CAPLA Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students are immersing themselves in the rich culture and architecture of Italy through a transformative study abroad experience this summer.

The program, based in the hilltop town of Orvieto, combines classroom learning with hands-on exploration of some of Italy’s most iconic cities. Students study drawing and journaling while traveling to destinations such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Siena and Tivoli.

CAPLA Associate Professor Teresa Rosano led 17 students in this year's CAPLA Study Abroad.

“We were based in Orvieto, a small medieval town perched atop a volcanic mesa,” Rosano said. “From there, we took one to three-day excursions to larger cities. Alternating between the calm atmosphere of Orvieto and the energy of major cities creates a balanced rhythm of rest and high activity.”

Group photo of students exploring Venice

Teresa Rosano

The itinerary included visits to world-famous sites such as the Pantheon in Rome, the Florence Cathedral and modern works by architect Carlo Scarpa. Students also experience contemporary culture through events like the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious exhibitions in the world.

“Students took both a drawing class and a journaling class, which encourage them to observe, interpret and reflect on their surroundings in meaningful ways,” Rosano said. “Before each visit, students researched a site and presented their findings to the group. It’s rewarding to watch them engage with these places not just as visitors, but as thoughtful observers.”

Rosano emphasized that study abroad experiences expand students’ understanding of the built environment.

“Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, by immersing yourself in another culture, language or cuisine,” she said. “These experiences challenge students to rethink how space is used and how communities are formed.”

For architecture student Lauren Harper, seeing Italy in person was a dream come true.

“Honestly, I don’t think I can pick just one favorite part, it’s all been so special in different ways,” she said. “There were moments, like standing in front of a site I’ve only ever seen in textbooks or lectures, where I was so overwhelmed by the beauty and historical weight of it all that I burst into tears.”

Harper said that everyday experiences make the trip unforgettable, such as watching the sunset with her classmates at their favorite spot, laughing over a homemade pasta dinner in their apartment or navigating a new city together and getting lost along the way.

“I’m hoping to broaden my perspective, both personally and professionally, by immersing myself in a different cultural and historical context,” she said. “I want to design places that feel alive, rooted and responsive to the people they serve.”

Harper said signing up for the trip was simple thanks to strong faculty and staff support.

“Our professor Teresa was incredibly helpful and provided clear, detailed information from the start,” she said. “We were also supported by study abroad advisors who guided us through every step. They always had answers to my questions, whether it was about prerequisites, course planning or financial aid.”

Her advice for future participants? Start early.

“If studying abroad is even remotely on your mind, make it happen,” Harper said. “Exhaust your resources. Apply for every scholarship you can find, even the vague, random ones. I did, and while it was time-consuming, it absolutely paid off.”

A study abroad program is a chance to connect deeply with history, art and culture in ways that can’t be replicated in a classroom. From sketching at golden hour in an Italian piazza to exploring ancient underground tunnels, this program offers students a perspective that will shape their work for years to come.

“In Italy, you don’t just learn about structures, you experience them,” Harper said. “This opportunity changed how I see the world and how I want to build within it.”