Studying abroad was something that had not crossed my mind prior to coming to college and in my first year at URI. I was someone who had a hard time adjusting to the complete culture shock of going to school far away from home and being away from family for the first time. As I had adjusted to my life at URI and learned to love everything it has to offer, I came across the ‘major’ dilemma. I needed to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life, but felt that I couldn’t pin point exactly what it was that I wanted to do. I always had a passion for interior design, but never thought of it as a career path because I didn’t think that I would be able to get a job after graduation. While still trying to figure out who I am and what I wanted …show more content…
The six credit program is presented in three parts: History of Design in Italy Part 1, History of Design in Italy Part 2, and Design Laboratory. The first part of the course is dedicated to learning about the development of Italian design from its origins to present day. In this section, I will be learning about Italian designers like Olivetti and Santachiara. The second part will be devoted to studying select influential figures in Italian architectural and design history. Learning about these designers will introduce me to the creative and working process as well as the history of design in general. The final and most heavily weighted part of the program is the design laboratory. In this lab, I will be given the task to design and build one unit of furniture, accessory, or fixture. The opportunity to design and build my own unique piece of furniture will allow me to learn first hand what the creative and working process is like. This section of the program contains visits to site venues such as the Carrara marble factory and the Maranello factory, which is better known as the Ferrari Factory and Museum. Having the opportunity to visit factories of world-renowned products will allow me to have the knowledge and expertise on products I will use while working for a design firm. It is not every day that students are given the opportunity to tour the Carrara factory in Italy, so it is important for me to seize the experiences I have at my