The University of New Haven recently welcomed a record 45 new undergraduate students to its Tuscany campus. UNH-Prato’s six-month program affords the students, ages 18 to 20, many opportunities for cultural immersion and exchange.
There are many American study-abroad programs throughout Tuscany, but the University of New Haven is the only American university to have a campus in Prato. The campus was established in fall 2012. When director Kevin Murphy spoke with TF in April 2013, he explained that Prato’s position as a relatively untapped tourist destination makes it easier for students to break out of their comfort zones and integrate into the local community. Murphy emphasizes UNH-Prato’s focus on positive town-gown relations and opportunities for students to get involved in many facets of Prato community life.
To help students improve their command of the Italian language, the campus is organizing ‘conversation exchanges.’ These cross-cultural chats offer students an opportunity to meet and make friends with young Italians (up to age 27), who are likewise seeking to increase their English-language skills. All those interested in participating can send an email to l.pugi@newhaven.edu.
In addition to language exchanges, UNH-Prato students participate in guided tours, group excursions and cooking classes. In turn, the students can participate in American culture classes at Convitto Cicognini, and many past students have taught English at Mazzoni school, in piazza San Marco.
For more information about UNH-Prato, see theflr.net/newhaven.
