Two weeks in Italy

Alfredo Oliveira studies abroad at the University of Macerata in Italy. Photo from “The Italian Higher Ed Experience”

The St. Cloud State graduate student spent May 16-31 studying abroad at the University of Macerata in Italy along with fellow students in the Higher Education Administration master’s and doctoral programs thanks in part to a $1,000 Italian Cultural Center Scholarship.

“This has been more powerful and life changing than any international trip I have ever been on,” Oliveira wrote in the blog. “It has impacted me in a deep and personal way.”

He was one of eight students to attend the program, which includes classes in Italian, the history and culture of Italy and critical issues in Italian higher education system and a 20-hour internship working with University of Macerata faculty and staff. The students toured universities in Camarino Perugia and Macerata to learn about their organizational structure, education system and accreditation.

“I’ve learned so much in less than two weeks,” he wrote. “This is a great trip because it balances the educational with cultural. We get to come to Italy and learn about their educational system in a way that would not be possible if I had traveled alone or for leisure. But best of all, I learned about myself.”

Oliveira is the recipient of the first Italian Cultural Center Scholarship to support St. Cloud State students studying abroad through the Higher Education Administration program.

Professor Christine M. Imbra, a long-time supporter of the ICC, and Peggy Hansen, an ICC member, worked together to create the scholarship. Hansen said she’s long been interested in the Macerata study abroad program organized by Imbra.

The Minneapolis organization, formed in 2006, promotes knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Italian culture.

Oliveira’s blog kept the group’s members informed about his journey.

“The blog entries were phenomenal,” Hansen said. “… They make his journey, and Italy, come to life. We looked forward to each entry we received.”

Oliveira will maintain strong memories from the trip and treasure Italy and the people he met while studying at Macerata.

“Italy has left a positive experience and a lifelong memory thus far,” he wrote. “And I know that once I return home (Minnesota), I will only remember the good times and the laughs I had while I was here.”

In addition to growth academically, Oliveira saw personal growth through studying in another country. The experience has helped him to compare and contrast critical issues in higher education and to think critically and innovatively.

“The more I travel, the more I see how similar we are,” he wrote. “We all want to be successful, happy, and live in peace – regardless of what peace might mean to each one of us. We might be different from the outside – color, language, costumes, clothing – but we are all the same inside – we all have more space for love and happiness, and the ability to reduce space for fears and worries.”

Oliveira also earned assistance from the Caldecott and Higher Education Abroad scholarships.

Travelogue: A Student in Macerata

Alfredo Oliveira will speak about his experiences at the University of Macerata from 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Italy Cultural Center’s open house held at the Hennepin Center for the Arts building, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.

The talk is part of the organization’s open house, which includes information about the group’s language course offerings from 5:30-7 p.m.

Admission is free but attendees can should register.