Posted by Dr. Becky Michel
This morning two counseling students, who are also pastors, officiated
an optional interdenominational church service in the newly renovated chapel
next to casa cares. We sung, worshiped, and expressed our gratitude for the experience
we have had together in Italy.
After the service, we had an interesting and entertaining presentation from Amy Klien. Amy is the Assistant Director of Health and Wellness from Syracuse University. She also teaches Cross-Cultural Psychology in Florence, Italy. Amy was born in the U.S. and visited Italy during her undergraduate program. She has been here ever since. We spent the morning learning about her love of Italy (and Italian men).
Amy is masters-level trained counselor, and works with study abroad
students at Syracuse University. Amy explained when these students study
abroad, they bring their mental health challenges along with them. She receives
the health and psychological reports for all students who have given permission,
and just like in the U.S., these students experience a wide range of mental and
physical health issues. She counsels over 100 students each semester with
various issues, including intimate relationships (15%), anxiety (32%), peer
relationships (11%), alcohol-related (10%) cultural adjustment (6%), sexual
harassment or assault (4%), depression (2%), and other issues. At the beginning
of their study abroad experience, she leads a safety and security meeting for
students, but she thinks the information goes in one year and out another.
She shared some differences she has noticed between Americans and
Italians. The U.S. students seem to come with a sense of entitlement and many
of them drink too much when they come to Italy. While it is common to drink a
glass of wine with a meal, drinking outside of the meal is uncommon. When
Italians see Americans who are intoxicated they cannot comprehend why they are
making a fool of themselves. Italians strive to make the best impression of
their selves – which Amy described as Bella figura. There are also differences
in terms of the view of ADHD. She said
many physicians in Italy do not believe in prescribing medication for ADHD. Although
Amy warns all students with ADHD to bring a full prescription to Italy with
them, some students run out. If that happens, it is impossible to get medicine
for these students because it cannot be mailed or prescribed within the
country.
It was clear that Amy loves her work. She also said that international
counseling is ripe – she may be the only assistant director of health and
wellness in Italy. She suggested that others who are interested in working
abroad to connect with an American university and advocate for them to create a
wellness or counseling position. Many of these positions are outsourced and
there are lots of opportunities for growth within the international counseling
word. Amy encouraged us to prepare, get an education, and allow life to happen.
But overall to create a life with someone who really loves you for who you are.
Because, as counselors and helpers, “we owe it to ourselves to have a solid
foundation and a great life.”
In the afternoon, we had several options to spend our time. Many students walked to Vallombrosa and attended mass at a Monastery. Others spent time with local Italians who were hosting a food and music festival at Casa Cares. It was a day of rejuvenation and preparation for the rest of the trip ahead.
In the afternoon, we had several options to spend our time. Many students walked to Vallombrosa and attended mass at a Monastery. Others spent time with local Italians who were hosting a food and music festival at Casa Cares. It was a day of rejuvenation and preparation for the rest of the trip ahead.
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