Adventures in Learning
Published 02.13.2023
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s unique Global Experience courses returned in 2022, providing dozens of students the opportunity to immerse in new cultures while diving into the subjects they love:
Nursing students practiced their profession at a clinic in rural Guatemala, while human services & restorative justice students helped to plan a conference on domestic violence in Alaska.
Manufacturing students witnessed in-house examples of what makes Germany a world leader in advanced manufacturing, while architecture students took in the wondrous facades of Spain and, in Italy, culinary students cooked alongside chefs, and automotive students visited the likes of Ferrari, Ducati and Lamborghini.
Manufacturing students visit Voith Hydro in Heidenheim, Germany.
Germany
Three-credit course
Precision Machining in Germany
Funded by a National Science Foundation grant
A mix of classroom and hands-on experiences with tools used in the product-development process, including Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing
Regenstauf
Eckert Schools International
Igenhausen
Haimer Inc. high-precision products for metal cutting
Augsburg
Kuka Robotics industrial robots and systems
Heidenheim
Voith Hydro hydroelectric power turbine systems
Stuttgart
Porsche high-performance sports cars
Students visit 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia, a producer of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, in Italy’s Parma region.
Italy
Three-credit course
Global Food & Hospitality: Cuisine, Culture & Perspectives
Study of cuisine and hospitality operations, with visits to historic food-product origins and hands-on cooking classes
Nettuno
Cantina Bacco vineyard World War II cemetery
Rome
Bologna
FICO Eataly World – agri-food theme park
Ferrara
Producers market
Venice
Prosecco
Vineyard and winery
Modena
La Tradizione balsamic vinegar producer
4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia, producer of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Asti
Barbera d’Asti, Moscato d’Asti and Spumante d’Asti wineries
Cavallero farm and restaurant
Turin
1800’ Coffees
Gianduja Chocolate
Parma
Prosciutto di Parma ham producer
Academia Barilla
The Italy trip has definitely helped my creativity. I have a lot of great memories, professional and personal, that I will always keep. Experiences like Italy ... help you grow as a culinarian and as a person, so I think you should take them.
Madison Y. Cooper ’22 , culinary arts technology – now working in the kitchen of 1700 Degrees Steakhouse, Harrisburg
Nursing students prepare for a day of service at the weeklong medical clinic in Nueva Santa Rosa, Guatemala, which saw an average of about 300 patients per day.
Students learn the history and evolution of Spain’s Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
In Seville, students take part in a Spanish flamenco dance lesson.
A traditional dinner in Madrid.
Spain
Three-credit course
European Sustainable Building, Historic Architecture & Art
Toured various sites and engaged in immersive cultural experiences, such as flamenco dancing, river cruises, farmers markets, authentic dinners and ironwork molding.
Madrid
Palacio Real – considered one of the finest palaces in Europe
Museo ABC
Plaza Mayor
Puerta del Sol
CaixaForum
El Retiro Park
Toledo
Church of Santo Tome
Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca
Granada
The Albaicin – the Moorish quarter, one of the oldest quarters of the city
Mirador de San Nicolas
Alhambra
Generalife
Cordoba
La Mezquita mosque/cathedral
Seville
The Gothic cathedral – third-largest Christian church in Europe
Giralda Tower
Barrio de Santa Cruz – the old Jewish quarter
Real Alcazar – built in the 1360s
Plaza de Espana
Maria Luisa Park
Barcelona
Barrio Gotico – medieval quarter
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
La Sagrada Familia – one of architect Antoni Gaudi’s most stunning works
Park Guell
Casa Batllo – Gaudi’s masterpiece
The beauty in this world is unimaginable. Looking through a screen doesn’t do it justice. The creativity, respect, faith and love that people put into their culture is one of the wonders of the world.
Diana M. Gaglione , architecture & sustainable design
Students visit Matanuska Glacier in Sutton, Alaska – about two hours northeast of Anchorage.
Alaska
Students climb Matanuska Glacier.
Alaska
Three-credit course
Service Learning in Human Services & Restorative Justice
Students partnered with YWCA Alaska to explore new perspectives on domestic violence. The collaboration included hosting “Through It All: We Rise Together,”
a conference on the campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage, featuring a panel of local speakers sharing their insight and conversations aimed at exploring fresh options and pathways.
I thanked (Theresa Lyons from YWCA Alaska) for going out on a limb and giving a bunch of Pennsylvania students this opportunity – but most specifically for allowing each and every one of us to thrive in our own way.
Krystle J. Richardson , human services & restorative justice – hopes to attend graduate school and work in criminal psychology or social justice reform/reintegration
The collections of Nicola Bulgari are among stops for International Automotive Studies. Bulgari met with students as they toured his collection in Rome then provided a surprise trip to his Tuscany collection.
In Vatican City, students view a variety of vehicles used by the pope.
The class gathers behind a 1930 Bugatti Royale Esders Roadster at the Schlumpf collection in Mulhouse, France.
Students take advantage of a photo opportunity with an iconic Ferrari sign.
France & Italy
Three-credit course
International Automotive Studies
Study of several international automobile manufacturer facilities focused on the manufacturing, assembly and repair processes, and how the automobile has influenced the surrounding culture.
Mulhouse, France
The Schlumpf collection
Milan, Italy
Duomo cathedral
Alfa Romeo Museum
Modena, Italy
Ferrari Museum
Bologna, Italy
Memorial Museum of Liberty
Pagani Museum
Lamborghini Museum
Panini Motor Museum (Maserati collection)
Ducati Factory
Rome
Istituto Gerini technical high school
Colosseum, the Roman Forum and The Vatican
Bulgari collection
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