ISI Florence is constantly looking for opportunities to connect our students with the greater Florentine community, encouraging the exploration of city and people during their time here. One of these opportunities is provided by the volunteer organization, Angeli del Bello. Named in honor of the Angels of Mud, volunteers who came from all over the world to help clean up Florence after the 1966 flood, Angeli del Bello came together as groups of ordinary citizens, supported by the local government, dedicated to keeping Florence’s gardens, streets, and landmarks clean.

One of our students, Ilana Guitierrez of Marywood University, participated in cleaning up the horticulture garden, where a tree was planted in 2006 to honor Gino Bartali, an Italian champion cyclist committed to helping persecuted Jews during Nazi occupation, ferrying messages over enemy lines in the body of his bicycle. “I am so glad to be part of this group because it will help me grow as a person, and immerse myself in Italian culture,” gushes Ilana via email. “I feel that creating a strong bond with the community is important and this opportunity is allowing me to do just that!” Her enthusiasm is a wonderful incentive to continue seeking out programs that will excite and interest our students, and we hope to see more follow Ilana’s example of becoming involved in the local community.