"Looking back on my study abroad experience, it was filled with pockets of excitement and unforgettable memories. In these six weeks, I have been challenged and have grown in ways I never imagined."
Hello! My name is Cassie Wang, majoring in Art History and Economics at Columbia. I was incredibly fortunate to study abroad on the Columbia Summer in Venice program in Summer 2024. I took two courses – Art in Venice and Contemporary Art at the Biennale. These courses deepened my understanding of both 13th-16th century Venetian art and contemporary art through our six weeks of immersive study in various churches, Scuole, museums, and the Venice Biennale. However, the experience went far beyond academics; it was also a profound period of personal growth.
In Venice, I learned to cook every day, plan my meals, adapt to a foreign environment, and gained greater global maturity. Beyond these daily routines, one of the most unforgettable experiences was our close observation of Tintoretto’s Crucifixion painting under conservation at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Wearing construction hats, we climbed the scaffolding after learning about the conservation process, challenges and discoveries of Tintoretto’s careful planning and style, and more. Slowly taking in each gestural stroke, we marveled at the mastery of the artist in the oil medium.
Another memorable moment occurred after a scenic walk from San Marco Square with my roommates. As we returned to our little neighborhood of S. Elena, following our routine gelato tasting, we were drawn by music and excitement in the near distance. Soon, we realized the corner cafe had turned into a local music gig filled with people of all ages drumming, singing, and dancing, simply enjoying the magical moment. Upon my arrival, I was told our neighborhood was a “hidden gem”. After living there for six weeks, I can confidently say it sure is. This leafy abode away from the iconic views of the city, the gondolas, tourists, and narrow canals seemed far from the typical Venice impression. Possessing its unique warm charm, welcoming its visitors with a children’s playground, tall trees, produce markets, and dog walkers.
Looking back on my study abroad experience, it was filled with pockets of excitement and unforgettable memories. In these six weeks, I have been challenged and have grown in ways I never imagined. I will be missing the fresh figs and cherries from the Rialto market, the croissants from the corner cafe, the sandwich shop near Casa Muraro, and capturing the evening glow of the city through my camera. The living experience of the Venice Summer Program is irreplaceable and expanded my academic and personal horizons immensely.
So, for now, this is goodbye. And as they say, va bene, arrivederci. Like a memory capsule, I am
incredibly excited to re-open Venice through a new lens the next time I return.
