"Some students had found something truly transformative in their study abroad experience — a new home. For the first time, they realized that home is not simply a place but is also a state of mind." OU IN AREZZO BY KIRK DUCLAUX As the spring 2020 students at OU’s Italian Study
Having to curtail an experience that many had
Center in Arezzo, Italy were enjoying another
been planning for years was a deep disappointment
delicious pasta alla carbonara prepared by Chef
to all. Even more painfully, some students had
Fabio, their conversations turned from how to
found something truly transformative in their
beat the line at the Roman Colosseum and
study abroad experience — a new home. For the
whether or not Paris was a worth a visit, to what
first time, they realized that home is not simply a
was happening with a virus called COVID-19.
place but is also a state of mind. Home is where
“What’s all that got to do with us?” several of the
you feel welcome and where you can be yourself; a
students asked me. I thought to myself, “well,
space where new and unexpected things become
that’s a good question.” We were many miles away
the driving force for a rediscovered sense of
from the first outbreak of the virus. Without a
identity, confidence and curiosity.
second thought, the students returned to making plans for Rome and Paris. As we all soon
We hope students will find the time and energy to
discovered, the interconnectedness of the
return to OUA. Sadly, many will have to be content
modern world was a reality that we simply could
with a memorable experience that was cut short —
not ignore.
though these students will always be welcome at the beautiful OUA study center.
The situation changed with staggering speed. By March 10, all the students in the OUA Spring
Taking stock of the situation as it has developed
cohort had tearfully and regretfully packed their
over the last 12 months has proven to all of us that
bags for home. Those thoughts of Rome and Paris
we must make the most of our opportunities and
had been replaced by more pressing needs such
plan for the future, however distant it may seem.
as staying safe, saying goodbye to new friends,
We must seek out ways to comprehend the world a
and finding a route back home. All the skill sets
little better in the hope that no matter what the
that the OUA staff employ to make the students’
situation, we can be more understanding of each
experiences memorable were redirected toward
other and prepared for life’s inevitable twists.
ensuring the safety and security of return trips. Kirk Duclaux is director of OU in Arezzo, OU's Study Center in Arezzo, Italy.
WWW.OU.EDU/CIS • SPRING 2021 • COMPASS: PANDEMIC EDITION
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