Accent Global Learning: Embracing Diversity in a Globalized World

Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, global learning has become an indispensable aspect of education. It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate diverse cultures, understand global issues, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. Accent Global Learning plays a vital role in this process, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preparing students for success in a globalized world.

Understanding Accent Global Learning

Accent Global Learning is committed to providing comprehensive support for students venturing abroad. Every Accent Center boasts a team of dedicated professionals, well-versed in the nuances of life in a foreign country. These individuals serve as invaluable resources, assisting students with everything from navigating daily life to addressing anxieties and concerns that may arise during their time abroad.

The Florence Experience: A Case Study

Florence, Italy, serves as an ideal location for global learning. Rich in history and culture, Florence offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Italian life, both past and present. The city's vibrant atmosphere, with its blend of Renaissance legacy and contemporary culture, provides a unique backdrop for academic exploration.

Academic Opportunities in Florence

Accent Global Learning in Florence offers a diverse range of courses, catering to various academic interests. Students can delve into subjects such as art, art history, business, Italian language, history, sociology, psychology, photography, and retail design. Classes are held in a historical palazzo in the centrally-located Via Sant’Egidio, providing a unique and inspiring learning environment.

Experiential Learning and Excursions

Courses in Florence incorporate experiential learning to bring class content to life. Students have the opportunity to explore Florence and participate in excursions to other parts of Italy, further enriching their understanding of Italian culture and society.

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Housing Options: Homestay and Apartment Living

Accent Global Learning offers two primary housing options in Florence: homestay and apartment living.

Homestay: Living with a host family provides students with an immersive experience of true Florentine life. They will have their own furnished bedroom in an Italian home with some meals included. A homestay offers a great opportunity to live and learn with Florentines, who can give students a glimpse into true Italian life. Homestays may be located outside of the city center but still within a 40-minute commute to the study center.
Apartment: Living with other study abroad students on the program in an apartment. Students will live in a furnished student apartment with 2-3 bedrooms, with 2-3 students in each bedroom, and will be responsible for their own meals. Student apartments are scattered throughout central Florence where students will live alongside local Italians in traditional Florentine apartments.

Course Examples in Florence

The curriculum in Florence is designed to provide students with a well-rounded academic experience. Here are a few examples of courses offered:

Italian Language: Develop basic listening, speaking, reading, writing, and communicative competence skills.
Drawing: Refine the senses and learn to perceive the subject in ways that consider placement of form and division of space.
Photography: Exploring Society through the Camera's Lens: Explore society through photography.
Consumer Culture in Italy and the U.S.: Focus on the rise and development of consumer cultures with specific emphasis on the similarities and differences between the Italian and US American practices using Italian products as the case study.
Intercultural Communication: Examine core principles of psychology from a cultural perspective and how communication and culture interrelate.
International Retailing: Explore the relationships linking project, merchandising and market and provides, through direct experience, the methodologies and socio-cultural skills to critically evaluate the development phases of a business project.
The European Economy: Examine the main economic issues concerning microeconomic theory directly related to the study of the European economy with special focus on Italian peculiarities.
Internships in Florence: Explore the world of work in Italy and how to respond to the challenges that you can expect to encounter while interning in Florence.
Italian Landscapes: Examine literary representations of Italy, with a focus on Florence and its surroundings, and analyzes how discourses of gender, power, national and individual identity inform literary constructions of the Italian landscape and of the Italian city from the 19th Century to the present.
Mediterranean Archetypes: The Sea: Explore the influence of the sea, with a special focus on art history and a mainly Italian and Florentine point of view.
New Italian Identities: Reflect critically on the ethical implications of what has and continues to constitute Italian-ness in light of new identities emerging in Italian society.
Fashion, Art, and Communication: Explore how fashion designers and artists communicate and market their art.
Food and Identity in the Mediterranean: Investigate how the identities of different peoples in the Mediterranean can be understood through the lens of the food they cultivate, trade, and eat.
Photography for Social Media: Introduce the principles of photography for social media and how essential it is to learn about storytelling.
Creative Writing and Travel Experience: Use the narrative strategies offered by modern and contemporary autobiography to draw inspiration from your Italian and European travel experience.
Crime and Culture in Contemporary Societies: Deal with the most relevant sociological theories on crime as a particular form of deviance.

Internships

Academic internships are available and are ideal for becoming more immersed in Italian culture while gaining work experience. Previous Italian language is not required, but more opportunities are available if you have a background in the language. Students can expect to work about 8-12 hours per week and will earn 3 credits through their time at the internship combined with the Internships in Florence course.

Pre-Departure Preparation

The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad: Online Health & Safety Orientation and LAC Program Orientation.

The Importance of Embracing Linguistic Diversity

In the context of global learning, it is crucial to recognize and embrace linguistic diversity. As Maya Goodall, Lexia® Senior Director of Emergent Bilingual Curriculum, aptly stated, "Your accent is the way you sound when you speak." This highlights the importance of normalizing the idea that English is English, regardless of accent.

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Accents as Assets

Accents connect students to places, history, and culture. Students who speak more than one language have demonstrated advantages in their awareness of language, communication skills, memory, decision-making, and analytical skills.

Accent vs. Pronunciation

It is essential to differentiate between accent and pronunciation. Accents are about different speech sounds, while pronunciation is about being understood. Educators should focus on correcting pronunciation errors that hinder communication, while respecting and valuing students' accents.

Destigmatizing Accents

Accent stigmatization can have negative impacts on students' confidence and learning. Teachers must set the tone to ensure accent stigmatization doesn’t take root or lead to intolerance and discrimination.

Promoting an Asset Model

The diversity that Emergent Bilinguals bring to a classroom must be respected, appreciated, and seen as the unique strength it is. When multilingualism is valued and seen as a resource and talent, Emergent Bilingual students are empowered to actualize their gifts and strengths, and teachers can build learning around students' existing capabilities and knowledge.

Tools for Emergent Bilingual Success

Educators need tools that address individual student needs, reduce the impact of time constraints, enhance their preparedness, and access actionable data to better support student achievement.

Packing Smart for Study Abroad

One of the most daunting tasks for students preparing to study abroad is packing. Lisa Harvey, a Programs Coordinator at Accent Florence, offers valuable advice on how to pack efficiently and avoid overpacking.

Focus on the Basics

Instead of packing numerous extras, focus on the essentials. For example, instead of three bathing suits, bring one if you won’t be at the beach every day. If you don’t know of any fancy nights out, don’t bring that suit - it’ll just collect dust in your closet.

Leave Unnecessary Items Behind

Avoid bringing bulky items that you may not use, such as sports equipment or excessive reminders of home. Though it seems like a good idea and will allow you to have a comfortable reminder of home, these items are bulky and may not even be useful in your destination. If you really want to keep one with you, keep that item to the side in an only-if-it-fits pile that you can add in if you have room at the end of packing.

Be Mindful of Electronics

Be cautious when bringing electronic devices, as different countries have different power sources, voltages, and plugs. If you bring your ceramic top-of-the-line beautifier, it or your hair will die a crispy death, complete with a horrible smell.

Pack Essential Toiletries Wisely

While it's wise to bring a sufficient supply of essential toiletries like deodorant, avoid overpacking items like shampoo and conditioner, which are readily available at your destination.

Travel Light and Avoid Group Travel Pitfalls

While the idea of partying around Europe with friends may seem appealing, it can lead to strained relationships and missed opportunities for independent exploration.

Embrace Change and Focus on Experiences

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that will change your perspective and priorities. The clothes in your bag will be different. You may not like that old straightener when you get home. Your mind will be different and so will your heart, because studying abroad changes you in ways you wouldn’t expect.

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