TRU International Field School for credit (3 points)
Italy Field School Summer 2025 (3 course credits)
In June 2025, I participated in a two‑week field school in Italy, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Tuscan culture through hands‑on, place‑based learning. During this experience, we explored multiple aspects of tourism studies, with a particular focus on food, wine, agritourism, and sport tourism. Visiting local producers, hospitality businesses, and cultural sites allowed me to see how tourism operates within a living cultural landscape and how deeply it is connected to history, geography, and local identity.
This field school emphasized experiential learning and reflection, encouraging me to critically examine tourism from both visitor and host perspectives. Engaging directly with local food and beverage sectors highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge, sustainability, and cultural preservation in destination development. Through this immersive experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how tourism can support local communities while also presenting social, economic, and environmental challenges. Overall, the field school strengthened my global awareness and intercultural understanding by allowing me to learn within a different cultural context and reflect on my role as a responsible global traveller and tourism professional.
