The EdOdyssey Educator: Pride Month Newsletter - June

Dear EdOdyssey Community,

Inclusivity has always been at the core of EdOdyssey, and this June, our entire newsletter is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and sharing helpful information for LGBTQ+ students and travelers. 

Below you’ll find student stories, information, and a personal message from me about why this month is so important to me and my entire team.

Happy Pride,

-Peter McGovern, President & Global Founder

The Meaning Behind The Letters

What does “LGBTQ+” mean?

The initialism, “LGBT”, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender has expanded to be more inclusive of the entire community.

Learn about this acronym in our recent Instagram post

Five Questions For Our Community

Better understanding your identity abroad

If you're a LGBTQ+ student interested in study abroad but aren’t sure where will be a great fit for you, we're here to help.

Here are 5 questions to help you find the perfect study abroad location

Identifying as LGBTQ+ Abroad

Learning from the study abroad student POV

One of our former study abroad students, Johanna, shares her perspective as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Take a look at how her semester abroad in Lima, Peru provided her with unique insights into her identity, her relationship with others in the program, and her connection with the local culture.

Read Johanna's story here

EdOdyssey Proud

Why pride means so much to EdOdyssey leadership and our team, a personal message from Peter

"I've lived, worked, and studied in virtually every corner of the globe. And I've lived in countries where it wasn't possible to be authentically me. In fact, in some cases, where it was even illegal. But despite this, I can say confidently that travel has changed my life for the better. It's something that I think everyone should do and deserves to do.”

Featured Blog of the Month

Study Abroad Guide & Key Questions For LGBTQ+ Members

The cultural enrichment and eye-opening experiences that come with study abroad prompt questions which make students reflect on who they are and their place in the world.

Our team supports students through their own self-discovery and wants to make them feel as comfortable as possible while abroad.

For more information, please explore our LGBTQ+ Student Resource Blog

Want more EdOdyssey news and updates?

Supporting LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Students: Questions and Resources

Please note that in this blog, we often use the plural “they/them/theirs” when referring to all prospective study abroad students.

LGBTQ+ students who go abroad face questions when evaluating study abroad options and opportunities. Before considering a study abroad experience, each student should consider how his/her/their program prospects will support him/her/them throughout his/her/their international experience experience.  

Students will confront questions throughout their experience abroad, and the questions to support each of them during pre-departure and throughout their respective experience abroad below:

PRONOUNS: How do students identify and what pronouns do they use? 

The way that students see themselves and their identity matter to us. Our team members identify their own pronouns in their emails. All of our study abroad students are encouraged to share their own in their emails as well so everyone feels comfortable with sharing their identity.  

COMING OUT: Do students want to share their identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? How can students go about doing this? 

When it comes to the identity of our students, who they are, and how each of them see themselves in the world, they will each have a dedicated local in-country team who wants to learn about each student to help him/her/them to embrace his/her/their identity.

Students are encouraged at any point during our pre-departure or on the ground with one of our EdOdyssey team members to come out if they choose to do so. 

REFLECTIONS: When will students have a chance to express themselves and identity during their program?

During our short-term study abroad programs and our excursions, we have reflections at the end of most daily meet ups and at the end of each day during excursions to share thoughts and unpack feelings about what we’ve learned.

These reflections create a safe space that allows each student to share their experiences based on their identity. Every student is welcome to share as much or as little as they’d like!

LIVING SITUATION: Do students want to come out to their roommates and/or homestay family?

Our local team encourages students to embrace who they are, and if a student decides to come out, then students are welcome share that with our team so we can support it accordingly.

For our accommodations, we offer different types of lodging depending on the different programs that we offer for international programs so see which one is most applicable to you below:

Semester Programs (Dorms) - As a part of your semester study abroad living situation, all students living in dorm-style housing will fill out a roommate matching survey. Our local team will find the best roommate possible based on our roommate matching criteria. 

Semester/Short-Term Programs (Homestays) - If you have a homestay as a part of your program, your local in-country team will support you to come out to your homestay family. Our team members can help facilitate conversations to allow students to speak in their native language or provide students with tips on how to approach the conversation if they prefer to engage their homestay family directly. 

Short-Term Programs (Hotels) - If you stay in a hotel, or other type of accommodation such as as hostel as indicated in your program itinerary, you’ll be matched with a fellow classmate based on sex. 

Generally speaking, we welcome feedback and input from our US-based partner institutions to support us in finding the best housing/homestay match possible for our students.

LGBTQ+ Community Abroad: Do students wish to be part of a supportive LGBTIQ+ community abroad? Are there LGBTIQ+ organizations on their host campus or in the community?

If students would like to share your experiences with fellow study abroad classmates as a group or other individuals, please contact your in-country coordinator to support. 

As an organization, we encourage open communication between our participants, our local team members, and partners to create an environment that facilitates learning, mutual respect and understanding. 

HEALTH & SAFETY: What if a student doesn’t feel safe sharing certain details about their identity? What if I feel that a participant feels that they are a victim of discrimination? 

If any student(s) encounter challenges, or that he/she/they are a victim of an aggression (physical or psychological), our local teams will provide him/her/they with help, guidance and facilitate any additional professional support, if applicable. 

Our team provides 24/7 Emergency Health & Safety support throughout the duration of every student’s EdOdyssey experience. Students are provided with health and safety contact numbers to our team and other important local contact numbers to see to student health and safety.

When it comes to identity-focused questions, our organization encourages all of our participants to share as much or as little as they’d like. Our local team will always have certain emergency contact and personal information to help ensure student health and safety abroad.

LAWS & NORMS: What are laws and cultural norms surrounding relationships and dating in the LGBTQ+ community where students are studying abroad?

Throughout the pre-departure process and in-country experience, each student receives on-going advising with our local team. During pre-departure advising, study abroad participants have a time to ask questions, request details and have an opportunity to engage in discussion with our team on what it’s like to build friendships and connections abroad. 

Each country and culture has different social expectations, and as a part of our semester programs, our local teams provide students with a detailed handbook. This resource shares information and tools regarding cultural insights and norms, in addition to key 24/7 emergency local support numbers.

At no point will any student be asked to disclose personal information, relationship statuses, gender identities or other personal information not relevant to details EdOdyssey teams for reservations or not related to supporting health and safety of students. 

DOCUMENTATION: If the gender and identity of a student is different from the sex listed in legal documents, or if a student is in the process of transitioning, what types of obstacles potentially face with travel, immigration, and documents?

As a part of all of our programs, if visa processing is required, our local team will help provide support. As each participant in our program fills out paperwork, he/she/they will have the guidance in filling out any necessary documents for academic coursework and if any other relevant relevant paperwork to the experience abroad.

STUDY ABROAD IN SICILY AND FLORENCE:  Is Italy considered an LGBTQ+ friendly country? 

Since 1861, Italy has been one of the European countries with a pretty progressive legislation for promoting and protecting the inclusivity of gender. At the same time, there are some areas of Italy where discrimination continues to have a presence due to cultural factors.  In particular, some of the main reasons why Italy has experienced some reluctance to embrace diversity can be attributed to some strong gender stereotypes due to a mixture of deeply rooted patriarchal and Catholic culture.

Intrepid Travel EU shares some additional insights into Italian culture as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community:

“Italy is largely accepting and welcoming of those who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Travelers visiting high-touristed areas such as Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome should have no problem in expressing themselves and enjoying a hassle-free holiday.”

“LGBT couples should have no issues expressing themselves in a respectful way when in public. In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative attention, as smaller towns tend to be more conservative and less accepting. Homosexuality is much more accepted in the north than the south; however, tourist hotspots, such as Capri and Taormina in Sicily, are well-known as LGBT-friendly”. 

In Florence, one of our study abroad semester locations, there is a branch of ArciGay that identifies itself as the leading Italian non-profit organization for the LGBTQI+ community, which recently opened its new headquarters this past June 2021. 

Most importantly, our team in Italy and local partners are happy to support students and help facilitate communication if students have any questions or need more information.

STUDY ABROAD IN LIMA:  Is Peru classified as a LGBTQ+ friendly country? 

It is inevitable to mention that this society remains conservative and sometimes eclectic when discussing the rights of people in the LGBTQ+ community. According to the 2019 Periodic Risk Intelligence and Security Monitor (PRISM) Executive Summary, Peru is ranked as one of sixty-six countries ranked as moderate in terms of risk ratings and trend analyses. As one of major South American cities, Lima has a diverse mix of ethnicities and nationalities with people coming from different parts of the world. 

However, Peru as a country maintains its strong conservative, Catholic traditions and continues to work toward providing more equal opportunities for its LGBTQ+ community but the progress has been slow moving. Over the last decades and years, Peru has taken important steps concerning this issue and is increasingly open and inclusive. Their Peruvian Congress has had openly lesbian and gay members who work to expand access to rights in the country, but continue to face opposition in passing and ratifying laws to recognize same-sex marriage and laws condemning forms of discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

At EdOdyssey, we have hosted student abroad alumni and interns from the LGBTQ+ community who have expressed their love for the Peruvian culture. Please see our post about our study abroad alumnae, Johanna M., who shares her experience in Lima, Peru. 

LGBTQ+ RESOURCES

Please take a look at the materials that provide additional insights in how other organizations, institutions, and their members support the LGBTQ+ community as well below:

Arcigay Firenze: Learn more about this Italian non-profit that supports the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy on issues facing its members around Italy.  

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender U.S. Peace Corps Alumni: Gain insights into LGBTIQ+ individuals who served as Peace Corps Volunteers abroad, including information about their experiences abroad. 

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: Shares information about human rights campaigns related specific countries around the world regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

LGBT Student Guide for Education Abroad: Provides insights, resources and materials from a University of South Florida undergrad perspective. 

LGBT Travel Information: Explore US State Department resources and materials that provide the LGBTQ+ community with information with information to know before going abroad.

National Center for Transgender Equality: Provides transgender people with advice on how to navigate air travel. 

International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association connects and educates LGBT travelers and the businesses that welcome and support them along the way. All members can customize their travel experience and share it with others.

Out Traveler: Learn more about LGBT-focused locations and events.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association: Shows research related to legislation and laws specific to gender expression/identity and sexual orientation. 

Is Italy LGBTQIA+ friendly?: Read more from Intreprid Travel EU about their insights into living in Italy as a part of the LBGTQ+ community.

The Fund for Education Abroad: Providing LGBTQ+ students studying abroad an opportunity to access additional funds through their Rainbow Scholarship. 

We want to thank the University of Denver for providing us some inspiration, resources and information from their Inclusiveness Abroad Page! 

LGBTQ+ Experience in Peru: Johanna's Alum Perspective

Guest Author: Johanna M., one of our alumni from that spent a semester studying abroad with EdOdyssey shares her experience and insights from her time living and studying in Lima, Peru.

A few weeks into my Spanish Immersion program, taking classes during the day and going on local tourist outings in the afternoon, my friend asked our Spanish professor what the word for “gay” was in Spanish. In Texas, where I’m from, I’d been taught the word “homosexual,” which I volunteered as an answer when he asked.

JOHANNA’S PERUVIAN EXPERIENCE ABROAD

One of the teachers from the language school during my orientation corrected me and said that in Perú, the word “gay” is much more commonly used. I remember smiling and thinking, “wow, that’s so much more normal”. Later, she said something that struck me to my core: “El matrimonio de los gays no es legal en este país,” or “Gay marriage is not legal in this country."

While obviously, I was not planning on getting married during my study abroad semester, I was immediately reminded of the day I celebrated the legalization of gay marriage in the United States. In 2015, while I was a Junior in high school, the Supreme Court ruled that it would be the law of the land. I had become so comfortable already with my right to be seen as an equal under the law that I was crushed to realize I wouldn’t be viewed or treated in the same way in my new host country.

Public displays of affection, especially for young people, are very commonplace in Perú for straight couples. I would see literally hundreds of young couples at my college during the day, but later, I’d always ask my Peruvian friends and host family, “Donde están los gays?”, or “Where are the gay people?”.

THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY & MY PERUVIAN EXPERIENCE

I didn’t realize before I lived in a country without a very visible queer population, how important it was to really see LGBTQ+ people in public spaces. 

The first time I went to a gay club in Perú, and realized I could find the same love and acceptance there, I felt for the first time in a long time that I could be open about who I was. Talking to my friends, to other young Peruvians who are more progressive seeking out queer spaces gave me islands of safety. I felt excitement to actually embrace my LGBTQ+ identity and meet other queer people like me.

What I learned about visibility, in these spaces, wasn’t just how important it was to see other LGBTQ+ people. I also learned how important it was to me that I take on that challenge and be more visible in normalizing being gay everywhere I went.

MY EXPERIENCE & WHO I AM TODAY

As weird as this may sound, without my experience in Perú, I don’t know if I’d be as connected to that part of my identity. I’m truly grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences I had in Perú to learn about all of the cultures that were new to me, and not just the ones we read about in travel guidebooks.

From everyone at EdOdyssey, we hope that Johanna’s story provides insights into how her impactful experience abroad has helped her discover and connect with her identity. Our team continues to help foster understanding with students and their peers through engaging them throughout the process of admissions, pre-departure and especially during the study abroad experience.

To see how we support all of our program participants from the LGBTQ+ community, please see our blog Study Abroad & Supporting The LGBTQ+ Community for more information.

Want more information about study abroad?

April Feature - Julia P.: How Study Abroad Builds Perspective

In this month’s feature you’ll meet Julia “GG” P., an EdOdyssey alumnae and current senior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. She spoke with us about how travel has changed her, and you’ll see how her past experiences abroad continue to shape her and her future plans.

GG’s START IN TRAVEL

Originally from New Hampshire, she relocated to central Massachusetts to attend Worcester Academy, a prep school in Worcester. As a student, she played hockey and jumped at any opportunity to travel.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she credits her grandma for her endless curiosity about the world. Born in Ecuador, GG’s grandmother attended college in the US, where she met her husband, GG’s grandfather, in Missouri. 

In high school, GG participated in two international adventures that remain close to her heart today. The first was to the Dominican Republic where she spent a week teaching English to students in an elementary and middle school (grades 1- 8). The second brought her to Peru with EdOdyssey.

Her time in Peru, as she recalls, was “a 10 wild days” of on-the-go adventure during her Spring Break in March 2017. The itinerary included Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu and left her feeling “renewed.” 

After graduating from Worcester Academy, she chose to continue her education just a few miles away at College of the Holy Cross. As a freshman, she walked onto the hockey team and this year, as a senior, was named captain. She is currently a Senior majoring in physics with a minor in Latinx & Caribbean Studies. 

A LOOK BACK AT PERU

Sasaywoman, the ancient Incan ruins just outside of downtown Cusco, remains a favorite. She was in awe of the architecture and still remembers the humbling feeling of exploring the ruins:

“I never felt so small.”

Four years after her time in Peru, she still vividly recalls the dew and the clouds covering the landscape and the surrounding Andes mountains in the distance. Almost all people think of Peru and Machu Picchu, but she says that these ancient ruins continue to stand out to her.

ADVICE FOR HER YOUNGER SELF

If given the chance, she was asked about what she would say to the high school version of herself.

Her advice to other younger students? Totally immerse yourself in the experience, build relationships with the rest of the group, and live in the moment.

After her trip to Peru, they had a unique common bond and she wishes that she had longer lasting friendships. 

LOOKING AHEAD IN HER CAREER

Her ambitions go beyond working in a lab, and she plans to get more involved with project & program management.

“I love physics, and I like the challenge of being a part of a major that is mostly represented by men.”

Her aspirations include traveling the world as a project manager because, as she shared:

"I want more of a world view for the rest of my life."

In preparation for graduation, some thoughts and advice came to mind that she shared with her fellow college athletes.

STUDY ABROAD & TRAVEL TIPS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

GG provided us some great tips and insights for students involved in sports:

• Have the conversation with your coach: If you’re not in season, take some time and show that it means a lot to you. She feels lucky to have a supportive coach who understands her passion for travel. 

• Use your time management skills: Manage your time, plan ahead, and look at your courses!

• Go solo: Coming from a college team and teammates, sometimes it can feel different to break out and go off on your own, and as GG says:

“Don’t be afraid to travel on your own.”

The pandemic disrupted her plans to study abroad and do a May-mester in Spain, but she has plans to travel after she graduates to continue learning more abroad. 

STAYING CONNECTED TO EXPERIENCES ABROAD

Her friends and family have kept the conversations alive, and their chats have fueled her future plans.

• Friends: Sarah, a friend on campus, studied abroad in Peru and GG feels like they have stayed close because both of them connected to the Peruvian culture and experience.

• Family: She has family in Ecuador, and her grandma came from Ecuador, so it allows her to stay connected with those experiences.

• Future Planning: Her conversations have helped her keep travel high on her list and not lose sight of it. 

“It’s important to give travel a shot!”

LESSONS LEARNED FROM PAST EXPERIENCES

When looking back at previous travel experiences, GG offers her insights and perspective:

“Travel is something that everyone can enjoy if they are presented an opportunity.”

On her past travel experiences, including EdOdyssey experience, she noticed a lot of students from different interests and backgrounds come together and really bonded throughout the experience. When asked about EdOdyssey’s reflections, she shared the following:

“I learned a lot from Peter [McGovern, President of EdOdyssey] and the way he sees the world. He was always excited.”

She learned a lot from her younger brother, Mitchell, who reminded her to take photos with her. Their experiences together were a surprise when he opened up more than she had expected.

“My relationship with my brother grew incredible amounts in such a short period of time.”

FUTURE PLANS & ADVICE FOR HER PEERS

Experiences provide us insights into other people and their careers, and GG encourages her peers to not feel pressure for a rigid career path.

“It's important to learn from people and their experiences, but it also takes time to do that.”

She wants her peers to focus on the end goal and reflect on the fact that there won’t be one path to get there. For her, project management doesn’t exactly connect with her physics major, but she sees her past experiences as a great stepping stone for her career.

As our team and our world builds back to student travel, we hope that her experiences show that the power of travel and how it unites different parts of our lives!

Interested in being a monthly feature later this year? Fill out our monthly feature form for a chance to share your story with us and our travel community!

Did you miss our first monthly feature?

Want to study abroad with us?

Developing Your Study Abroad Personal Project: 3 Steps for Student Success

Guest Post By Narda Antón - EdOdyssey’s Academic Advisor (Peru)

As a part of EdOdyssey’s semester study abroad, each student has the opportunity to create a meaningful personal project. Studying a semester abroad can be one of the most important experiences of your life, and you’ll want to have a piece for your professional portfolio that differentiates you from other study abroad students and young professionals.

When you walk away from this experience, you’ll come away with a unique project that showcases your passions and skills. With EdOdyssey, you have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and improve your Spanish and show your academic knowledge.

I’m at the front of the classroom walking students through Personal Project process!

At Pontificia Católica del Perú (PUCP), you’ll gain local knowledge from your classes and experiences outside of the classroom. Most importantly, you will also be able to develop a personal project that you can bring home and share with your professional prospects in the future. 

Your unique project will create engagement with the local community as you research a topic that interests you during your semester in Lima. Each student develops each project during a semester and I, as the academic coordinator, will guide them through the whole process.

Below are three main steps that I recommend to my exchange students to accomplish an excellent personal project:

STEP 1: Choosing Your Personal Project Topic

For you to choose the topic of your personal project, you should keep these three key questions in mind:

What topic would I like to explore during my student exchange abroad?

In the initial stages, you will have three topics that you like and you have worked on at your university. Then, you will identify which topic best  fits the reality of the country where you will study and if it is possible to consider it for your personal project.

The topic you will choose will be developed during your semester abroad. You will have to write at least a 10 page essay and make a final presentation for your exchange peers at the end of the semester.

For this reason, it is important that you take into account how accessible and easy it will be to obtain information about the topic you are going to research. For example, some former exchange students chose an interesting topic that they developed in their classes at PUCP and even had the chance to talk to their professors and receive recommendations about their project.

How will my personal project contribute to my exchange experience?

One of our study abroad alums loves dogs and studied Sociology. Her personal project analyzed dogs in different neighborhoods in Lima!

During your exchange, you will have the opportunity to do different activities such as playing sports, taking dance classes, going on excursions to different parts of Peru and even doing volunteer work.

To develop a good personal project, I recommend that the topic you choose is linked to some extracurricular activity you decide to do, so this way you can match your project with your personal experience.

 Here are some examples of past projects:

• A former exchange student, Joe, who was part of the swimming team of his home university, decided to choose “Peruvian university swimming competitions” as a topic for his personal project. He even joined the PUCP swimming team in order to make his exchange experience better. He did some research on university swimming competitions in Peru and did some interviews and surveys to his teammates and coaches in order to write his project essay. In addition, for his final presentation, he showed photos and videos of his training and competitions he participated in during his exchange. His major was International Studies.

• Erin, another former student, was interested in applying to medical school at her home university, chose 'Amazonian natural medicine' as the main topic for her personal project. She had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Peruvian jungle, which was organized by EdOdyssey and visited some treatment and rehabilitation centers. At the centers, she had some interviews with medical specialists and collected important information on the topic in order to write her essay and make her final presentation. Her major at her home university was Anthropology.

What impact will my Personal Project have on my career?

Identify how your personal project will add value to your career. For example, when you graduate or when you get a job in the future, how will your Personal Project help you? Are you potentially thinking about a Masters program? 

Don’t forget about your big picture goals and ambitions, and how this project can help serve you to accomplish those goals!

STEP 2: Investigation & Research

Your personal project will have a significant impact on your exchange, so it is important that you dedicate time and effort in order to succeed. Please keep in mind that I’m here to help all students succeed, but please take note of the following tips so you can have the most fun possible with this project!

Be organized: When you start researching your topic, you need to get yourself organized. I recommend that you create a monthly schedule that includes the tasks you must do and the amount of time you will spend on those tasks. 

This will help you to focus on the project and you won’t miss out on your other academic activities.

Step by step: The development of the personal project happens throughout the semester so it will take you a few months to complete it. It is important that you identify the parts of the project and set weekly assignments and goals.

Support: During the semester, you will have my advice and support in the development of your project. We will have weekly meetings that will allow you to present updates and advances with me soI can provide you with feedback  to guide you and improve your project.

Stay calm: Doing your personal project is not an easy task, so it is okay if you feel a little overwhelmed during the process. Remember to stay calm, take a deep breath and reach out to me if you have questions. If you’re proactive during the semester, and keep an open line of communication with me, you’ll enjoy the process and create a better project!

STEP 3: Final Presentation

At the end of the semester, you should present your personal project with your exchange colleagues in order to share your experience and receive feedback. For the final presentation, I recommend that you and all students studying abroad with EdOdyssey complete following:

Style Points: Present your project in a creative and eye-catching way so your fellow students pay attention and get curious about your topic. You’re encouraged to  include photos or videos from the beginning and final stages of your project.

Final Presentation Duration: Your presentation should last approximately 10 minutes. You will include the objective, development and conclusions of your project.

Demeanor: Feel comfortable and relaxed so you can give a confident image to your audience.

Your personal project will bring together your passions, academic skills and knowledge in order to have the best exchange experience abroad. Remember to focus on the three steps described: the choice of topic, the  research and the final presentation, taking into account the time and effort that each one will take.

With proper organization, strong motivation and a good guidance,  you will be able to develop an excellent project that will have a valuable contribution to your professional career!

Ready to get started?

A Week in Rome, Italy

Author: Amanda Lowrey

In February 2019, a group of 6th-8th graders and chaperones were exposed to bountiful aspects of Rome including history, cuisine, art, and culture! With the amazing assistance of Italy’s Program Coordinator, Rachel Zitin, the group uncovered a richer understanding of life in Rome, as it was in ancient times and present day! 

For travelers who love history, architecture, art, churches, fountains, piazzas, ancient buildings, and tasty cuisine, Rome is not a destination to miss! There are takeaways that everyone benefits from that allow students to receive hands-on experience in a culture different from their own. At the same time, teachers explore aspects of a city’s history with a dynamic that makes classroom material come alive through the culture.

Within a week in Rome, students got to know the city quite well and appreciated the top attractions while exploring the less popular ones!

Read on to find out what the group got to see and participate in during their week in Italy!

A Roman Welcome

Following a long day of travel from the U.S. to Italy, the group enjoyed a relaxing dinner of authentic Roman pizza to start off their week! The Esquilino neighborhood acted as their home away from home and playground for exploration, which also houses important basilicas, such as Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. 

Closely located to their accommodations was the Colosseum and Roman Forum! Considered one of the world’s most popular attractions, the magnificent Colosseum was once a grand spectacle for gladiators, and the group got the chance to tour the arena from 80 AD! Ancient Rome’s city center was also explored within the Roman Forum and students got to take in the sights of the beautiful ruins. 

Let’s not forget about Italian cuisine! The group partook in a flavorsome dinner at a local favorite nearby their neighborhood, which included hearty pasta, vegetables, and a delicious tiramisu dessert to wrap up their third day! 

Pompeii

Additionally, students and chaperones thoroughly appreciated the day excursion to Pompeii, a famous Roman city located 150 miles south of Rome, which was buried under volcanic ash in AD 79 as a result of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius! 

The group had the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with Rachel and an archaeological guide. Though the city is known to be “frozen in time,” the ruins gave students a unique insider’s look into ancient Roman life.  

Speaking of Mt. Vesuvius, did you know that it is still considered an active volcano today? The group had the opportunity to climb to the top, where they were able to see the Bay of Naples, Herculaneum and the Mediterranean Sea!

Art & Gastronomy 

Moreover, the group had the chance to become artists for the day! Since Italy is greatly known for its abundant art and culture, students walked around iconic sites and attended a watercolor workshop with an artist, where they created their own masterpiece to take home! 

Besides marvelous art and architecture, Italian gastronomy is hard to beat! The group prepared a three-course meal with a local chef, with a menu including Rome’s most famous dishes! Students and chaperones had a wonderful time and loved the experience in the kitchen! 

Correspondingly, Testaccio Neighborhood used to be the central port for food supply in ancient Roman days, and now accommodates some of Rome’s greatest eateries! In particular, Testaccio’s food market offered local delicacies that the group savored together! 

The Historic Center 

Furthermore, Rome’s historic center is rich in piazzas, cobblestone streets, and architecture, but also the headquarters of massive attractions, including the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon! This 135 step staircase was completed in 1725! The Pantheon is a two-thousand year old temple, which is now a church, and features the largest unreinforced concrete dome. 

In a similar manner, the Trevi Fountain is arguably the most famous fountain in the world! Tradition states that visitors toss a coin into the water to ensure a return to the Eternal City! Our students got to try this tradition out for themselves!

Vatican City 

Situated west of the Tiber River, the Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent national site and the epicenter for the Catholic Church. Covering a little over 100 acres, this city possesses stunning buildings, gardens, museums, churches, and maintains its own banking and media stations. 

The group ventured inside the Vatican Museums, which feature the world’s greatest art collections, including frescoed rooms by Raphael and Egyptian mummies! The Sistine Chapel was another fascinating and momentous building the group toured, which houses Michelangelo’s frescoes and The Last Judgement. 

Located within Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s holiest catholic shrines and enormous central church in Rome. In the fourth century, the church was built on the site of St. Peter’s grave, but the original building was replaced with the current Basilica millions of visitors tour each year.

The group toured the aforementioned areas and learned about the plans and purpose of the city. In the evening, the group enjoyed a family-style Italian meal, including appetizers, pasta dishes and main courses! 

In closing, the group had an amazing time and took away lessons and knowledge that they’ll cherish for life! After having so many immersive experiences within one week, it’s no wonder that the group departed Italy with suitcases full of educational and captivating moments!  This type of program in Italy grants students, teachers, and chaperones, the ability to pursue an interest in international education, improve their second language skills, and see another part of the world.  

It’s important that programs feel connected and understood. Reflecting on experiences provides students with the opportunity to express their own thoughts and build trust in the team. For this reason, EdOdyssey directs groups to participate in group reflections each day, in order to unpack observations and takeaways together. 

For more insight into the importance of these meaningful moments together, check out our past blog, “Three Main Reasons Why We Do Group Reflections”!