Gina DeGennaro spent her summer studying in Florence, Italy for five weeks through the study abroad program Academic Programs International.  She studied the Italian language at the Lorenzo de Medici School just a short ten minute walk from her apartment which was located right next to a popular local market.  While in Italy, she learned about many cultural differences including wedding traditions and the absence of proposals.  Gina did her best to experience Italian culture firsthand by going to the market for breakfast every morning and conversing with the local butchers and pasta makers.  In her free time, Gina would walk around the town meeting locals and trying popular local food.  On weekends, she took the advantage of the opportunity travelling to Rome, Venice, Verona, and Cinque Terre.  Since returning back to the United States, Gina has decided to continue studying the Italian language and plans to return back to Italy soon.