"Ciao Italia!" Students Embark on Global Adventure

Upper School students and members of the faculty went on an unforgettable trip to Italy over spring break, as part of Kent Place’s Global Learning Program.

The theme of their excursion was “Who Owns the Past: Roman History, Women, and the Ethics of Preservation.” Students experienced ancient Roman and modern Italian culture; explored the relationship between past and present, such as how history shapes modern perspectives; strengthened their understanding of gender and power in the ancient world; and reflected on ethical issues surrounding the preservation and stewardship of historical remains.

Their trip began with a visit to an organic buffalo mozzarella farm, which was followed by a tour of the Paestum archaeological park, which is home to three impressive Greek Doric temples dating back to the sixth and fifth centuries CE. The evening concluded with a hands-on cooking class, where students prepared polpette (meatballs), cavatelli pasta, and tiramisu.

The next morning, students hiked Mount Vesuvius, and later explored the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Day three took students beneath the surface of Naples for a tour of ancient aqueducts and underground World War Two shelters. The group visited the stunning Galleria Umberto I before traveling to Cumae, where they admired the site of the Sibyl, the revered Roman prophetess.

“Exploring ancient ruins and seeing inscriptions in person was incredible, but my favorite part — aside from the amazing food — was translating Latin texts for our entire group,” says Mia Naggar ’25. “It brought everything I study in my AP Latin class to life in a way that I’ll never forget.”

“As we wandered through towering ruins and intricate mosaics, I was captivated by their groundbreaking architectural feats,” says Elijah Hall ’25. “Witnessing these marvels firsthand deepened my appreciation for the lasting impact of Roman innovation on modern civilization.”

Upon arriving in Rome, the group visited Ostia, the ancient seaport of Imperial Rome. A leisurely passeggiata through the city led them to iconic landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon, where they stood in awe at its architectural brilliance. They capped off the day with some delicious gelato.

“I enjoyed discovering a lot about Italian culture. I learned new words and phrases, tried new foods, and saw how the locals go about their daily lives,” says Maya Lalani ’25.

A unique highlight of the trip was meeting Margherita Giusti, an Italian artist and filmmaker. Then, that afternoon brought them to the Vatican, where they admired Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, ancient sculptures, and the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica.

On their final day — fittingly, the Ides of March — students explored the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the grand palace of Emperor Domitian on Palatine Hill, and learned about the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Julius Caesar. The Capitoline Museum provided a last look at Rome’s enduring symbols, among them the bronze she-wolf and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Says Elijah, “The connections I made with the places, the history, and the people made this experience unforgettable.”