Hassaan N. Field School Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Travelling with other students was quite fun as we all came from different academic backgrounds but shared an interest for travelling in common, making it easy for everyone to get along."
HASSAAN N.
Italy Field School participant
Duration of Field School: 2 weeks
Summer semester
Studying Criminal Justice and Public Policy
- What did a typical day in this Field School look like?
We met with the course instructors most mornings for activites such as guided tours of the city and museums or day-trips to nearby towns. At the same time we also had lots of spare time to explore and immerse ourselves into the town independently during the remainder of the days.
- What did you have to do for the course component of this Field School? How did it impact your degree?
We had small assignments to do during while in Italy. One example was a "sound map", where we had to document the sounds we heard in the town while on a walk. There was also a bigger final project that needed to be submit after returning from the field school. While this field school was not related to my major, it was still a valuable learning experience nonetheless.
- How many other U of G students did you travel with? And what did you think of travelling with other students?
In total we were a class of 14 students. Travelling with other students was quite fun as we all came from different academic backgrounds but shared an interest for travelling in common, making it easy for everyone to get along.
- How did you interact with the local community during your Field School?
One way that I interacted with the local community was through my final project, where I chose to interview the staff at different restaurants that I had visited in Matera. These interactions helped me feel more immersed in the community and enhanced my understanding of the local people, the town, and its culture.
- What influenced your decision to participate in a Field School opportunity?
The prospect of being immersed in a foreign country felt like a great way to elevate my university experience and push myself out of my comfort zone to learn new things.
- Where was the coolest place you traveled to during your study abroad experience?
A small town called Alberobello during a day-trip.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The biggest adaptation was navigating the language barrier when speaking with locals. However, it was simple to adapt with a translator app.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this Field School?
It would definetly be helpful to know Italian for a field school in Italy, however it is easy to get by with just knowing a few common phrases and a translator app.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
Applying for travel grants was very helpful. In addition, I saved up money from my part-time job.
- What are your packing recommendations?
I would recommend packing for a wide range of weather conditions especially during transitionary seasons like spring. The weather during my field school was a lot more rainy and chilly than I had expected.
