Week 3
The group spent an unforgettable weekend in Rome. They marveled at the size and beauty of the Sistine Chapel and threw coins in the famous Trevi Fountain. One of the most memorable stops was the Colosseum.
“I’ll never forget how it grew more impressive and impossibly large the closer we got,” wrote Kayla Woodyard.
Back in Florence, they toured the Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing, a school recognized worldwide for excellence. They walked through rows of dress forms and sewing machines, and even saw students using large knitting machines. Graduating from the school practically guarantees success in the industry. It’s so renowned that those in the field return.
“Many people who are already designers or have careers come back to this school to freshen up their skills or learn new techniques or new concepts,” explained Lyndsey Cook.
The Child and Family Studies students were looking forward to visiting another type of school. They visited Reggio Emilia, Italy to learn more about the educational method that bears the city’s name. The Reggio Emilia approach was founded after World War II by a teacher, Loris Malaguzzi, and parents from the surrounding villages. It offers children from 6 months to 6 years of age a unique self-guided learning experience. It incorporates the arts, and focuses on core concepts like respect and responsibility.
“I LOVED the tour we took. At the end, we got to see and interact with some of the hands-on activities they have for children. I think hands on activities are always a great way to get children involved in learning,” wrote Emily Byrd.