Creating a tradition of firsthand cultural exploration that fosters both confidence and humility is what makes the Italian City study abroad program, led by Associate Professor Jonathan Combs-Schilling, one of the most sought-after at the university.
“The most powerful influence that led me down my career path is my own study abroad experience,” said Combs-Schilling, who first traveled to Italy during college to simply, “get rid of a language requirement,” but quickly fell in love with the country and was inspired to pursue a career in Italian studies. “I was completely captivated by Italian society and cuisine and loved everything about Italy, so I had a great desire to create some kind of program that could approximate the great experiences I had, since I saw the ways in which it is a true personal boon.”
Combs-Schilling, who specializes in medieval and Renaissance Italian literature with the Department of French and Italian, created the Italian City program and has been leading it since 2019. Since its inception, over 150 students have made the trip to Bologna to learn about the culture and history of the city.
Students study texts and films to examine how Bologna and other Italian cities acted as sites for economic and intellectual exchange, political and artistic experimentation and scientific breakthroughs. Combs-Schilling contends study abroad programs like his are the pinnacle of immersive learning.
“There is no such thing as a magic bullet in education, but there are few things that are as stimulating and empowering as study abroad; intellectually, personally and interculturally,” he noted. “What students experience outside the classroom: the emotions, the joys, makes them much more invested stakeholders back in the classroom.”
The incorporation of technology is a key difference that Combs-Schilling notices from previous years to now, and he uses it to give the students an even greater chance to immerse themselves in new cultures and opportunities.
“Practically, I don't know how resident directors did it before WhatsApp. Being able to be in constant touch means students can have more agency and more unmediated experiences of the culture,” says Combs-Schilling. “That's how I'm able to create a group dynamic in which students are always in touch with me and can be safe, but have a chance to figure out what it means to be the Italian versions of themselves.”
Once students return from his program, Combs-Schilling notices that students are more willing to try things that they may not have before equipped with the confidence gained from studying aboard.
“I write maybe five to 10 letters of recommendation per cycle, and I notice that students are taking more risks and applying to places they wouldn’t have thought of before,” said Combs-Schilling. “That’s something that gives me a great sense of humility and pride to have created a program that enables students to have this kind of experience.”
Moving forward, Combs-Schilling will continue lead the study abroad experience and even hopes to include an alumni element. His Italian City program will return to Bologna this spring, providing an incredible experience for the next batch of Buckeyes.
"The fact that I get to spend time in the company of these amazing Ohio State students as I see them move past their fears and be so kind and supportive to each other is one of the great joys of my professional life.”