Updated June 2, 2009
An education that spans the globe
One group of students studies in Italy as part of the Sophomore International Experience while another volunteers in Peru.
A group of 30 students and three faculty members spent the first few weeks of their summer vacation studying and living in Italy as part of the Sophomore International Experience. The group, led by David Lux, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Lori Johnson, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs and director of Academic Advising; and Elisabetta Misuraca, lecturer in Italian, touched down in Florence on May 22. They returned to Smithfield on June 1.
A second cadre of students ivolunteered at a women’s shelter in Peru as part of an international service learning project. The 12 students and two faculty members, Spanish Lecturer Patricia Gomez and Associate Professor of Modern Languages Tony Houston, left on May 22 and returned on May 31. The trip was one of the first that has been approved by the Special Initiatives Committee as a one-time program that benefits members of the Bryant community and enhances student life. The excursion was organized by Bryant’s chapter of Amnesty International.
June 2
A learning community
“As we have approached the end of our Italy SIE for 2009, Lori, Elisabetta, and I have all been so impressed with the engagement and enthusiasm our thirty students have shown for exploring the arts, architecture, and craft traditions of Italy. At first, some were a little timid about planning small group excursions, tours, and activities. That quickly disappeared, however, and we’ve had groups grabbing maps, planning outings, and going off on some great experiences. We even did our own guided tours of both the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery, with extraordinary results.
“Teaching and learning work best when we share them both. With this Italy SIE, we have genuinely become a learning community – sharing both our teaching and our learning. The experience has enriched us all.”
David Lux, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
(L-R) Jasmine Lewis ’11 (Newburgh, NY) and Dean David Lux on the way to the Fiesole.
“It was fascinating to witness our students’ excitement at the Villa Borghese. Their knowledge of the art works and the Villa Borghese itself was amazing. For me, what was most impressive was how the students were so eager to share their knowledge not only with our Bryant group, but also with other tourists as well! I can truly say that I learned a great deal about art works at the Borghese from our students. What a pleasure!”
Elisabetta Misuraca, Lecturer, Italian
“On Friday, we visited the Villa Borghese. The art was spectacular, but I was even more impressed with our students’ presentations on the works they had studied. It was one of those moments with the things they had studied “came to life.” Melanie Simas ’11 (Swansea, MA) had just finished explaining Bernini’s Rape of Persephone to me when another visitor stopped Melanie to ask her if she was a museum guide. Melanie said, “No,” but also said that she would gladly give this woman her briefing on the sculpture. What a great moment!”
Lori Johnson, Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Director of Academic Advising
This is what the students had to say as part of their final reflections:
“The thing I’ve enjoyed most has been the trip to the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. In particular, I really liked the climb to the top of the church. I have always wanted to visit St. Peter’s and see for my own eyes what it is really like – not just how books and movies show it. St. Peter’s is huge, and simply amazing. The climb to the top of the dome at St. Peter’s was a great adventure. Paying 5 € to get such a breathtaking view was totally worth it. The climb was a little tight in places, but when we stepped out at the top, it was just WOW! Visiting the Vatican and St. Peter’s really let me get in touch with my Catholic religion. It made me step back for a minute and really think about what it is all about. The history of my religion was right in front of me. The trip to the Vatican was definitely my favorite day.”
Amy Howell (Clifton Park, NY)
“The most interesting part of our trip to Italy has definitely been the trip to Carrara. After that tour, I gained real respect for the art of sculpting. The time and energy dedicated to producing masterpieces such as the David is just unbelievable. The details that artists can put into these pieces are amazing. I personally got the chance to try to do what they do with a hammer and chisel and a block of marble. Believe me, to do what they do requires technique and power. Sculpting is truly a talent that is developed over time through lots of experience.”
Siamone Bennett ’11 (Newburgh, NY)
(Photo on the left) Courtyard at the Vatican. (Center photo) Evening falls at Tenuta il Corno. (Photo on the right) A look at the Garbatella.
“For me, experiencing the medieval pilgrim’s tour in modern-day Rome has been the most memorable experience. Our walk took us through the heart of the medieval city and past some of the great landmarks – the Jewish Ghetto, the Campo Fiori, the Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. We walked through quiet lanes and bustling Piazze, all the while peeling back the layers of different centuries. It is amazing how Rome’s current buildings can act as time capsules, preserving and incorporating ancient structures within the modern walls.”
Meaghan Delaney ’11 (Centerville, MA)
“The best part of my trip has been visiting the Garbatella. The Garbatella neighborhood is a good example of how everything isn’t always perfect after all. Many who come to Rome leave without ever noticing the industrial suburbs and seldom pay attention to the lives of those who live in those suburbs. It was interesting to see how the Garbatella neighborhoods were built as planned communities and how the architecture worked for the people who lived there and the architects kept those people in mind. In just 10 years, public housing was built, but the architects and builders kept in their minds the needs of the workers who were going to live there. I LOVED IT!”
Jasmine Lewis ’11 (Newburgh, NY)
Diamonds are forever!
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot, particularly about art history. At the Vatican Museums, I especially enjoyed the Pinoteca (gallery of paintings). Our research for our briefing sheets came in handy today at both the Vatican and the Villa Borghese. In both places we got to share our expertise with one another. I enjoyed learning about the paintings and the different styles painters have used. For instance, I enjoyed seeing how painters can create a focal point and design the composition so that your eyes follow paths that lead you back to that focus. It’s unreal to see the inside of the Pinoteca. The paintings are so old, but so well preserved. It’s so cool to think that the works of art we were seeing were the creations of such accomplished artists as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Bernini.”
Kristina Aceto (South Portland, ME)
“My two favorite activities on this trip have been the visit to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence and the Bulgari Exhibition in Rome. It was amazing to see how innovative Ferragamo was with the materials he used in his shoes. It was also interesting to see how his styles changed through the decades. The Bulgari Exhibition was simply unreal. Everywhere I turned there were pieces of jewelry with 100+ carats of diamonds in them. My favorite part of the exhibition was Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection. The exhibit truly proves that diamonds are forever!”
Victoria Royals ’11 (Torrington, CT)
A garden in Fiesole.
“The Vatican Museum was my favorite visit in Rome. From the gold gilded and elaborately frescoed ceilings to the majestic beauty of the Sistine Chapel this was truly a spiritual experience.”
Kelly Ryan ’11 (Weymouth, MA)
“Rome has so many amazing buildings, paintings, and artworks. So far my favorite visit has been the trip to the Garbatella neighborhood. Seeing how the architecture of the neighborhood helps form a community shows the importance of friendship.”
Mary Sheehan ’11 (Kennett Square, PA)
Grazie!
“Rome is not at all what I expected. I pictured it as a classical city with ancient buildings everywhere, but it is like any other city – except with more dangerous crosswalks! I climbed to the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica today, despite my fear of heights and stairs. Words cannot even begin to describe the amazing view from the top. My favorite site in Rome was the Pantheon. Its impressive how well it’s held up and how the dome was made as big as it is.”
Liz Caledonia ’11 (Brockton, MA)
“My favorite activity in Italy has been our visit to Fiesole, the small town on the mountain overlooking Florence. We took the bus to this little town to have lunch, and we could see all of Florence. There were seven of us who went, and we explored the little town and loved the spectacular views. We hiked to the top of the mountain and felt like we could see all of Tuscany, even though it was only Florence! It was great!”
Cassidy Rydberg ’11 (Plymouth, NH)
(Photo on the left) Students in Florence. (Center photo) The Red Hotel in the Garbatella. (Photo on the right) A look at the marble on the mountain at a quarry in Carrara.
“After our time in Rome, I have to say that my favorite part of this trip was seeing and learning about the Garbatella neighborhood. We learned about the people who live in this area and saw how a public housing project succeeded in a very positive way. Throughout the tour, I enjoyed looking at the lots and seeing the differences between the buildings in them. What was most impressive was that the entire neighborhood sprang up in a matter of just 10 years. Remarkable!”
Carol Pacheco ’11 (Worcester, MA)
“My favorite outing in Rome has been the visit to the Borghese Gallery. I had studied a Bernini sculpture, The Rape of Persephone, in detail, and then I was able to see that sculpture up close. It was even better than I expected. The view of the light was able to capture all of my attention and illustrate the different scenes you can see in this one sculpture as you walk around it. Bernini was able to capture and illustrate all the emotions of pain and struggle in the fine details of this work.”
Melanie Simas ’11 (Swansea, MA)
A breathtaking view
“Florence was amazing. My favorite activity was climbing the Duomo, which has 463 steps! Once you get to the top, the view of Florence is beautiful. I also really enjoyed Carrara and the quarries, especially seeing all the things that are made from marble.”
Rena Holder ’11 (Middletown, CT)
“Sitting in a church and listening to those amazingly gifted opera singers was an experience I’ll never forget. I’ve never attended an opera performance before, and I was able to become part of an entirely new world when I heard those haunting arias performed. Listening to a live opera allowed me to travel throughout Europe and meet great composers such as Mozart and Puccini without ever leaving my seat. It was wonderful.”
Kaitlin Sidorsky ’11 (Rocky Point, NY)
(L-R) Jasmine Lewis ’11 (Newburgh, NY) and Stephanie Rossi ’11 (Sayville, NY) in Fiesole.
“Climbing the many steps to the top of the Duomo in Florence was a great experience. After reaching the top, the climb proved worthwhile. The views of Florence were breathtaking. Seeing the view and realizing that the Duomo was built almost 600 years ago using very basic technology really boosted my appreciation for the history of architecture!”
Alix Quinn ’11 (Middlebury, CT)
“My favorite activity on this trip has been visiting the town of Fiesole. Unlike most day trips, we did not have a guided tour of the town. This encouraged us to explore on our own in order to discover the ancient Etruscan ruins and the beautiful views. We had a nice lunch, and we climbed to the highest point in the town. From there, we discovered an even more amazing view. A second part of the Fiesole trip that I really enjoyed was when I visited a small store to buy a leather handbag for my mother. The man spoke only Italian, but I was able to understand everything he was telling me about the bag. Despite the language barrier, we were each able to figure out what the other was saying. This was so surprising. I never expected anything like this!”
Kristen Dooley ’11 (Cohasset, MA)
Italian Culture: Art & Opera
“The Italy SIE trip is awesome, and it just got better in Rome. The art here is amazing, especially at the Villa Borghese. With these beautiful frescos and paintings, I never want to go home!”
Mike King ’11 (Raynham, MA)
“By far, my favorite activity has been our visit to the Bulgari Exhibit at the Rome Exhibition Center. This really made the course theme of creativity in the luxury trades come to life for me. Most galleries offered selections to illustrate Bulgari creations from a single decade. You could really see what people in each period liked about the jewelry as well as what historical trends affected the styles. My favorite room, however, was the one with Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection. The woman owns a lot of very expensive jewels!”
Corinne Schweitzer ’11 (Andover, MA)
(Photo on the left) Michelangelo's Pieta. (Center photo) St. Peter's Basilica. (Photo on the right) A look at the Tuscan hillsides from Fiesole.
“Choosing just one thing as my favorite experience on this trip is extremely hard. We have seen some amazing things and gone to great places in the past ten days. I enjoyed the European feel of city life in Rome. It was a real change from Florence. In Rome, my favorite experience has been getting to see Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne at the Borghese Gallery. I had prepared a class briefing on this sculpture, so seeing it in person and telling other people about it was amazing. It was more beautiful than I could ever imagine! The Borghese Gallery was amazing all around!”
Cristine Cox ’11 ’11 (Suitland, MD)
“My favorite activity in Rome has been attending the performance of opera arias. I stared in amazement as we listened to four different singers. I enjoyed listening to the way in which each singer could raise and lower their voice. It was fun to try to decipher the story that their songs were telling. I even recognized a few!”
Laura Kopek ’11 (Meriden, CT)
Viva Italia!
“Fiesole has been by far my favorite part of the trip. Seven of us along with Lori and Elisabetta took public transportation up the mountain to reach Fiesole (which was an adventure in itself!). Once up there, we had our breath taken away by both the views and the history. We visited Etruscan tombs, a church, and a monastery at the top of a ridiculously steep hill. We saw a view of Florence that was absolutely unparalleled. We had no guide, and that is what I think made this so magical. We discovered so much just by ourselves! Fiesole trumps everything else we have done. I just wish we had had more time there!”
Abbie Munafo ’11 (Hyannis, MA)
A group dinner at Tenuta il Corno..
“My favorite activity in Rome was going with a small group to climb to the top of the dome at St. Peter’s . The view from the top was amazing. It was the first time that I got to see all of Rome. The climb of over 400 steps was definitely worth it.”
Stephanie Rossi ’11 (Sayville, NY)
“For me, the best part of this trip was climbing the tallest structure in Florence – the Duomo. Once on the top, the view is just spectacular, and it takes your breath away. At that moment, it hit me that we are in Italia!”
Adriana Mirra ’11 (Danvers, MA)
May 30
Benvenuto!
“It’s amazing here! I absolutely loved going to the Leather School! It’s amazing to watch Francesca hand sow a purse. Maria’s stationary is beautiful. Each piece is unique. There is such a difference in the culture here. Everything from going out to eat to crossing the street is completely different from what we do at home. I never thought I’d see so many compact cars! So many of the Italians understand English!”
Liz Caledonia ’11 (Brockton, MA)
“This learning experience has been amazing thus far. The Leather School at Santa Croce has been the best. The fact that it is a family business, along with so many other businesses, says a whole lot about Italian Culture and the Italian love for the arts. I can’t wait to get to Rome!”
Jasmine Lewis ’11 (Newburgh, NY)
View of the Santa Croce
“I have enjoyed my time in Florence. One real highlight has been climbing the Duomo and seeing all of Florence from the top. Learning about various crafts has been interesting, as well as seeing a marble sculptor, a wood carver, and a paper maker. These artisans showed us what they do, and how much pride they take in their work. Florence thus far has been unlike anything I could have expected. My favorite experiences have been the incredible view atop the Duomo and visiting the burial places and memorials of famous artists such as Michelangelo and Dante. The people here make the atmosphere enjoyable because of their sense of pride in their history.”
Sean Kaukas ’11 (Glastonbury, CT)
Simply amazing
“Being in Italy has been a blast! The most interesting thing to me has been actually seeing some of the fascinating sculptures. On the Internet, they don’t look as big as they are. They are HUGE! This trip has definitely helped me to appreciate fine art!”
Siamone Bennett ’11 (Newburgh, NY)
“My time so far in Florence has really given me a sense of the Italian language and culture. The Italians have done so much work maintaining and restoring all the beautiful art and architecture like in the Basilica of Santa Croce. From learning about art and visiting the Leather School, the restoration shop, and the stationary shop, it is easy to see how much pride the artisans and artists take in their work. They strive for uniqueness, quality and originality. A lot of skill and hard work goes into their products. It really shows!”
Amy Howell ’11 (Clifton Park, NY)
(Photo on the left) A lesson at the local stationery shop. (Center photo) The pagentry on the streets in Florence. (Photo on the right) A sculptor studio in Carrara.
“I love Italy. My favorite building is the Duomo, not only because it always helps me find my way, but also for the fascinating history of how it was built. The sights in Florence are amazing. Every time I turn a corner I see something new. I can’t wait to see more of Italy!”
Stephanie Rossi ’11 (Sayville, NY)
“What I love most about Italy is how well they have preserved the traditional style of their cities. Though there are many modern businesses in Florence, you see many small, local shops where artisans create one-of-a-kind goods. Many of these shops have been in business for generations and still use traditional methods and machinery to produce their goods. On our various excursions – to the leather school/factory, stationery shop, sculptor’s studio, marble quarry, and restoration shop – we’ve been able to see how people work. It’s easy to see the delicate and precise effort that goes into each and every item.”
Kristina Aceto ’11 (South Portland, ME)
Arrivederci
“I am tongue-tied when it comes to trying to describe Florence. My only way to express myself is to say that within the same scene one can see a Gucci on the left and the Duomo on the right. A city based on a precious blend of the past and the present, Florence is home to some of the most widely know pieces of art and some of the most widely admired luxury goods. For me, this creates the beauty of the city. My favorite day so far was Monday, when we spent the day touring the famous Leather School at Santa Croce, the wood restoration shop, and the stationery shop. We saw everything from a one-of-a-kind crocodile handbag to a hand-carved frame for a 20-foot mirror, to beautiful handmade stationery. This trip has truly immersed us in the themes of artisans, artists, and the production of luxury goods.”
Corinne Schweitzer ’11 (Andover, MA)
A lesson at the Leather School.
“So far, my favorite activity was climbing the Duomo. As we climbed, we saw great views of the city, but this was just a preview of what we saw when we reached the top! Being able to see the entire city helped me figure out how it is organized and helped me learn my way around Florence. The view was amazing and it gave me greater appreciation for both the Duomo and the city of Florence.”
Kristen Dooley ’11 (Cohasset, MA)
“My favorite part of the SIE Italy trip so far is experiencing the history of this country. Some of the sites I’ve seen, such as the Duomo, the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Fiesole, and the many churches, are just amazing to see in person. It’s also interesting to learn about the history of such sites like who built them and why.”
Matt Murphy ’11 (North Reading, MA)
May 28, 2009
That’s amoré!
“On our first day in Italy, Professor Misuraca and I led a tour of the historical center of Florence. On Saturday morning, one group visited Fiesole, the town which overlooks Florence, and the other climbed the Duomo, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and visited the Museum of the Duomo and the Casa Davanzati, a 14th century merchant’s house.
“On Sunday morning, we took a bus to the marble quarries and a sculpture studio in Carrara and spent the afternoon in Lucca, one of the best preserved of all Tuscan cities.
A look above Florence with the Duomo in the background.
“Monday was a day for artisan workshops and a visit to the Basilica at Santa Croce. The Leather School, housed in the monastery at Santa Croce ranks among the most important centers for training artisans to work with leather. We also visited the artisan shops of a Florentine stationer, Giulio Giannini e Figlio, and a world renowned restorer of custom woodwork, Bartolozzi e Maioli.
“Students have developed some of their own tour ideas based on research they did before we left. This has led a number of us to places such as Fiesole, the Boboli Gardens, and the Savatore Ferragamo Museum. Even those of us who have been to Italy before are getting to learn new things and see new places.”
Dean David Lux
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Here’s what the students had to say:
“Never having been outside the U.S., this trip has been a great eye-opener. Italian artisans take much pride in their work and are skilled craftspeople who create unique pieces of work. Witnessing the way of life in Italy firsthand has enriched my appreciation for Italian culture. Climbing the Duomo was an experience like no other!”
Alix Quinn ’11 (Middlebury, CT)
“I was in awe when I first stepped off the bus and onto the black stone streets of Florence. The city is beautiful, and the experiences we have shared are irreplaceable. I’ve enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime experience as we’ve learned about the hard work that goes into an artisan’s handmade leather bag or the marbled paper in a stationery shop. It was truly breathtaking to visit the Roman theatre and baths in Fiesole. You never realize how much care and hard work goes into a sculpture until you see an artist begin to chisel away stone from a block of marble. I’ve enjoyed every minute of every day, and I’m looking forward to Rome!”
Laura Kopek ’11 (Meriden, CT)
(Photo on the left) At one of the rock quarries in Carrara where sculptures are made by hand. (Center photo) Inside Casa Davanzati, a 14th century merchant’s house. (Photo on the right) Town of Fiesole, which overlooks Florence.
“Being in Florence is unlike any experience I’ve had before. In a compact area, the city offers a look into history everywhere you go. The many artisan workshops that use techniques from centuries past and the beautiful hill towns of the Tuscan countryside are remarkable.”
Meaghan Delaney ’11 (Centerville, MA)
“Being here has been so much fun. My favorite part of the trip has been visiting Fiesole and seeing the Archaeological Museum. I had researched Italy before coming on this trip, which made it all that much better. I was able to see the Roman Theatre and the baths that I had spent so much time learning about!”
Carol Pacheco ’11 (Worcester, MA)
Bellissima!
“The trip to Italy has been very educational. From learning about the culture and interacting with new people to having my very first gelato, my experiences have been as satisfying as the sun on my back, the good food in my stomach and the great friendships I’ve made. Learning about the artisans and architects has made me more appreciative of their crafts and give me a glimpse into a Florentine’s life. It can be described with one word, Bellissima!”
Kaitlin Sidorsky ’11 (Rocky Point, NY)
“Everything we have seen, tasted, tried, and experienced has been a Kodak moment! I don’t know how I’m going to survive at home without GROM’s gelato. Aside from the amazing cuisine, my favorite experiences so far have been our trips to Carrara and Lucca. Exhausting, but well worth the drive! Everything we are doing is a learning experience, and I don’t want to go home. Ciao!
Abbie Munafo ’11 (Hyannis, MA)
Bryant students at a cooking school in Florence.
“It’s hard to choose which activity has been my favorite so far. I loved the Leather School. It was so cool to see how the bags are made. It was amazing to see how things are still handcrafted.”
Melanie Unwin ’11 (Rutland, VT)
“It has truly been amazing to see another part of the world and to experience another culture. It is hard to put into words how much I have learned and seen. Italy is a beautiful country, from the classical architecture, to the people, to their handcrafted works. What a beautiful place to study!”
Cristine Cox ’11 (Suitland, MD)
Experiencing history
“This trip has been so amazing from the start. I learned how to order a croissant during our layover in the Charles De Gaulle airport in France. Here in Italy, I’ve seen how to quarry and sculpt marble and how skilled artisans make paper, woodworking, and leather products. The opportunity to see artisans work using age-old techniques to create high quality products has been fantastic. I have learned so much already and enjoyed every minute, from learning about marbled paper, to painting, to architecture. It’s all very exciting.”
Cassidy Rydberg ’11 (Holderness, NH)
“Florence embodies such a deep history. Everywhere you turn you can touch, feel, hear, and see the things in history you studied about. To sum up this experience in one word: “Breathtaking!”
Melanie Simas ’11 (Swansea, MA)
(Photo on the left) Bryant students in the Roman Theatre. (Center photo) Waiting for a bus in Fiesole. (Photo on the right) Another look at a quarry in Carrara.
“My favorite activity so far has been visiting Lucca. It was very interesting to experience a place in Italy I’ve never heard of, and to hear the history behind the way they have intentionally hidden from the world!”
Kelly Ryan ’11 (Weymouth, MA)
“My favorite activity so far in Italy was climbing the Duomo. Once at the top it makes me realize how hard Brunelleschi had to work, and how amazing Florence is!”
Mary Sheehan ’11 (Kennett Square, PA)
Read about last year's trip to Italy or past Sophomore International Experience trips around the world.
