KSU Italy is more than a trip – it's a transformative educational experience we’ve been proud to offer students since 1999! Learn from your fellow Owls where your education can take you.
I made memories worth a lifetime and got to see places/things some people will only
ever read about! I made friends that I will forever cherish and I am so grateful!
I loved experiencing the culture, food, learning some of the language, and seeing
history with my own eyes!
Brittany
Consortium Summer 2024
I cannot imagine a better country to spend time as your first experience living abroad than Italy. The serenity of the country alone is enough to want to move there, to get away. The food was outstanding and the people were so friendly…I felt so safe there even walking around on my own when it was dark, it was so homey and peaceful, the music, the food, the people, everything was safe and exciting but peaceful.
I met a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until I lived abroad and it got me interested in traveling abroad more often…Dr. Harper was the director of our trip and was absolutely incredible. It was cool to see the professors in this way because we got to know them more personally while exploring cities we had never been to, as they showed us the things they were excited about in each one. I really loved connecting with the students in a deeper way than you could in a classroom because we were on a five week adventure…The fortezza where we had classes was absolutely lovely…I would recommend this trip specifically to anyone and everyone.
Evy
Consortium Summer 2023
In Montepulciano, I connected with history and art in a way I never had before. It
is much easier to understand the implications and impacts of what you are studying
when you can observe them in person. The museums and monument trips were some of my
favorite parts of the Montepulciano experience. Another would be the close friends
I made. As a commuter student, I have sometimes struggled to feel connected to campus,
but after my first study abroad, I was able to dive into more campus life and activities
and feel welcome and accepted.
When I came home from my first study abroad, I felt like I knew myself better than I ever had before. Getting away from my routine helped me to remember the things I wanted and what I was interested in, apart from the craziness of home life. When I went into my first study abroad, I knew it would be unlike anything I had experienced before. What I didn’t know was that I would also find a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me, and I could not be more grateful for it.
MJ
Consortium Summer 2024
Let's Hear From You!
Students - want to share your story? Let us know about your KSU Italy experience for
a chance to be featured on our website or social media.
Video courtesy of Karina Gonzalez, Education and Children in Italy 2018
I did the two-week Maymester program in Montepulciano, Italy, and loved every moment of it. Our study abroad group took language and culture classes from 9am-5pm almost every day. Learning about the region’s history and language was a major highlight of the trip. It helped that my study abroad had fantastic teachers, both Tuscan locals and KSU professors, who made the material feel fun and interesting. Our study abroad group stayed in apartments that overlooked the countryside, and we had many opportunities to discuss everyday life with local people.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Italy without discussing the food. I’m a vegetarian, and I found many delicious meals while there. My favorite was probably ribollita, a regional vegetable soup. Prepping and cooking the food ourselves was rewarding, especially since it came out so good. Overall, I am so blessed to have been a part of this trip. I only wish I could have stayed longer.
Ahlan
Consortium Summer 2024
The memories that I made while in Italy were ones that I think every student should
have the opportunity to enjoy. Not only is studying abroad fun and exciting, but it
is a transformative experience. My perspective on the world and the people within
it has been transformed. Engaging with people from different walks of life allows
students to elevate their education and practice empathy.
My trip has widened the horizon of what possibilities I envision lie ahead. I gained a new sense of independence and ambition from studying abroad, which has led me to have greater expectations for my future and those around me. Ultimately, Italy is a beautiful country, and my time there caused me to expand my worldview.
