University of Wisconsin–Madison

Italy: Kaitlyn Cardona (Classroom & Academics)

Our global classroom  

A stone statue that looks to have arms, legs, and a head, and is roughly carved out.
“Torso Belvedere” in the Vatican Museum

My study abroad program in Rome has many ways to immerse yourself in the city through classes. At UW-Madison, you usually find yourself sitting in a lecture hall with your professor and classmates, either engaging in a lecture, lab, or discussion. During my time in Rome, my classes have been held at many locations such as the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and many more. Some days are spent in the CIEE classrooms for lectures to help you understand what on-site location you will be traveling to next. Even class projects are done outside of the classroom walls. For example, In my art history class that focused on exploring Rome through museums, I made a presentation in front of a statue at the Vatican Museums.

A group of people look towards Kaitlyn, wearing green and pointing to someone past a roped off section.
Me during my presentation on the “Torso Belvedere” in the Vatican Museum

Learning on excursions 

In my art history class which focuses on Roman museums, we paid a visit to the Doria Pamphili Gallery. This was one of the first on-site excursions that I had during my program. Here, I got to learn about the history of Pope Innocent X and his family. The house was built to become a home to him and his family while he was granted the papacy. Today, the place is used as a museum but is also still home to a prince and a princess! Here, we learned what it meant to be a pope and how that relates to artistry.

“I’ve never thought about that before” moment 

Kaitlyn stands in front of a statue of a woman wearing cloth and holding a pike.
Me in front of a statue of Athena at the Vatican Museums

My classes in Rome have all centered around art history and architecture, even though, none of those topics relate to my major. I’ve always had a fascination with Greek and Roman mythology, which kick-started my interest in these classes. In these classes, I came to the quick realization that statuary is my favorite form of art, and even learned in my class that Michelangelo himself would agree! In art history, we visit many famous art pieces, created by some of the best artists that existed. In my architecture classes, I visit some of the greatest wonders of Rome, walk where history was made, and imagine what the great Emperors of Rome created during their time. I never thought that I’d have such a strong opinion on types of art but my passionate professors and seeing so much art in person, really helped me understand where Michelangelo was coming from.

 

 

 

Kaitlyn stands in front of a stone wall with painted purple flowers and yellow suns.

Kaitlyn Cardona

Major: Communication Arts – Film, TV, and Radio

Hometown: Pingree Grove, Illinois

Program: CIEE Rome Open Campus, Italy