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Meredith Study Abroad Faculty Visit from Italy

The Office of International Programs welcomed Associate Director of Meredith in Italy Sara Andreini and Italian Instructor Antonio Cioni to campus for a weeklong visit at the end of January.

While at Meredith, the two were guest speakers in classes, spoke to students about studying in Italy, and met with study abroad faculty. They also participated in events promoting study abroad, including a Brunch & Learn for summer and fall faculty-led programs.

Andreini makes an annual trip to Raleigh as part of her work in support of the College’s international programs. This was Cioni’s first time visiting Meredith.Sara and Antonio

“For the past few years, Sara has made an annual trek to Raleigh to spend a week meeting with past, present, and potential faculty members and students about our wonderful Sansepolcro program,” Director of Meredith in Italy Catherine Rodgers said.

During a Q&A session about the Meredith in Italy program, Andreini and Cioni spoke to students interested in the Italy program, as well as to students who were about to depart for the Spring 2017 semester. They answered questions about coursework, how to prepare for the program, and what to expect in Italy.

Cioni talked about the Italian conversation class that semester students can take. Meredith students who are learning Italian are able to practice with local students who are learning English. This is a chance for students to use what they learn in class.

“If you don’t use the language, it will just stay in the classroom,” Cioni said. “Conversation class is when language becomes a skill.”

Andreini described how Sansepolcro has embraced Meredith College as part of the community. “After a while you will feel like you are at home in Sansepolcro,” Andreini said. “It’s not like Florence or Rome where you are surrounded by tourists. Meredith is special in Sansepolcro.”

Rodgers said that as the coordinator on site, Andreini has played an important part in making the Meredith in Italy program a success.

“At the end of every summer or semester, students rave in evaluations about what an important mentor and teacher she was to them,” Rodgers said.  “She is instrumental in maintaining the excellence of our signature study abroad program in Italy and we owe her a debt of gratitude.”

Learn more about the Meredith in Italy program 

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu