Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
Former students who spent a semester abroad at Texas A&M's Santa Chiara Study Center gathered in Aggieland Oct. 30-31 for a celebration commemorating the Italian study abroad program's 20th anniversary.
Paolo Barucchieri, who's directed the center in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy, since its inception, was a featured guest at several anniversary venues, including a reception hosted by Jorge Vanegas, dean of the College of Architecture.
It was one of several gatherings, also attended by Barucchieri's assistant Sharon Jones, that included class reunions, a dinner at the Brazos Center, tailgate parties and other activities.
Texas A&M began its Italian connection in 1982 in the La Poggerina center, near the village of Ponte agli Stolli. The program then moved to the small medieval town where it currently resides in 1989.
Boasting 5,000 square meters of courtyards, design studios, a computer lab and a small theater, the one-time convent and all-girls academy has accommodations for all students.
“Imagine a small town, enclosed by medieval walls and situated on top of a high hill,” said one program participant. “The surrounding countryside is dotted with small olive orchards alongside vineyards with knotty branches.”
Students consider the center “home base” while programs are in session. They cite the welcoming smiles and hospitality of Italy. Being in a different country helped students gain a deeper appreciation for their own country, and helped them understand there’s a basic human nature in all people spanning time and place, said Jane Flaherty, director of the Texas A&M Study Abroad Office.
Courses at the center vary from semester to semester, but the prevailing interdisciplinary nature allows Santa Chiara to offer a wide range of classes. The offerings range from business and architecture to education, engineering and liberal arts, which makes for a diverse and challenging program, Flaherty said.
Most students, she added, are able to use these courses to help fulfill core curriculum requirements or electives. All study abroad courses at the center fulfill the university's international and cultural diversity requirements.
“We take pride in not only preparing students academically, but culturally as well,” Barucchieri said.
One day for guided excursions is reserved each week to allow students to explore the art, landscape, culture and architecture of Italy.
“Once inside the church of St. Francis, I was mesmerized,” said one former student. “Paolo took us through the church of St. Francis and St. Claire. He spoke about every fresco, column, and called our attention to the various usages of light throughout the building.” The student continued, saying, “I am beginning to rethink my take on classical architecture as I had no idea a building could have such an instant and drastic change on my state of being.”
Many of the former students, faculty and staff who worked with the center swapped stories of their long-lasting impressions of the experience at the celebration, Flaherty said. The students were left with long-lasting impressions of the experience.
“Studying in Italy changed my life,” says one participant, “I want to make sure that others have the same opportunity to experience it.”
- Posted: Nov. 23, 2009-
