GVPT Senior Mia Censoprano Finds New Direction Through Study Abroad

For Department of Government and Politics senior Mia Censoprano, studying abroad in Florence, Italy, during the Spring 2025 semester was more than just a chance to see the world—it was a transformative journey that reshaped her perspective on life, learning, and her future.

Spending four months in Florence exposed Mia to the richness of European culture and the vibrancy of Italian life. She enrolled in a wide range of classes that demonstrated her interest in and desire to learn new ideas. Mia took advantage of every chance to interact with her environment, from learning the history of Italian cuisine and the Italian language to pursuing her artistic side in oil painting workshops.  Lecture-based political science classes allowed her to compare European and U.S. school systems firsthand, giving her new insights into different approaches to education.

“The pace of life in Florence was fast, and everything felt alive,” Mia recalls. “Every week was a new adventure, whether it was a class project or a spontaneous trip with friends.” Her friendly, energetic personality made it easy for her to connect with classmates and locals alike, creating a network of experiences and friendships that made the semester unforgettable.

Mia went abroad hoping to pursue a career in law, but the experience gave her the clarity to realize she wanted to follow a different path. “I felt like I had put myself in a box,” she said. Through self-reflection and exploration, she discovered her passion for education and is now applying for Teach for America, determined to make a difference in classrooms and communities across the country.

Back in Maryland, Mia’s energy and positivity shine through her leadership roles. She serves as the Membership Vice President for the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega and as a peer mentor for El Camino, where she takes groups of students to a community center in Langley Park. There, she spends time with children in an after-school program, helping them with homework and building meaningful connections.

Mia believes her time in Florence has already shaped the way she approaches challenges. “I have a more open mind now. I approach things with full confidence and excitement for whatever comes next,” she said.

Her advice to fellow GVPT students considering study abroad is simple but powerful: 

“Push back that fear. If you have the opportunity, take it. Living in a foreign country gives you the freedom to explore, grow, and truly be yourself. I never felt that free anywhere else.”

For Mia, Florence was not just a destination—it was a catalyst for self-discovery, academic curiosity, and boundless optimism for the future.

Published on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 11:44