It was a great summer with 15 different programs, over 400 students, professors, and program leaders at OU in Arezzo! Our programs, which focused on a unique subject with an Italian or European angle, offered many different areas of study for our students. From studying war and fascism to organic chemistry, Sooners had to chance to experience it all! The experience of OU in Arezzo’s summer programs allows students to get a taste of life nearly 8,000 miles away from Norman while also learning subject matter that is important to their area of study.
For example, students in the Health and Nutritional Sciences program studied the Mediterranean diet and culture of Italian food staples such as cheese, olive oil, and pasta. Visiting a number of factories and shops, their learning took place in the classroom with lessons and exams, but they also received real-world experience by educating themselves first-hand about Italian food-ways. Colette Vartanian, a Master’s student in the group, said, “OU in Arezzo was the highlight of my entire college career. The course was perfect to experience the lifestyle and food culture of Italians. I enjoyed getting to immerse myself in the local culture and learning more while creating lasting memories. The campus in Arezzo is beautiful and I wish I could have stayed forever!” Another science program was the Organic Chemistry class and Lindsey Spiers in that group said, “Organic Chemistry in Italy is a very intense course, but who knew working so hard could be so fun?! I made so many friends and memories that will last forever! I also traveled all over Italy and Arezzo was by far my favorite place. It felt like a second home. The people were so kind and every place was accommodating. We even made some local friends!”
Switching gears from science, the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications also brought students for the second year in a row to Arezzo. Studying Public Relations, the Gaylord program had the unique opportunity to work with a local jewelry company, creating a campaign for their business. “My study abroad experience in Arezzo was everything I imagined and more,” said student Brooke Gorman, “I was very nervous about going on the trip, but now I have 11 new best friends! Living in the Rooney Family Center was the most amazing experience and I loved being in Arezzo because we had the perfect opportunity to completely embrace the Italian culture. I am so thankful.” Another program that worked heavily with local organizations was the College of Education students. They visited multiple schools in the area to learn about secondary education in Italy and to gain “classroom” experience in a different culture from their own. Student Katrina Randolph, who is majoring in Vocal Music Education, said, “This summer in Arezzo was absolutely incredible! I had fun getting to immerse myself in a new culture while learning about special education in both the American and the Italian classrooms.” One of their focuses was special education and the students had the interesting experience of working with the Special Olympics organization in Arezzo.
Also working with children in the area, the President’s Community Scholars focused on volunteerism during their time with OU in Arezzo. About 40 students worked together to renovate the Thevenin Institute in town, which houses women and children in need. When the main PCS program was complete, 10 students returned to Arezzo to organize a day-camp for local children. Managed by Director of Student Affairs, Charlotte Duclaux, the students interacted with the campers daily through activities, games, and field trips. One of the PCS leaders was sophomore Christian DeMaio, who is studying Bio-Chemistry/Pre-Medicine. He said, “I served as a counselor for the English immersion camp for the local Italian kids following the conclusion of my class in Arezzo. I could never have dreamed of a better summer, as I learned and experienced a foreign culture in its most original form. I am so grateful for my time abroad and cannot thank the OU Education Abroad department enough for a truly ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience!”
Other student leaders that joined OU in Arezzo again this summer were two President’s Leadership Class groups. Studying a variety of subjects, PLC had another successful experience in Italy. “Studying Abroad with OUA resulted in the most fulfilling summer of my life,” said PLC student Cade Shaw, “There is nothing quite like growing and learning with your peers while you get to explore the wonders of the world. Following the program, it is my hope that more students take advantage of the incredible adventure that is ‘Study Abroad.'” Delaney Mack with PLC also stated, “The programs OU in Arezzo provided were insightful, local, and incredibly fun! The campus was truly a ‘home-away-from-home’ and it was the best two weeks of my life!” Delaney is studying anthropology, while Cade is a Public Relations major.
We are proud to have returning summer programs like PLC, and we also like to welcome new classes to the OUA summer curriculum. One such course this year was the Garden and Plant History program. Under the Landscape Architecture department, students had the opportunity to tour multiple gardens and other areas to immerse themselves in their studies. Student Katy Felkner in this program said, “I had so much fun! The highlights of my trip were Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the beach in Cinque Terre, the Doge’s Palace in Venice, and of course, the Arezzo joust!” Katy is a junior at OU studying Computer Science and Letters. Fallon Keane was in Katy’s class, as well, and said, “I got to experience and learn things I never thought I would. The world is an amazing place and I am forever thankful for OU in Arezzo giving me the opportunity to explore it!”
Another program that comes to Arezzo each year is the Price College of Business. One of the program leaders, Ann Schaffer, said, “This summer was a blast with the Price College of Business. Students were able to see, first-hand, how several prominent businesses in Arezzo work and make an impact on the economy of Italy. From trips to Florence and Rome, we saw much of the history of Italy and immersed ourselves in the culture. I had a wonderful time supporting students through the excitement and challenges of a study abroad experience.” The largest OU in Arezzo summer program, the students study and learn through lessons in the classroom, but also by visiting a number of local corporations and organizations to learn about business models in Arezzo and throughout Italy. For example, the students heard from a guest speaker in the gold industry, they visited a coffee distributor, toured a large children’s clothing store headquarters, and more. Price student Logan Schoonover said, “It was an incredible learning and growing experience. I adapted to new situations and creatively communicated and interacted across language barriers to build meaningful relationships with new local friends, which taught me more about the history and culture of Italy.” Lorenzo Rocchi said, “I had an amazing time connecting with the locals and experiencing authentic Italian culture and embracing my own Italian heritage.”
A Musical Theatre program ventured to Arezzo and entertained everyone in May with their practices and rehearsals, which led to a performance at a local theater in town. It was a huge success and the people of Arezzo loved it! The talented students also visited multiple theaters and other venues while abroad, expanding their knowledge about performance in Italy. Two other May programs that came are Nursing and Engineering. Nursing had several visits to local hospitals, clinics, and a nursing home, to teach students about the differences in health care in Italy, as compared to America. The College of Engineering also brought a longer program in July and both groups studied aspects of their major, while also learning from locals by touring various engineering firms in the area. One of the other July programs was also a new course this year, War and Fascism in Italy. One of their most interesting visits included excursions to Monte Zovetto and Val Magnaboschi, which are areas in Northen Italy, to tour World War I trenches and two cemeteries, British and Austrian.
As always, we welcomed two Journey to Italy programs back to OU in Arezzo. Led by director Kirk Duclaux, JTI in June and July traveled through several parts of the country studying Renaissance Art History and a variety of other topics, as well. “It was an experience that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life,” said student Blake Stoermer. Also in his class was sophomore Danny Becker, a Political Science major. Danny said, “Through the Journey to Italy program, I had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people from all across the globe, learn a lot about myself and the world around me, and gain a better understanding of Italian art, music, and culture. Journey to Italy gave me so many ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences and memories that I’ll cherish long after I graduate from the University of Oklahoma. I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
We are so proud of our summer sessions and wish our students, faculty, program leaders, staff, local vendors and friends, the best!