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History & Culture

Reclaiming Urbino’s Artistic Spaces, One Jam At A Time

Emily Caccamo Fuoritema, founded in 2012, hosts jam sessions, spoken word poetry and other cultural events in Urbino [Photo: Kathryn Talley] URBINO, ITALY — On a warm July evening, a large crowd of people share drinks and laughs along the narrow cobblestone streets outside a nondescript bar a short walk from Piazza della Repubblica.  Inside this curious establishment, a bright pink LED sign reading “this must be the place” illuminates a vintage record player, a makeshift stage and a black and white checkerboard ceiling. This modern multi-room bar is Fuoritema, a hub for young musicians, poets and other artists —… Read More »Reclaiming Urbino’s Artistic Spaces, One Jam At A Time

A Timeless Brew: The Secret History of Urbino’s Oldest Caffè

Chloe O’Hallaron URBINO, ITALY — The clinking of coffee cups, the ruffling of a pigeon’s wings, and the roar of a Vespa scooter can be heard rumbling down the cobblestone streets. These are the sights and sounds observed from the portico of Caffè Basili, the Renaissance town’s oldest caffè. Day to day, through the windows of Basili, one can spy on graduates crowned with laurel wreaths, lovers sharing a gelato, and local shopkeepers tending to their small businesses. Caffè Basili offers a bird’s eye view to the piazza, and over the years, it has emerged as a cultural hub of… Read More »A Timeless Brew: The Secret History of Urbino’s Oldest Caffè

Alli Bodenschatz

Studying abroad in Italy has provided immense opportunities for me as a student and a tourist. This program has expanded my knowledge about media and storytelling, but also about myself and the wonderful collogues I collaborated with. The travel experiences have improved my adaptability, problem solving skills, and have helped me become more independent individual. Urbino has such a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the memories of daily gelato, aperitivo, and endless croissants. University: James Madison Unviersity Major: Media Arts & Design (Interactive Design)

Kate Talley

Before coming on this trip, I could only think about it passively. I had no clue what to expect; with the city, the people, or the program itself. I certainly didn’t expect it to be as incredible as it is. I have been given the chance to expand my horizons in a way I will never be able to do again. This quaint and beautiful place looks like a page from a fairytale, although it would not feel like one without the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had. I have formed new friendships with people that I never… Read More »Kate Talley

Chloe O’Hallaron

“This is the most interesting group of people I have ever met,” I overheard my peer Nick Lau say on a Sunday afternoon in the Parco della Resistenza. More than anything else this program has given me, I treasure the people I have met here and the relationships I have built the most. I never expected to laugh as hard, think as introspectively, or admire a group of people as much as I do during this short, four week period. I feel as though I have truly spent a lifetime here in Urbino. Navigating a new life abroad with people… Read More »Chloe O’Hallaron

Emily Caccamo

Ever since I was young, my mother told me the stories of her own study abroad. I always knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and have my own abroad experience during college. Unfortunately as both a covid student and transfer student, I was losing hope that I would get the experience I so desperately desired. One day, I was meeting with my academic advisor who told me I was in fact able to study abroad and I applied for this program immediately not knowing the journey I was about to embark on. Through this experience, I have… Read More »Emily Caccamo