“I think you can only grow in un-comfortability,” says 24-year-old Gabriella Dunlap, a recent graduate of The American University of Florence (AUF), where she completed her Master’s Degree in Visual Media. Originally from Southern Orange County, California, Dunlap now finds herself exploring Puglia while reflecting on the growth and creative development that studying abroad in Italy made possible.

Before enrolling in the AUF Master’s Program, Dunlap attended the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a degree in Communication and a minor in Media Studies. It was during her undergraduate studies in Fall 2022 that she first experienced studying abroad through a program with Florence University of the Arts, AUF's study abroad institute. Motivated by a desire to reconnect with her Italian roots—her family being from Sorrento—Dunlap wanted to immerse herself in the culture, learn the language, and explore the southern regions of Italy. That first experience left a lasting impact. When she later heard about AUF’s graduate programs, she was immediately drawn to the hands-on, experiential learning model and the opportunity to live and study in Italy, long-term.

“I’ve grown an insane amount living in Europe,” she says. “The culture is different, the lifestyle is different, and the food and style are so different.” That transformation, according to Dunlap, was exactly what she was looking for. AUF’s Master’s Program offered an alternative to the large-scale, lecture-heavy education she had experienced in the U.S. Instead, the courses focused on hands-on work and creative exploration.

What drew her in most was AUF’s unique approach to experiential learning. One of the central parts of the program was the “microzine”; a semester-long project that combined photography and writing into a single, immersive assignment. Rather than juggling unrelated papers and presentations, the project allowed her to dive deeply into a creative concept, build something she was proud of, and still take part in tests and classroom discussions. For someone with a passion for visual storytelling, it was the perfect fit.

Dunlap’s background in photography runs deep. She picked up a camera at age 15 in a high school class and quickly fell in love with the craft. By 19, she was taking paid gigs. Over time, photography evolved into more than a side hustle. It became a real career path with her experience in weddings, lifestyle shoots, and branded content. At AUF, she was able to take that passion to the next level.

Her work was even featured in “Blending Magazine”, the school's student-run magazine, which introduced her to new professional opportunities in photography, marketing, and social media. Through AUF, she was able to explore internships, field trips, and portfolio-building assignments that gave her a strong foundation for her future.

Being in an international environment and a small, supportive academic community, set AUF apart from her past experiences. While Boulder was a large American university with thousands of students, AUF felt more personal and globally minded. The professors, a mix of Italian and international educators, took the time to get to know her and guide her creatively. Most of the students were American, but the cultural environment felt uniquely Italian. She said one of her favorite parts of AUF was the connection she felt with classmates, professors, and staff; people who created a warm, encouraging atmosphere.

Dunlap’s senior thesis explored the perceived authenticity of photography in social media campaigns using semiotics. It was a natural extension of her creative and academic interests, and another way AUF helped her prepare for what’s next. She hopes to one day work on the media and marketing team for Red Bull Sports, focusing on surf or ski content—or to build her own brand agency that leads international creative campaigns with a focus on photography.

For Dunlap, Florence became more than just a backdrop for school. It was a place to grow, not only professionally, but personally. Being far from home, learning a new language, and navigating a different culture pushed her outside her comfort zone in all the best ways. 

That mindset, paired with a passion for media and a drive to keep creating, will likely carry Dunlap far beyond Florence. Whether she’s behind a camera, designing a campaign, or exploring another corner of Europe, she’s ready for whatever’s next.

To learn more about Gabriella Dunlap, visit her official portfolio here: https://www.gabrielladunlap.com/