By Dr. Antonio Faciola
The Animal Sciences in Italy Study Abroad Program celebrated its fourth consecutive year in 2026, continuing to provide University of Florida students with an immersive international experience that blends animal agriculture, food production, history, and culture. The program, designed and developed by Dr. Antonio Faciola, welcomed 20 students from May 11–25, 2026. This year’s program was led in Italy by Dr. Natalie Coers (Department of Agricultural Education and Communication), whose outstanding leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to student success were instrumental in making this year’s experience another tremendous success.
Throughout the two-week program, students explored Italy through the lens of animal science while gaining a firsthand appreciation for the country’s rich agricultural traditions and regional food systems. Visits included Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto producers, as well as beef and dairy farms and a horse breeding farm in Emilia-Romagna—an exciting addition to this year’s itinerary. Students also met with producers, veterinarians, researchers, and industry professionals who shared the knowledge, innovation, and passion that have shaped Italian agriculture for generations.
Learning extended far beyond agriculture. Students explored the historic cities of Florence, Bologna, Rome, and Sorrento, visited iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the archaeological site of Paestum, participated in a hands-on pasta-making class, and experienced the close connection between food, agriculture, culture, and history that defines Italy. These experiences encouraged students to see agriculture not only as a science, but also as an integral part of society and everyday life.
The impact of the program was perhaps best captured by the students themselves. Many described the experience as transformative, emphasizing not only what they learned academically, but also how much they grew personally. One student reflected that the experience “opened my worldview and allowed me to have greater respect for Italian culture,” while another shared that “somewhere between the flights, the friendships, and the foreign streets, I found a new version of myself.” Others described the program as “a life-changing experience” and “the experience of a lifetime,” highlighting the lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and newfound appreciation for global agriculture that they will carry with them long after returning home.
As part of the academic experience, students completed reflective assignments comparing agricultural practices in Italy and the United States while considering the cultural, economic, and environmental factors that influence food production in both countries. These activities encouraged critical thinking, strengthened global perspectives, and reinforced the educational objectives of the program. Now in its fourth year, the Animal Science in Italy Study Abroad Program continues to provide students with a unique opportunity to combine academic learning with international travel and cultural immersion. By experiencing animal agriculture in a global context, students return with broader perspectives, enhanced professional skills, greater cultural awareness, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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