The Թ Blog
Reflecting on Living and Learning Abroad: Experiences from Prato, Italy
Students share their transformative moments from studying at the University’s Prato campus during the Fall 2024 semester.
Study Abroad News
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Working to Crack a Cold Case Dating Back More than 400 Years
Professor Declan Hill is developing a study abroad program to take a team of University of New Haven students to England to try to find the remains of Matoaka, known to the world as Pocahontas, hoping to return her remains to her tribal home in Virginia.
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Senior Earns Prestigious Boren Fellowship Award
After she graduates with her bachelor’s degree in international affairs in May, Allison Mahr ’24 will head to the Republic of Georgia with the support of a Boren National Security Fellowship. She’s excited to use the award to build her skills and, ultimately, make an impact in the post-conflict reconstruction of the region.
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Italy Campus Program Coordinator Passionate about Sharing Her City and Her Culture with Students
Meet Lara Pugi, program coordinator at the University’s campus in Tuscany, Italy. She has lived in Prato for over a decade and appreciates the local parks and the people.
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Թs Reflect on Exciting Opportunities at University’s Italy Campus
Studying abroad in Prato, Italy, has been a “journey of self-discovery” for many students, as they explore a new culture, connect with the local community, while also getting to know themselves better.
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Conversation Exchange Program Builds Connections Between Թs and Italian Students
Students studying at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, describe the Conversation Exchange Program as one of the most meaningful aspects of their time abroad. It connects them with local high school students, enabling them to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture and, even, make lifelong friends in another country.
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Students Give University’s Tuscany Campus Meal Plan Five Stars
For students who study abroad at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, eating at local cafés and restaurants as part of their meal plan is not only delicious, it is an experience that creates a sense of being welcomed like family.
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Students Call Barcelona Study Abroad Trip a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Experience
A dozen forensic science students spent a memorable two weeks in Spain over the summer, exploring science, investigations, and Spanish culture. Whether they were visiting a crime lab, an art museum, or interacting with locals, they say it was a remarkable opportunity to learn and grow.
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Students Call Study Abroad Experience in Poland ‘Life-Changing’
While spending two weeks visiting three cities in Poland this summer, a group of students interacted with the Polish National Police and got a behind-the-scenes look at the country’s criminal justice system. They also explored Poland’s history and culture, and for some students, that meant learning more about their own.
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High School Counselors Experience Tuscany Campus As Students Do
This summer, 18 high school counselors spent a week at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, where they explored the local communities, experienced the culture, and got to know faculty and staff as if they were Թs studying abroad.
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Professor Enjoys Sharing Passion for Humanities with Students Studying Abroad
Lisa Kaborycha, Ph.D., is a scholar, author, and educator who, like many of the students she teaches at the University’s campus in Tuscany, Italy, hails from the United States. She enjoys sharing with them everything her new home country has to offer and inspiring them to immerse themselves in Italy’s rich culture and history.
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Students Design an Italian Café as part of Hands-On Course in Tuscany
As part of a class assignment, interior design students studying abroad in Italy designed a café that would bring together what they’ve learned in the classroom and what they’ve experienced while exploring a new country and a new culture.
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Students, Italian Family Share Culture and Connection Over Dinner
Students studying abroad at the University’s campus in Italy this semester joined a local family for dinner, getting a taste of what it is like to live and grow up in Prato, Italy. It was an immersive opportunity for them to learn more about the local food, culture, and language.
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University’s Tuscany Campus Fosters Supportive Environment that Enables First-Year Students to Thrive
Each year a group of students begins their time as Թs abroad at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy. Faculty and staff there offer a variety of important resources to help new students adjust to college life and feel a sense of support, belonging, and community from day one.
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Italian Pizzeria Owner Teaches Students in Tuscany the Art of Pizza Making
As part of a class activity, students studying at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, recently visited a local pizzeria, where the friendly staff welcomed them and gave them a hands-on private lesson on how to make a perfect Neapolitan pizza.
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Students Explore Art History at Historic Basilica in Florence
As part of an art history class, students studying abroad at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, recently had the opportunity to take an in-depth guided tour at a historic church in Florence with their professor, exploring firsthand what they’ve been discussing in the classroom.
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Թs Travel from University’s Tuscany Campus to London, Pay Respects to Queen Elizabeth II
When they learned Queen Elizabeth II had died, Brennig Johnson ’26 and Noah Iott ’25, who are studying abroad at the University’s campus in Italy, traveled to London. There, they connected with locals, learned about the history and culture of the United Kingdom, and said goodbye to the monarch who, they expect, will be the last queen to rule the country in their lifetime.
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Students Share Experiences Living and Learning at University’s Campus in Italy
A group of students recently returned from a monthlong trip to Tuscany, Italy, as part of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department’s study abroad program. In their travel blogs, they discuss their experiences and research as well as what they learned while exploring the country and immersing themselves in a new culture.
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Students Reflect on Studying at University’s Campus in Italy
As part of the University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Department’s study abroad program, several students spent a month in Tuscany, Italy. In their travel blogs, they discuss their research and their own experiences exploring the country and the culture.
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Assistant Dean of Tuscany Campus Loves Sharing Italian Culture with Թs
Meet Valentina Seffer, Ph.D., who says serving as assistant dean of the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, is a “dream job.” She enjoys introducing students studying abroad – including the group visiting now – to her home country, sharing her passions for Italian food, language, art, and history.
Success Stories
KATHERINE EDWARDS ’14
International experience “changed me as a person".
JASMINE ALERS '20
My dream has always been to travel the world.
ZACHARY BLATTER '20
I highly recommend a study abroad experience to all students.
MIRIAM COHEN '21
You won’t regret it.
ANNIE DENGLER '21
Best experience of my life.
JESSICA DOYLE '21
An adventure like no other.
MIKAYLA GUELL '21
I will always be grateful.
JILLIAN MARENA '20
My study abroad experience was one I would not give up for anything.
KAITLYN SPEAR '20
I immersed myself into the cultures of eleven different countries.
ISABELLA SICURANZA '20
A bond that can never be broken.
BRITTANY RIERA '19
One of the most beautiful, eye opening, and culture shocking places.
SAMANTHA DAVERN ‘19
Honors Program member attracted by challenging curriculum
DIANA JONES ’20
It has helped me appreciate more about my own culture.
DOUGLAS GORDON '20
Create bonds that will last a lifetime.
ERIN HEWETT '20
I was able to branch out of my comfort zone.
NICHOLAS AMATO '20
I was able to apply my clinical knowledge.
RHIANNON FIUST ’20
Provided a new perspective on wars that the US was apart of.
HANNAH KOZAN ’20
I got to see first-hand.
ANASTASHA ATWOOD '20
I was able to learn and grow.
LEXI DOROTINSKY '21
This trip has helped me to narrow down my interests.
PATRICK CONNOLLY '22
What I learned on this trip will last a lifetime.
MICHAELA PIETRANGELI '20
I would love to go back to do it all over again.
ALEXA PERETZIAN '20
This experience was externally beneficial.
CLAUDIA VON SUSKIL '20
Studying abroad was one of the best things I ever did.
JORDAN FJELD '21
Some of the most beautiful places in the world.
SHELBY MILLER '20
A once in a lifetime experience.
ISIS LOYOLA '17
I now know that "home" is not just the U.S., it's anywhere in this wonderful world we live on.
RANDI TRINIDAD '17
It was an experience unlike any other that not only benefitted my resume and career but shaped me into the person that I am today.
DANA SAPERSTEIN '19
I have made lifelong friends with a special bond like no other.
ALI MCCARTHY '19
I have memories, friends, lessons, and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
GISELLE LEMUS '18
My experience was nothing short of magical!
BETHANY HOSCHAR '20
This experience was beneficial, both educationally and personally.
TYLER ROBICHAUD
I was able to create memories.
MOLLY REAGAN
It provided a new outlook on my future plans.
MARCIN STANKEVITCH
Broadened my view of the world.
VIVYAN RAZEQ
You’ll grow so much as a person.
JAMIE MCGUINNESS '18
What I like best about Ireland is the beauty of the country itself and the laid-back environment.
GINA PASSARIELLO
The trip was something I’ll never forget.
PATRICK GOURLEY
Studying abroad can be a watershed moment in a person’s life.
COURTNEY NEWBERRY '20
The experience enabled me to learn about taphonomy and field research firsthand.
RACHEL CLAVETTE '21
I have developed a self confidence that I never would have imagined.
KRYSTINA BRAID '21
Study abroad experience builds foundation for summer research
ANNA MARIANO '20
The best part about studying abroad was studying aspects of coral reefs.
ANGELA BOLAND '21
I felt like a child in a candy store.
ALEXANDRA CHEIRI '18
The study abroad experience opened my eyes to the possibility of broadening my horizons and gave me the courage to reach beyond my comfort zone.
JESSICA CHAMBAL '20
Meet new people, and try new things. You never know when you will be back in these places!
REGINALD WALDEN '19
I find ways to connect the content to people, so that they care about the environment, and offer ways they can help.
MEGAN CHETNER '20
Having the ability to openly collaborate with them on this research was incredibly helpful.
OLIVIA WALTON '19 M.S.
I have learned that being as attentive to the progress you are making, as you are to reaching your goal, is the true secret to success.
ISABELLE LUPINACCI '22
This experience provided me with a better understanding of how other cultures operate.
ALEXANDRIA ROSS '21
An experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
KEYRI AMBROCIO '21
A life-changing experience that I am grateful to have been a part of.