Kellogg Honors College Students Explore Italy Through International Field Trip
Fourteen students from Kellogg Honors College (KHC), spent 10 days exploring Italy, turning classroom lessons into real-world experiences.
Accompanied by two faculty members, students traveled through Venice, Florence, Naples, Capri and Rome May 21-31, examining Italy’s rich artistic, political and cultural heritage while gaining firsthand insight into the diverse regional identities that have shaped the country for centuries.
The annual field trip reflects the Kellogg Honors College’s commitment to experiential education and preparing students to engage thoughtfully with an increasingly interconnected world.
“Educational travel is a fully immersive experience that leader to incredible growth for our students as individuals and as a community,” said Claudia Garcia Des-Lauriers, director of the Kellogg Honors College. “It is fundamental to their journey of becoming.”
For Professor Hilary Haakenson, who led the planning of the trip, the experience was intentionally designed to move students beyond textbooks into the places where history unfolded.
“This year’s itinerary was inspired by a desire to help students become more knowledgeable, self-aware, confident global citizens through a true ‘learn by doing and becoming’ model,” said Haakenson. “Rather than focusing on a single region, we wanted students to experience the remarkable diversity of Italy firsthand and understand how geography, history, culture and tradition have shaped distinct regional identities.”
By traveling from northern to southern Italy, each destination became an extension of the classroom. Students discovered how Venice’s maritime trading culture, Florence’s Renaissance legacy, Naples’ vibrant traditions and Rome’s ancient and religious influence each tell a different story of Italy. Along the way, they learned that the country’s regional identities were shaped over centuries by geography, migration, trade and cultural exchange long before Italy unified as a nation in the 19th century.
In Venice, students explored the city’s canals before joining a private boat tour of the Venetian Lagoon led by scientific researcher Luca Zaggia, who discussed climate change, sea-level rise and the innovative MOSE flood barrier system designed to protect the history city. The experience connected environmental science, engineering and cultural preservation while encouraging conversations about sustainability and responsible tourism.
Florence immersed students in the achievements of the Renaissance. Visits to the Basicila of Santa Croce, II Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Galleria dell’Accademia provided opportunities to examine world-renowned works of art and architecture while learning about the influence of powerful families, such as the Medici, on the cultural and political development of the city. During a hands-on cooking class, students also explored how centuries of trade and cultural exchange shaped Italian cuisine, demonstrating how history can be found in everyday traditions.
In Naples and on the island of Capri, students examined the connections between geography, migration, and regional identity. Visits to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius transformed lessons about the ancient Roman world into unforgettable experiences, while local cuisine and traditions highlighted the distinct character of southern Italy.
Rome brought together the themes explored throughout the journey. Students visited the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon, where they examined the intersections of political power, religion, engineering and artistic achievement that continue to influence the modern world.
Throughout the trip, students explored Italy’s contributions to the Renaissance, the ancient Roman Empire and the Baroque period while learning how the Catholic Church and influential families such as the Medici and the Sforza shaped centuries of artistic patronage. Discussions also highlighted how the Mediterranean served as the crossroad of cultures, revealing the ways art, architecture and cuisine reflect centuries of global exchange.
For Haakenson, one of the most rewarding moments came from watching students grow into more confident and inquisitive learners.
“Early on the trip, they absorbed information with curiosity. By the final days, they were initiating thoughtful conversations, asking increasingly sophisticated questions and drawing connections across disciplines and historical periods, she said.
These moments of discovery extended beyond scheduled tours and lectures.
“My favorite part of the Italy trip was having the chance to set out on foot and explore the cities during our free time,” said Emily Ramirez, Kellogg Honors student and biochemistry major. “While our guided tours and museum visits were incredible, stepping away from the schedule to navigate those culturally rich cities on our own is where we found the best local food, made our best memories and gained a massive boost in personal independence.”
Ramirez encouraged other students to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I highly recommend a KHC international field trip because it beautifully balances educational structure with the freedom to step out of your comfort zone,” she said.
Haakenson said those moments of independent exploration are just as important as formal experiences because they encourage students to become adaptable, reflective and culturally aware of travelers.
“Facts can be learned online, but empathy, curiosity, intercultural understanding and global citizenship are cultivated through meaningful encounters with people, places and ideas,” Haakenson said. “Throughout our trip to Italy, I watched our students become more independent, confident and knowledgeable global citizens.”
For more information on the Kellogg Honors College, visit the website or contact them at honorscollege@cpp.edu.