Italy in the Spring
Senior Lecturer Beth Byrd and Andy Oppy, Associate Director of Academic Advising, spent May 2026 traveling to Italy with 29 Boilermakers as part of the “A Taste of Southern Italy: Production, Preparation, and Marketing” study abroad program! Students were able to experience world-famous food, culture and history as they sampled street food in Naples, explored the ruins of Pompeii, took a cooking class in Rome, visited the Vatican and relaxed along the Adriatic Sea.
Cecelia Blankenship (Junior, Agribusiness; Pine Village, IN) shared, “Studying abroad in Southern Italy was an experience I’ll never forget. I loved seeing agriculture from a different perspective while also experiencing the food, history and culture that make Italy so unique. While I learned a lot from the farms and businesses we visited, my favorite part was making memories with my friends and fellow agriculture students. The trip gave me a new appreciation for both agriculture and the opportunities that come with traveling abroad. I am so thankful for Purdue, Dr. Byrd, and Andy for making this experience so special and one I’ll always remember. I would highly recommend studying abroad to any student who has the opportunity; it is truly worth it!”
After finishing her freshman year, Danica Dafforn (Sophomore, Agribusiness; Churubusco, IN) voiced, “Studying abroad in Italy was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had. It allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in new cultures. This gave me a greater appreciation for different ways of life throughout the world, especially within food, history and daily interactions with locals. I learned how to become present in the moment and appreciate a slower, more intentional lifestyle. Not only did this trip allow me to gain a greater understanding of cultures and history around the globe, but it also gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual, both academically and physically.”
Sophomore Emily Justice (Agribusiness; Delphi, IN) described the highlights of the trip for her, “Through this study abroad of touring southern Italy, I was able to learn so much about their culture, history, lifestyle and agricultural production. Between visiting the buffalo mozzarella farm in Naples to getting an in-depth tour of how olive oil is produced, it gave me a new perspective on how diverse agricultural production is around the world! I loved witnessing the iconic landmarks of Rome like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon and swimming in the Adriatic Sea in Bari! Coming to Purdue, I knew I wanted to go on a study abroad, but I had no idea the impact it would have on my life and how many new connections I would make along the way.”
Emily Recker (Senior, Agricultural Economics; Jasper, IN) stated, “Studying abroad is easily one of the best things I have ever said yes to at Purdue. I was exposed to new people, new cultures and new types of agriculture, and it gave me an even deeper appreciation for Purdue and the strong community within agriculture. Getting to grow and explore on the other side of the world with some of your best friends and some of your newest is something you may never get to do again, so take advantage of it.”
Junior Anna Sickafoose (Agribusiness; South Whitley, IN) summed up her experience with these words, “The study abroad trip to Italy was a great opportunity. Being immersed in a new culture, agriculture and way of life helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the agricultural industry. The experience allowed me to learn outside of the classroom, make lasting memories and better understand how agriculture and daily life differ across the globe.”
Kylie Saathoff (Senior, Agribusiness; Manteno, IL) added, “With this being my first time in Europe, I didn’t know what to expect but was fascinated with the history. We were able to see many historic sights and landmarks, as well as visit farms and get a taste of how agriculture differs in Italy. This was truly the trip of a lifetime, with the memories made, sights seen and food eaten, along with the great friends I made along the way. I am grateful for this experience, how it broadened my horizons, and how it will push me to take advantage of more opportunities in the future.”