Study Abroad Pilot in Florence, Italy a Success; 2020 Program Set for London, England

Students at the Spanish StepsDr. Lisa Boutin-Vitela and Dr. Steve Clifford accompanied 26 students to study abroad in Florence, Italy over the summer.

Cerritos College students enrolled in Dr. Boutin-Vitela’s Art History 102 and Dr. Steve Clifford’s hybrid English 102/English 110 classes shared apartments in the heart of the Renaissance city. Students attended classes and applied their art and literature study to visits to the great museums and churches of Florence.

“I thought the Duomo was a great introduction to the spectacle that is Florence,” one student wrote in her program evaluation. “It was a great experience all around and was planned with a perfect balance of activities and freedom to explore.”

Florence site visits included the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo at the heart of the city, the Uffizi, Bargello, and Accademia Galleries for the art of Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Donatello. Students also enjoyed a hike to the 1,000-year-old San Miniato al Monte church overlooking the city. Despite the European heat wave sending temperatures into the high 90s and low 100s, students engaged in Florence’s rich culture, gaining real-world experience. Students also attended opera and classical music performances during their stay.

Additionally, faculty and students spent a weekend in Rome, touring the Vatican museum and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Borghese Gallery, visiting the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

The College continues to plan study abroad opportunities for students. In summer 2020, students will have an opportunity to study in London, England, enrolling in Theater 102, Introduction to Classical Theater, with Instructor Brandt Reiter or Music 104, History of Rock, with Professor David Betancourt. Information sessions are planned for September and October on campus.

For more information about Cerritos College’s Study Abroad program, visit www.cerritos.edu/studyabroad