Italy Alumni

"Every person I came across made me feel as if we had known each other for years. I formed friendships and professional connections that wouldn’t have been possible without this IPDS trip."

"Take advantage of the chance to expand your horizons because these IPDS trips are impossible to replicate!"

"This cultural experience challenged my views on education, cultural diversity, and life in general, and I feel like a better person after my time abroad."

"Torremaggiore is so quiet, peaceful, and charming it felt frozen in time! Wandering the town during ‘siesta’ gave me a chance to look at myself and my life and to be grateful for how much beauty there is in the world."

"The children were so welcoming on our first day and did not want to leave us at the goodbye event. I felt so loved, valued and appreciated for being a teacher."

"The challenge of communicating instructions, content and new vocabulary to students - with my limited Italian and their limited English - only made me a stronger educator."

"I was fully submerged in their culture and learned a lot about the country, town, teaching...and how to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment!"

"I had always wanted to go to another country, but was too scared to travel alone. This program was so group-based that I was reassured - by being with others who were experiencing the same things and faculty leaders who help along the way."

"Because of the costs, I never thought I could participate in a study away program, but I spoke with my professors and learned how to find funding. Have an open mind and explore your options"

"I have become more confident in myself since traveling. I am surer in my decisions and am more independent. This was my first trip from home and I learned just how strong and capable I can be on my own."

"Teaching to students in a language different from their own is hard, but with patience and hard work it is possible!"

"I learned that I am capable of more than I realized. I was more confident going into student teaching as well. I know that I am capable of teaching a room full of students who don’t speak English and so feel more than prepared to be effective with students in the United States."