E-mail: jdriano1@nd.edu
Language: Italian
Location of Study: Sorrento, Italy
Program of Study: Sant’Anna Institute
Sponsors: Albert J. and Helen M. Ravarino Family International Scholars in Italy Award, the College of Arts and Letters, and the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures.
Blog URL: http://sites.nd.edu/sla2018/author/jdriano1/
A brief personal bio:
I am a rising senior from Minnesota majoring in Italian Studies and Pre-Health. I began studying Italian freshman year and decided to major in it during my sophomore year. I plan on writing a senior thesis next year for my Italian major. I entered Notre Dame as a pre-med and intend on going to medical school after graduation. On campus I serve as the Class of 2019 secretary, work at ISLA, volunteer at the Holy Cross House, and am involved in my dorm with hall council and intramural sports.
Why this summer language abroad opportunity is important to me:
My SLA grant is important to me for a variety of reasons. I was unable to study abroad during the academic year due to my pre-med coursework and the MCAT. Being in Italy this summer will immerse me in the language and culture, in addition to affording me rigorous coursework. I will use the literature courses at the Sant’Anna Institute to expose me to a large selection of Italian texts that will help inform my future program in Italian, including a senior thesis. Upon returning to campus in the fall I will enroll in additional upper-level courses to finish my Italian Studies major, feeling more prepared and comfortable speaking in Italian and about the culture. As I discern a topic for my thesis, having broader knowledge of Italian literature offers more ideas for potential sources and topics. Also, having this summer language experience will expand my knowledge of the language while simultaneously improving my cultural competency. As a future doctor, understanding cultural differences is imperative for effective treatment. This summer will improve my knowledge of another language that I can utilize and also promote a greater understanding of another culture. Both of these lessons will help me treat Italian-Americans and all patients of different ethnicities.
What I hope to achieve as a result of this summer study abroad experience:
I intend to improve my formal and conversational Italian. The many instructional hours that focus on Italian literature will expose me to formal, written Italian language. Additionally, the discussions and coursework will give me countless opportunities to practice this formal language with my instructors (all native speakers) and other students. This will help me with my future Italian studies, including my senior thesis. Additionally, living in Sorrento allows me to practice my conversational Italian at a variety of locations from where I am staying to shopping in town. This will help me feel more comfortable when conversing with others.
My specific learning goals for language and intercultural learning this summer:
At the end of the summer, I will feel comfortable conversing with native speakers about a variety of topics ranging from Italian literature to history to modern music. At the end of the summer, I will be able to describe different styles of and themes in modern Italian literature, which will be a part of my senior thesis. At the end of the summer, I will be able to describe more major historical events and themes in Italy that will enhance my participation in the Senior Seminar in the fall and inform my senior thesis research.