ARICCIA, Italy (EETV) - Not only do Auburn students make an impact on their communities at home, but they also make impacts around the world.
Students from Auburn's Joseph S. Bruno study abroad program are making a difference in the community of Ariccia, Italy and using their opportunity abroad to immerse themselves in the culture of Italy.
Ariccia is a city 45 minutes outside of Rome which is home to 18,000 people. Auburn students have the opportunity to live at the Chigi Palace in the heart of the city for a semester at a time. Here, they learn about the culture, history, and language of Italy, as well as some of the challenges the community faces.
The students of Auburn are trying to improve the city of Ariccia with their “Elevate Ariccia” projects. Their goals are to improve community engagement and interaction as well as interest in the city from visitors. They have created social media accounts to bring in more traction and highlight small businesses.
Auburn students also hope to improve overall quality of life by hosting community clean-up events, teaching children English at the middle schools, and volunteering at the local food pantry.
Another project they are engaged in is collaborating with the local refugee center run by the Italian Red Cross, called Mondo Migliore.
This center is home to 750 people, including minors, who have fled dangerous situations in their home countries and are trying to rebuild their lives in Italy.
For children, this experience is particularly difficult, so Auburn students want to contribute a sense of normalcy to their lives by providing fun games and events for them.
Some of their events have included a Valentine’s Day craft making, Mardi Gras parade, and a glow in the dark party. These events give the refugee kids opportunities to feel like kids again as well as teach them about traditions from other cultures.
Mondo Migliore employee, Issa Diallo, explains how beneficial the American undergraduates are to the refugee center.
“Auburn students in Ariccia have a very positive impact on Mondo Migliore children because the children don’t have many interactions with outside people.”
“The impact is so, so, so very big and positive. We are talking about that everyday. And everytime the babies come to ask if your program, the next time your students are coming to make an activity” said Diallo.
This experience has promoted a cross-cultural exchange between the students of JSB and the residents of Ariccia, as well as encouraged connections with the kids at the local refugee center.
