Roamin' in Italy

It is not unusual for students to be distracted in the classroom, but it is abnormal for the classroom to be the distraction. Twelve LSU students experienced a new way of learning during a three-week Academic Programs Abroad trip in Rome and Sorrento, Italy, with Department of Kinesiology Assistant Professors Russell Carson and Laura Stewart.

Carson and Stewart developed the Kinesiology in Italy program after LSU Academic Programs Abroad solicited faculty to develop an Italy-bound program in 2006. “It took nearly two years to prepare, plan, and get it approved, but it was something we have always wanted to do,” said Carson.

The Kinesiology in Italy program offered students the opportunity to take two kinesiology classes for credit, KIN 3605: Health and the Aging Process and KIN 4501: Contemporary Issues in European Sport and Culture, in atypical settings.

“The unique part about class was that it didn’t occur in a classroom. We would have class in culturally interesting locations, such as the Pantheon, Pompeii, sitting on the steps in Positano, and overlooking ancient Rome,” said communication studies major Sara Pollock.

“The topics and ideologies covered were interesting. I didn’t just memorize the information for a test; I actually comprehended the information because everything was so hands-on.”
“We studied the differences between American and Italian cultures, lifestyles, values, and physical activity,” kinesiology major Rachel Nelson said. “There was something special about being there and experiencing it for ourselves.”

Between fulfilling the 40 contact hour requirement, the students toured historic sites in Rome and Sorrento, such as the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and Pompeii.
“The Colosseum was so surreal. It was one of those places that you read about and see pictures in textbooks, but never seems real until you actually see it,” said Nelson.

Carson and Stewart kept the students very active during the program. They rollerbladed through Villa Borghese, swam in the Mediterranean, and hiked up Mt. Vesuvius. The group also traveled to Venice and Florence during their two breaks and participated in a cruise to the Isles of Procida and Ischia.

“Their enthusiasm was contagious and their desire to teach, as well as learn, kept us all engaged and excited,” said kinesiology major Sarah Deshotel. “Carson and Stewart were more than teachers to our group; they were our tour guides, friends, and surrogate parents. A trip like this is an experience and when the people you experience it with become like family, it makes it all the better,” kinesiology major Jolie Thibodaux said.

Although the Kinesiology in Italy program was designed to focus on academic learning, the students learned a lot about themselves personally.

“This trip changed everyone that went. It allowed us to see sides of ourselves that we didn’t know about, overcome fears, and make friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Deshotel. “Eleven girls, one guy, and two professors sounds like a recipe for disaster, but actually it was the perfect recipe for a perfect Italian family.”

Since arriving back in the U.S., the Kinesiology in Italy group has met multiple times to reminisce over their trip and to keep in touch over Italian dinners.