Makiah (Kiah) Marson

Studying abroad in Florence was a transformative experience for Kiah, deepening her understanding of the world and strengthening her passion for international relations. Reflecting on her time abroad, she shares that the experience brought her academic interests to life, allowing her to explore history, biology, and culture beyond the classroom in a truly hands-on way.

Before traveling to Italy, much of Kiah’s learning came from textbooks, but immersing herself in a new environment expanded her perspective in ways she hadn’t expected. Engaging with local professors and community members gave her insight into lived experiences different from her own, while also helping her develop the confidence to navigate meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations across cultures. These interactions not only broadened her worldview but also deepened her ability to connect with others.

A highlight of her experience was a weekend trip to Pompeii, a place she had been fascinated with since childhood. Seeing the historic site in person fulfilled a long-held dream and even inspired her to pursue a minor in Archaeology.

Her advice? It was much more affordable than I thought, and my university supported me throughout the entire process. So, I would encourage everyone to go for it! Learning about the world in this way was truly invaluable to me.