Reporters

Sara Amil

University: Washington & Lee University
Major: Journalism
Urbino Experience: Before the program began, all my friends would ask where I was studying and I didn’t know how to explain what Urbino was like because I didn’t know myself. Googling the city would result in the same few pictures, and my only friend who had heard of it told me it was a ghost town. When I finally arrived in Urbino after weeks of anticipation, I was anything but disappointed. The beautiful stone architecture and friendly faces immediately make you feel at home. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities this program has brought me, allowing me to meet wonderful people and learn so much at the same time. This program has brought me field experience, travel opportunities, and many great friendships. I am sad to be leaving such a beautiful place rich in culture, but am so blessed I was able to discover the small town in the first place.
See Sara’s story: An Organic Lifestyle

Jess Baumann

University: James Madison University
Major: Media Arts & Design (Interactive Design)
Urbino Experience: When I first came across this program, little did I know that it would be an experience of a lifetime. Before coming to Urbino, I had never been out of the country, therefore I had no idea what to expect. Coming to Urbino has forced me to go out of my comfort zone—simply being somewhere where no one speaks English, asking strangers to take their pictures, interviewing Italians, etc. I have multiple places that I am lucky enough to call home: New Jersey, James Madison University, and now Urbino, Italy. Urbino was the perfect destination for me to study abroad. This quiet but lively and small town has been so good to me; Urbino forced me to immerse myself in the Italian culture and learn so many new things. A big thank you to my parents for letting me come to Italy and be involved with this amazing program! I’ll be back one day Italy!
See Jessica’s story: The Blue Gold of Urbino