Ciao! Sawubona! I am Vanessa, Director of Marist Italy programs. I hail from Southern Africa – born in Zimbabwe and with strong roots in South Africa. I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from the University of Zimbabwe and Ohio University; a graduate degree in Community Development and Adult Education from the University of KwaZulu Natal; and a Ph.D. in African History from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
My own love of cultural exploration and learning was borne from studying abroad as a foreign student in the United States and India, as well as travel to the corners of the world (Zanzibar – with its beautiful beaches, warm sea breezes, endless cups of chai, crowded markets, and complicated history has “hands down” been my favorite place to visit!).
I have had the pleasure of working in Education Abroad for over 20 years, the last 8 years with the incredible students and dedicated staff of Marist Italy. I consider it a real privilege to be in Florence. It is a small walkable city, steeped in history, art and culture, but at the same time, it is a cosmopolitan city struggling with contemporary political and economic issues. In my spare time, I love exploring the hidden spaces and histories around Florence.
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