SUMMER PROGRAMS AT UCSC

Greetings from Piacenza! Our campus has recently welcomed 50 students coming from North Carolina State (USA) and Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The two visiting groups had a full schedule that the International Office team, in collaboration with the School of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, had planned for them, including seminars and field trips to local wineries, dairy and business farms, a ham producing firm and even Expo 2015!

American students enjoyed particularly the field trip to Azienda Agricola Pisaroni in Soarza (PR), a multi generation family run farm that produces, processes and sells veggies and fruits as jams and juices: “This farm tour was very eye opening with regards to how Italians grow horticulture and field crops. After tasting the products at a nice buffet provided for us, we had the chance to buy some products for friends and family”- reported prof. Melissa Hendrickson (North Carolina State University).

Students had time to taste our cuisine and enjoy the nightlife in Piacenza. In particular, Dutch students were hosted by UCSC Italian students, who took care of them as brothers and sisters and took them around the city and its beautiful countryside!

One of the aim of such trips is in fact to connect students and help them feel part of the campus and the city. The value added of Piacenza campus is its familiar and cosy atmosphere, which reflects the Italian culture and make visitors, guests and students feel like home, even for a day, as Steef Steggerda, one of the Dutch students, explained: “the experience helped us leave our comfort zone. Italian students made us feel like home, and we would like to do so in return”

The two groups enriched the city of Piacenza and brought a pleasant international spirit throughout the campus. As Summer approaches, we are getting everything ready to start our Summer Programs focused on the Wine Market and Food Production.

We look forward to meeting you in Piacenza!