International Programs and Studies recently completed a successful first semester of a new study abroad program in Rome, Italy when a strategic opportunity arose to establish ties with the prestigious International Wine Academy in Rome, Italy. UNM jumped at the chance to send students to study in the financial center of the Mediterranean and arguably the seat of Western civilization.
Seven students participated in the Rome Program located at the International Wine Academy facility on the site of the famous Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome. Described as a tiny branch campus with a director, adjunct faculty, rental classroom space and rental student resident space, students live in simple, apartment style housing in the Medaglie d’Oro housing complex located in close proximity to the Vatican and three blocks from the nearest metro stop. The students immersed themselves in the art, culture and society of Italy.
“It was incredible as an art major to get to see the works of art in person and to have our class lectures on site at museums and monuments,” said Noelle Richardson, who graduates from UNM this summer. “Having a discussion about Caravaggio in front of one of his paintings at the Vatican is much different than seeing a slide of it in a large classroom. It was a once in a lifetime academic experience.”
The program, overseen by UNM’s Office of International Programs and Studies run by Thomas Bogenschild, received startup funds from the provost’s office in early 2006. It was supplemented by the New Mexico Legislature, which allocated funding later that year to assist in the development of a number of international initiatives. Future plans call for donor gifts to help create a permanent, stable source of funding so legislative dollars can create similar programs in other locations including Spain and Latin America.
Less than eight percent of UNM’s recent graduating class studied abroad, compared to the national average of 22 percent. UNM hopes to turn these figures around by the creation of the Rome Program and similar programs in other regions.
For more information in support of the Rome Program, call Mary Wolford in the UNM Development office at 277-1088. Students interested in studying in Rome should contact Lauren Fowler Young at 277-4032.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu