“A Fulfilling and Rewarding Experience”
Majestic Rome is serving as a vibrant classroom for 18 undergraduate students this summer as they immerse themselves in a unique education abroad experience. Led by Dr. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, students are engaging in a diverse program that builds intercultural and global communication skills through the lens of Italian cinema. By analyzing cinematic representations of Rome and Italian history, culture, and identity, students are developing strategies for inclusive dialogue with a global mindset.
Just weeks into their journey, students are already discovering the impact of the program. “It has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said senior Hailey Neener. “I am grateful to be learning about culture with a group of unique individuals.”
Curriculum and Guidance through Italy
This summer’s program offers students a unique dive into Italian culture, cinematography, and communication. At the core of this program are two interconnected courses: Bridging Cultures and Cinematic Rome. Bridging Cultures immerses students in the theory and practice of global communication, while developing an inclusive mindset. Meanwhile, Cinematic Rome uses film as a lens to examine Rome’s evolution and character.
Dr. Khrebtan-Hörhager brings her extensive background in intercultural communication, global conflict, and European cinematography to enrich students’ experiences, help them adapt, and enable them to thrive in Rome. A passionate interculturalist, Europeanist, and director of ACT Human Rights Film Festival, Khrebtan-Hörhager created this fascinating program together with her colleague Dr. Carl Burgchardt in 2015 and has led it every year since. Although Burgchardt retired from the program in 2022, Khrebtan-Hörhager said, “his deep love and appreciation of the Italian cinematography and culture, and his impressive legacy are still very much alive.”
Assisting Dr. Khrebtan-Hörhager now is PhD student Emma Lynn, whose expertise in cultural communication and film studies has provided ample support to the program. “Emma is a true asset to this culturally fascinating and intellectually intense program, and we make a great team,” said Khrebtan-Hörhager. Lynn added “by encouraging students to consider cultural perspectives outside of their own experiences, Dr. Khrebtan-Hörhager has curated an enhanced, fulfilling educational experience that has also helped me grow both as an educator and a colleague.” Lynn also emphasized how “with its rich combination of culture, food, film, architecture, art, and history, this program is an enriching cultural feast for any student looking to expand their perspectives on the world.”
Immersive Learning
Students have enthusiastically immersed themselves in both coursework and cultural exploration in Rome. As part of this comprehensive experience, an invited guest speaker Dr. Marco Maria Aterrano, Assistant Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Naples Federico II, delivered an eye-opening and thought-provoking lecture. His presentation examined Italian fascism and the controversial legacy of Benito Mussolini, exploring his impact on contemporary Italy and the broader state of democracy.
Students were impressed by Aterrano’s expertise and engaging presentation. Junior Sarah Goerold described him as “an incredibly knowledgeable speaker” who addressed both historical fascism and its interactions with modern culture. Senior Ty Crockett echoed this sentiment as he found the lecture “very enlightening,” adding that he “learned so much about fascism that [he] never knew.” Furthermore, Junior John Zembeck praised Aterrano as “incredibly knowledgeable” and emphasized how valuable it was “to learn about fascism from someone that interesting.”
“Dr. Aterrano is a beautiful writer and inspiring scholar, particularly talented at explaining the most complex pages of Italian history with elegance and ease,” added Khrebtan-Hörhager; “we were fortunate to host him here at the American University of Rome.”
Beyond the classroom and the eternal Roma, students are experiencing Italy firsthand through excursions in breathtaking Tuscany (Siena, Florence, and Trequanda); and vibrant Campania (Pompeii, Naples, Capri). This immersive approach connects students to Italian culture through diverse experiences, from touring world-famous architectural and archaeological sites, museums and memorials, churches, temples, and Europe’s biggest film studios, to indulging in fine cuisine, pasta-making, and coffee and wine tastings. A boat tour to the majestic island of Capri is another cultural must. These real-world interactions allow students to apply their newfound communication skills and deepen their understanding of Italian society.
“This program has been an amazing experience full of growth, viewing, and understanding more about the beautiful culture of Italy,” said junior Cameron Loew.
This blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion creates a transformative experience for students. It not only enhances their understanding of intercultural communication but also fosters personal growth and broadens their global perspectives.
To learn more about the Rome education abroad program, check out the official program description on CSU’s Education Abroad website, or reminisce about the summer 2023 trip with the “Bridging Cultures: CSU Roma 2023 Academic Blog.” The 2024 blog is coming very soon – stay tuned!
Explore More Global Opportunities
While the Rome program offers a fantastic European experience, the Department of Communication Studies provides diverse study abroad opportunities across the globe. If you are interested in exploring different cultures and expanding your horizons, check out this exciting opportunity:
Earn three credits of SPCM 357: Film and Social Change with Dr. Nick Marx in Todos Santos, Mexico from January 5-18, 2025. The program offers diverse out-of-class experiences, including visits to local museums and cultural centers, networking with producers, and hands-on experience in promoting a community film screening. Learn more about this enriching experience.
Explore our upcoming education abroad opportunities and stay tuned for details regarding the Summer 2025 Communication in Rome program!
Check out more pictures from Rome!
