One thing I have really appreciated since signing up to study abroad with the Joseph S. Bruno program is how organized and thought out every detail is. Before coming to Italy, we had the opportunity to sign up for two optional field trips, which were organized and planned by the program. This weekend I had the opportunity to attend my first optional field trip to Positano. Positano, which is the pearl of the Amalfi coast, was the perfect way to spend the end of week four with all 22 girls. A relaxing beach town, with amazing seafood and spectacular views was just what we all needed after a couple of hard days in the classroom. One of the great things about the optional fieldtrip was that we did not have to do any planning! It was so nice to not have to worry about transportation or trying to book a place to stay. Another great thing about the optional field trip is that there were no planned activities during the day so we had all day to explore on our own.

On Friday, many of us relaxed, shopped and slept by the beach and on Saturday many of us took to the ocean to go on excursions sailing to Capri and around the Amalfi coast. My favorite part of the weekend was getting to know the other girls in my group better by hanging out with them on the beach. I think it is great that the program organizes a couple of optional field trips for its students over the semester because it helps the group to bond as a whole. It also helps us to get to know the girls that we might not have known as well prior to the trip. Since the first optional field trip to Positano was great, I can’t even imagine how wonderful the next optional field trip to Cinque Terre will be!
 
Ciao,
Elizabeth Ann Satterfield