Research & Outreach - The ESSE Study Abroad Program
Testimonials
This experience has been challenging, eye-opening, and just absolutely amazing! I have learned so much that I cannot even begin to list it all! I am so glad I was placed in the situation that I was because it has taught me so much in many, many ways! Overall, I can’t say this trip was the easiest thing I’ve ever done, nor can I say that it was everything I expected. However, I am definitely glad that I took the opportunity because I have made a lifetime of memories and I know I am going to take so many new experiences home with me! I would recommend this trip to everyone who is able to participate! –Kelli L.
My Modena study abroad trip has been the experience of a lifetime, and one that I will always remember. Through spending time in Reggio Emilia based schools, I have had the opportunity to reflect on different ways of schooling and truly consider what are the best ways to reach children.. Living with an Italian family has also been life changing. The friendships and relationships formed, and skills that I have learned on this trip will serve me well for the rest of my life.—Danielle O.
It is hard to find words to describe my experiences in Italy. A few that come to mind are unforgettable experiences, breathtaking views, humbling moments, expansion of knowledge, and transformation of my ideas and ways of life. The moments with my host family I will never forget and could never fully express my appreciation. My family took me in as one of their own in every way and taught me so much about the Italian culture and way of life. Living with a family and experiencing life through their ways of living is an experience that you should never pass on.—Abby A.
I had a lot of fun on this trip, but I also grew as a teacher and a person. Working in the schools with the Italian children and being completely absorbed into Italian culture by living with host families are opportunities not offered by other study abroad programs. I not only have priceless memories from living in Italy for a month, but I have a new perspective on living and teaching in the US. Amazing experience!—Allison N.
“The study abroad trip to Modena is a wonderful experience filled with unforgettable opportunities. You are given the chance to live with incredible families and build relationships in ways that you did not know were possible. The city of Modena is a gorgeous place that you can spend hours exploring. It is also close to many other cities that are worth visiting. It is definitely a journey you want to take!—Rachel S.
Modena has been such an amazing experience, it has taught me new things about
the world and about myself! Seeing the little faces of my kids smiling up at me
every day and their efforts to squeeze out a “good morning” or a “thank you” never
ceased to make me smile. I would highly recommend this trip.—Anderson W.
Through participating in this program, aside from the amazing food and amazing places, the main thing I got out of it was having to communicate with someone who does not speak your language and you barely speak theirs. I love how this trip has opened my eyes. I have so much understanding towards students trying to learn English in American schools.— Ali T.
Spend as much time with your family as possible! They really do make the experience more memorable! And journal, write it all down! It will be fun to look back on all of the fun things you experienced.—Alex H.
Though nothing quite beats the amazing Italian food or the gracious host families, perhaps one of the best and most surprising aspects of this trip, for me, was the friendships that resulted. After only a few days together, we became a more unified group, and soon went on many trips together, like to Verona and Bologna. Now I know that only an experience as unique as this one could have made such friendships possible, as it forced us all to come out of our shells and meet new people while we embarked on such a new adventure.—Jenny B.
Prior to this trip I had no idea how much you could experience in one month. This has been both the quickest and longest three weeks of my life. Quickest in the sense that the time has flown by, longest in the sense that I just do not believe that it is possible to experience and learn so much in such a short period of time. I thought I would come and learn about education. I did not expect to learn life lessons. I know realize that the two, life and education, are so intertwined that it is impossible to learn about one without learning about the other. I am more than thankful for this experience; it is one that will have a longstanding impact on me as a person.—Caitlin K.
This experience has been so wonderful it is hard to put it into words. Every aspect of this experience was amazing… from being taken in with open arms by an Italian family to interacting with Italian children in the schools. I have learned and experienced new and interesting things, and I have grown not only as a person, but as a teacher. I have made amazing friends and relationships that will last a lifetime.—April E.
There’s so much to see and do and the time will fly by. Try all the food that is offered, take as many excursions on your free afternoons, and although you’ll be exhausted don’t stress about sleep; you can get that when you return home! Our days were busy but we made sure to enjoy the night life as well because you never know when you’ll be back in Italy!—Maura B.
