Kaitlin O’Brien ’15

My Italian Siblings: Lorenzo & Emma
My Italian Siblings: Lorenzo & Emma

The Italy: Then & Now Experiential Learning trip was centered on the single aspect of cultural emersion.  The primary goal of the trip was to embrace the Italian way of life, both modern and historical, through language, family, food, art, and architecture. To achieve this, each student was placed with an Italian host family in the small town of Amelia while we took part in an intensive language course at a local institute. As a supplement to our language classes, we also took afternoon trips or spent weekends exploring other parts of Central Italy.  Unfortunately, my Italian language skills remain less than acceptable, but my understanding and appreciation of Italian cultural has increased tenfold.  And most importantly, I can honestly say I am the adopted daughter of an Italian family that I have formed a lifelong bond with. This EL was one of the best experiences I have had during my time at Allegheny, and the life lessons I learned while traveling and living abroad will stay with me forever.