Global Experience: Spain, France, and Italy
Barcelona, Spain; French Riviera, France; Italian Riviera, Tuscany and Rome, Italy
Learning Beyond the Classroom
In GLB271 Global Cities: Architecture Ideals, Urban Forms, and Artistic Aspirations, you'll embark on a short-term global experience explaining the interplay between art movements, architectural styles, and urban development, with a focus on sustainability and how artistic expression shapes cities and communities.
Travel Highlights
During this trip, students will explore the intersection of art, architecture, and urban development in a short-term global study experience. Delve into how art movements shape and are influenced by urban landscapes, with a focus on sustainability. Analyze artistic and architectural trends that define cityscapes, examining their impact on urban life and culture. Gain insights into the role of art in city formation and evolution, particularly in fostering green communities. Develop critical thinking skills to understand the cultural dynamics driving urban civilizations, while honing visual and analytical abilities for interpreting urban environments. Course activities include studying art, architecture, and sustainable urbanism, complemented by field trips to key global destinations for firsthand exploration and learning including the following locations: Barcelona (Spain), French Riviera (France), Italian Riviera, Tuscany, and Rome (Italy).
Experienced Faculty
Meet Your Faculty Guide
"Global experiences are an essential component of one's educational journey. Travel helps us engage, experience, enhance, and expand our understanding of other cultures and in turn make us more responsible global citizens. Participants will gain marketable skills as well as a global outlook; develop new perspectives; gain lifelong experiences; foster personal growth and build self-confidence; and most importantly enhance your educational experience."
Naim Jabbour
Associate Professor, Architectural Technology
Itinerary*
- Take a day trip to Monaco, a tiny principality and Eze, a hilly seaside town
- Tour a perfume factory and watch olfactory experts concoct new fragrances
- Take a walking tour of Nice and soak up its endless beaches
- Take a guided tour of Siena
- Walk through the Campo, the square that's the center of civic life
- Learn about the marble details carved into the panels surrounding Fonte Gaia
- Discover the town's black-and-white marble duomo and see brilliantly colored 16th-century frescoes in the Piccolomini Library
- Travel by train to Rome, Italy's historic capital
- Take a guided tour of Rome
- With your expert guide, you will visit:
- Roman Forum
- The Colosseum
- Take a Trastavere
- Take a self-guided walking tour of Rome and see the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazsa Navona, the Spanish Steps, and more
- Enjoy dinner in Rome
*This itinerary includes highlights only and is subject to change. Students will receive an official itinerary once enrolled in the course.
Student Quotes
Tyler Crushong
"This year's global experience was amazing and I loved all the visits to different buildings/church's. The architecture in these places was absolutely breathtaking and so detailed. It's always so cool to see the buildings we learn about in class!"
Kayla Weinzierl
"I absolutely loved Europe! The architecture was unbelievable. I am so grateful that I was able to experience such amazing places. I will forever cherish all the memories made over there, and I hope I will be able to have this opportunity again!!"
Madelyn Bain
"My overall global experience was amazing, and exhausting. The guided tours that explained the history and culture of the cities and landmarks we visited were very informative and enjoyable. The free time we experienced was incredible. Overall I really enjoyed my time on the trip and will recommend this trip to any pct student in the future!"
Colin Woodcock
"My experience with the Penn College Global program imparted me with a sense of wisdom, fascination, and provided a world-class travel opportunity that you can seldom find."
Megan Ney
"During my global experience trip, I had the privilege of immersing myself in diverse cultures, engaging with local communities, and exploring breathtaking landscapes. I found myself eager to learn more about different cultures, histories, and perspectives and have been motivated to continue exploring the world."
Courtney Petrilak
"My global experience trip was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so happy I took part in! I loved every place we toured and I had so much fun in my free time. It really was a trip of a lifetime!"
Brooke Geist
"It was absolutely incredible to experience as much as I did. I loved the diverse cultures, food, languages, and most of all the architecture. The architecture across the different countries was breathtaking. I made so many new amazing friends and had so much fun! I’m so very grateful to have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime trip!"
Logan Newton
"Overall, the trip to Europe and Northern Italy was fantastic. It was very cool to see the way other people and areas function outside of the United States. It was an experience of a lifetime and I made lots of memories and friends along the way. Thank you so much for the opportunity to explore the world!"
Contact
Questions?
For general questions about Global Experiences, such as study away programs and student exchanges at Penn College, contact Daniel Clasby, Assistant Dean of Academic Operations. For questions about this course, contact the Lead Faculty Instructor, Dr. Naim Jabbour, Professor of Architecture.
New to Penn College?
For questions about Penn College, the application and enrollment process, or scheduling a visit to campus, contact Admissions.