Ciao! My name is Abbye Williams. I am 19 years old, and I am from a city in northern Indiana called Fort Wayne. Growing up, I loved spending time with family and friends and getting involved in school and community activities. Some of my hobbies were (and still are!) playing tennis, cooking with my mom, playing piano, dancing, and hanging out with my pet dog named Alfred. Although Indiana is my home, my background and curiosity about the world have always pushed me to look beyond what’s familiar.
I was born in Shanghai, China, and my family moved to the United States when I was two years old, which sparked my interest in learning about different cultures and perspectives. That's what sparked me to go to a school over ten hours away from home at The University of Alabama! At UA, I am a second-year student majoring in Marketing. I stay busy on campus as a Media Coordinator for University Programs, an Elevator Operator for Crimson Tide Hospitality during football games, a Student Alumni Ambassador, and a member of several student organizations like Kappa Alpha Theta and American Marketing Association. These experiences have helped me develop a love for storytelling, communication, and connecting with people.
This year, I am excited to be studying abroad in Florence, Italy! While living in Florence, I’ll be learning about Italian culture, daily life, and history while continuing my studies. I’m especially excited to meet new friends, explore the city, adventure in new places, try new foods, and see how traditions and customs in Italy compare to those in the United States. Fun fact: My parents met while my dad was living abroad in China!
I can’t wait to share my experiences, adventures, and discoveries with you throughout the school year, and I’m looking forward to learning about your journeys as well! Roll Tide!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
