PCS students restoring a historic gym in Arezzo, Italy for their yearly service project abroad.
March 2, 2023 | BY KA'TANI GOUCH
The University of Oklahoma is unlike any other place in the world. One of the many reasons is the University’s unique study abroad opportunities. Did you know President’s Community Scholars offers the best one? Our students trade lecture halls for classrooms in a historic monastery at OU’s very own Rooney Family Center in Arezzo, Italy.
This summer, PCS students will get the opportunity to experience the dolce vita in Arezzo. Now we know what you are thinking: What are a bunch of freshmen about to do in Italy for a few weeks? We sat down with Aden Choate, this year’s study abroad intern, to help give us a better idea about PCS’s study abroad program.
“I went to Italy to experience something completely different. For years I was told, ‘If you ever get the chance to study abroad, take it.’ PCS gave me that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a unique educational experience unlike any other. I could not pass up learning about Italy’s rich history, diverse culture and beautiful landscapes.”
“A typical day in the life of a PCS student studying abroad in Arezzo includes attending class. Two professors teach the class, one of which will teach you about the culture in a more familiar classroom setting. The other will immerse you in the culture and art as you learn about it. Service is one of the main focuses of PCS, and that doesn’t change in Italy. As a PCS student, you participate in a community engagement project in Arezzo. This project allows you to interact with the community through service and provides valuable cross-cultural experiences. During your free time, you and your friends can explore the city of Arezzo, try new foods, and visit local markets and shops. At the end of the day, you will relax at long Italian dinners giving you time to connect with amazing staff and other students on your trip that could very well become your best friends.”
Aden Choate and Jorge Valdez pose in front of an Italian skyline.
An evening on the streets of Italy.
“I would say just do it; the unique opportunities it provides are so worth it. I know it is a big decision, and it is easy to feel unsure or nervous about it. I felt the same way – this trip was so out of my comfort zone. I had only flown a few times, much less by myself, and I had never been out of the country. But there’s this quote that I like to remember, ‘There’s no growth in a comfort zone.’
This trip challenged my skills and my comfort zone. Still, I came out of the experience knowing that the challenges contributed to my growth and increased my confidence to face uncomfortable situations when they arise in the future. I encourage you to take the leap and go to Italy – it will be an unforgettable experience that will broaden your horizons and open new opportunities in both your personal and professional lives.”
“I wish I had known how great of an opportunity the trip was to build connections. Before the trip, I only knew a few of the people who were going. This meant that once I arrived in Italy, I had to take the time to build new connections and relationships with others. In hindsight, I had not taken advantage of the opportunities to connect with other program participants and staff before my trip. I could have built more relationships in advance at PCS or pre-departure meetings. Upon arrival in Italy, this would have allowed me to feel more comfortable and confident. Adopt a mindset before the trip that you will make new connections, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for yourself and others.”
“Absolutely! I had a very positive experience studying abroad with OU and gained a lot of valuable personal and academic growth through the experience. OU has many opportunities with a wide range of other study abroad programs in various countries. Studying abroad provides a unique opportunity to gain cross-cultural experiences, learn new languages, develop new perspectives and gain a global understanding of different cultures and people. It can be an incredibly enriching and transformative experience that can benefit one's personal and professional growth in various ways. I can’t recommend it enough!”
“Immersive, transformative and rewarding!”
Arezzo, Italy is the place to be! We hope those reading this and planning to hit the road soon are as pumped as ever! To those who are reading but aren’t going this summer, you heard Aden; there will be many other opportunities throughout your college career to study abroad. We highly encourage you to broaden your horizons and take advantage of any opportunities to study abroad. Bon voyage, PCS!
President’s Community Scholars is composed of students who want to make a difference in their community. President Joseph Harroz Jr. recognizes the community service efforts of our high school's best and brightest scholars through the President's Community Scholars scholarship. Administered by the Office of Leadership and Volunteerism from the Division of Student Affairs, PCS provides high-achieving high school students with the best possible freshman experience through service to local, state, and global communities.
