THEA ZWIER

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT — BFA SCULPTURE

Anyone who has gone on a study abroad will tell you that it was an irreplaceable experience, that it changed their lives. I believed these people but didn’t fully understand this until attending the Pratt in Venice program. Living in Venice for the six weeks of the program, studying art history, and practicing art there, felt like living in another world, and when I returned home I felt that I had changed in some indiscernible way. This program was the perfect balance of throwing you into a new world and guiding you in further knowledge and study. It was an invaluable experience to be able to see in person so many of the artworks that you have studied in Freshman year Art History as well as view countless other breathtaking masterpieces. Venice is a safe haven for art and history and although it is a popular tourist destination it overflows with culture and charm. The program provided the perfect balance of study and exploration and the instructors are very helpful and informative. The classes offered encourage personal exploration of interests as well as further explorations of the environment of Venice. Overall the experience was one I deeply value. I left with a wealth of knowledge, new skills and confidence and a group of wonderful friends. Part of my heart will always be in Venice.