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Gaylord in Arezzo

Earlier this summer, Gaylord students put their creativity to use in the Gaylord in Arezzo program.

October 10, 2023

By Hannah Lisenbee, Class of 2024

This program is unique to Gaylord College, it allows students to put what they have previously learned in the classroom to use for a real-world client while studying abroad and earning class credit. Professors Adam Croom and Debbie Yount led 23 young professionals through their journey.

“In addition to the extremely successful and popular “Food Writing and Social Media” course, they take “Gaylord 360: Storytelling Without Walls” wherein students from all majors work with an Italian client to problem-solve and trouble-shoot a marketing challenge, conduct research, and develop a fully-integrated campaign that is presented to the client at the end of the five-week program.  This class has been taught since I launched the Gaylord in Arezzo program in the summer of 2017,” said Debbie Yount. The client, Giovanni Raspini Jewelers, gave students a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience with every facet of the international strategic communication campaign development process.

Students produced more than 20 articles on their trip through a student-led publication, Night & Day, where they were divided into professional roles that mirror positions found in a typical publication team, such as writers, copy editors, photographers, and social media coordinators.

“This year, we were thrilled to have 23 talented students participate in the program.  In "Food Writing and Social Media,” the course in which I taught, students delved into the world of culinary exploration and digital communication,” said Adam Croom.

In addition to their time in beautiful Arezzo, students went on excursions to cities like Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Pompeii. These cities are rich in history, art, and culture, and allowed students to explore famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Accademia Gallery, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. These excursions provided students with historical context and deeper insights into Italy's contributions to art, architecture, and civilization. 

Gaylord Students make handmade pasta in Italy.

Applications are now being accepted for Gaylord in Arezzo Summer ’24.

The program dates are June 3 - July 3, 2024.

More information is available at oklahoma.studioabroad.com, or contact debbie.yount@ou.edu with questions.

Gaylord students go sight-seeing in Arezzo.
Gaylord students meet for professional development in Arezzo.
Students go sight-seeing in Arezzo.