Event in Genoa, Italy marks milestone for RIT experiential learning programs

RIT marked the 20th anniversary of its experiential learning programs in Genoa, Italy, with an event at the historic Palazzo Doria-Tursi, which houses Genoa’s city hall. The celebration, organized in collaboration with Door to Italy, an esteemed language school in Genoa that partners with RIT on the programs, highlighted the success of RIT’s study abroad and work abroad initiatives, which have enriched students’ academic and professional experiences over the past two decades.

The event featured speeches and discussions with Marco Bucci, mayor of Genoa; Elisabetta D’Amanda, principal lecturer and coordinator of the Italian Studies program at RIT; Lara Avvenente from Door to Italy; and Annamaria Saiano from the U.S. Consular Agency in Genoa.  

According to D’Amanda, the program, is a collaboration with RIT’s Department of Modern Languages and Cultures in the College of Liberal Arts, and the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, and includes work experiences in addition to studying Italian culture and language. Over the years, more than 250 RIT students have been placed in companies specializing in engineering, science, art, business, information technology, and game design, among others.

“This event celebrates a remarkable milestone for RIT in fostering international education and cross-cultural exchange,” said D’Amanda.

Thirteen RIT students working or studying abroad in Genoa attended the event, including Ryan Lembo-Ehms, a computer science student from Webster, N.Y. Lembo-Ehms is one of five RIT students working for software development company Dedalus this summer. “We are gaining experience working on real projects and code-development tasks,” he said.

Felix-Nadine Herweg, a business management/management information systems dual major, also attended the celebratory event and is focusing on database development while working abroad with Door to Italy. “As part of our program, during the first month, we take Italian language courses at Door to Italy which is a great complement to our work-abroad experiences.”