden their horizons and learn a lot.
Matt Willette, Jacksonville University, FL


Ciao! Thanks again for an amazing program. I had the time of my life! I really miss you and Florence and the rest of NECA. I hope everything is going well! Allora.... when I get back into the States (I am still in Paris) I am going to send you a CD of my pictures - maybe you could use some for the website. Take care. Ciao! Alley
Allison Lacasse, University of Rhode Island, RI


Life has calmed down a bit here at State College, and is quieter than over in Florence, where I had the best time of my life. I would like to thank NSCS too for the scholarship. Ciao,
Greg Rotondi, Penn State University, PA


"Words cannot describe the experiences I had while at NECA in Italy. The weeks spent in Florence were some of the most memorable times of my life. I met great people, saw amazing things, and learned about a culture that is part of my ancestry. I would not have passed up that opportunity for the world. Anyone who has the chance to travel to this beautiful country should take advantage of it. You will NOT be sorry!"
All of the instructors (and director) were of course wonderful and made us feel very welcome. They also had a lot of patience with us which was very much appreciated. I miss all of them so much. I could write a whole book on how wonderful my time there was. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to get back there.
Jessica Long, Daemen College, NY





I loved the courses, the Art, and the atmosphere at NECA, and would like to thank you all for making it such a great experience.
Daniela Caschera, SUNY Albany, NY


.... I forgot to thank you for everything in these three and a half months, it has been a great experience... Best, Nela P.S. I might come back in September. I miss Florence.
Nela Lazarevic, American University in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria


Hi Francesco-- I had the most wonderful time being totally immersed in the Italian culture. The food, people, attitudes, and the overall atmosphere was so unique. I looked forward to the next day every night when I went to bed, wondering what new things I would learn and experience. You can't imagine being surrrounded by so many new things and trying to take it all in at once; you just don't know where to start. In the school itself, all of the NECA staff were so friendly, helpful and eager to show you all of the things they knew and wanted you to know and experience as well. The trips to the different cities in Italy (Siena, Rome, Pisa, Orvieto) gave an even wider perspective on the whole of current Italian life as well as its history and the many stories that are held in the ancient buildings and works of art. Please send my love to the host family I stayed with (Maria, her husband, and children). They made my experience there so pleasant. They received me, Rosanna, and Waaaaaaaayyyyne so sweetly and made us feel right at home. I will never forget how good they were to us. I will never forget how good you Francesco and Loredana were to us. We did have so much fun with you and my family benefited from the cooking classes we had at your house because i cook them Italian meals every now and again. I never would have known what real "mozzarella" was if it weren't for you either and I did find a place that sells it here in the States, so yay! Well, I am writing a book here, so I will end here and just say that I miss you all and I will send you some pictures soon that you may want to post on the website too. Take care! -Hy comma Kristen ( io, io, io!!!! )
Kristen Hy, Daemen College, NY


Hi Francesco ... How I've missed you all since I've been back. When NSCS contacts me again, I'll tell them what I really thought of the program ... It will all be glowing of course. Thank you all at NECA for my unique experience there.
Katrina Schweiker, University of Minnesota, MN


Hi Francesco! This is Shirley Leong e mailing you from Canada. I arrived home safely two weeks ago. I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you once more how much I enjoyed my courses in Florence with NECA and to tell you how much I appreciate the time you and Loredana spent with us. After travelling around the world for 6 months, I have to say that Florence was the best part of the whole trip. I have about 20 books to read on Florence, the Medici, and Renaissance art and I miss Florence very much. The next time I go to Florence, and I guarantee that there will be a next time, I intend to take more courses at NECA. I will also take some Italian lessons before going back so I can understand more. If you come to the U.S. or Canada, and you come often, please let me know - I would love for you to visit me in Toronto or we can meet somewhere in the U.S.! Thanks again!
Shirley Leong, Canada


I just wanted to thank you again for everything. Everything was great! I loved your organization, the intructors, and my host family. I am still not sure if I am coming again in summer 2003 (I would love to), but if I do not, I will probably be there the following year. I miss you all and Florence very much.
I still talk about my trip and look at my pictures a lot. I do not even know where to begin describing my trip to Florence because everything was unbelievable. The family I lived with was perfect: close location to everything I needed, amazing food, and very welcoming. The NECA faculty also helped us with whatever we needed. They showed us around the city as well as the other cities we visited as a group.
Additionally, they took us out on evenings after school.
I could not have asked for a more ideal trip than what I experienced during my four week stay, and hopefully I will be able to return soon.
Kathryn Rehak, Daemen College, NY

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