Last summer, Cadorette took a three-credit Italian class at Academia Lingua Italian Assisi (ALIA) in the home of St. Francis – Assisi, Italy. It is one of the many programs offered to Neumann students through the Office of International Studies Education.

“I wanted to go abroad but didn’t have the time to dedicate a full semester. I did this trip solo. No one else from Neumann travelled to Assisi during this particular trip, but I found it to be such a rewarding experience. It was an amazing opportunity,” Cadorette said.

Cadorette had taken two Italian classes at Neumann last year which gave her the language basics. Her Italian class in Assisi met every day for four hours and really forced Cadorette to speak the language quickly. 

“Even though I had a background, I was still at a very basic level. It was really an awesome experience and I had a camaraderie with my classmates,” she recalled.
During her stay in Assisi, Cadorette rented an apartment and lived alone, but she was determined to experience all that the town of Assisi had to offer.

“You really have to put yourself out there and try. I could have just sat in my apartment, but I didn’t. You just find your way and realize how much you are capable of,” Cadorette explained.

Cadorette had taken a theology class at Neumann that had taught her about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. With the information she acquired from that class and the many St. Francis connections around campus, she had a deep understanding of this saint.

She visited the Basilica of St. Chiara where St. Francis was baptized and the Basilica of San Francesco where his remains lie.

“Going over to Assisi as a non-Catholic I was a bit apprehensive, but I really grew a deep appreciation for all the work St. Francis did throughout his life,” she said.

The Italian countryside left a lasting impression on Cadorette, and she was mesmerized by the landscapes that she witnessed each day.

“You can see how Francis developed a love for God’s creation. The beauty just smacks you in the face. The views were just stunning everywhere you turned,” she said.

Cadorette took advantage of her time away from the classroom while she lived in Italy. She went on various bus trips offered to college students that included Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Sea.

“I think everyone should travel solo at least once in their life. Because of my trip, Assisi will always have a special place in my heart.”