Wayne State University students participating in the Wayne in Abruzzo program are getting a taste of Italian culture that goes well beyond the enjoyment of traditional foods during their current visit to the Abruzzo Region of Italy. As part of the university’s expanded Summer Education Program running through Aug. 14, the students also are learning about Italian culture, values and beliefs.

The program, coordinated by WSU’s Office of Study Abroad and Global Programs, is a partnership between Wayne State and Gagliano Aterno, Italy. It was created four years ago at the suggestion of WSU Professor Raffaele De Benedictis, with encouragement and assistance from the local government in Italy.

In a recent video message, Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid welcomed students and staff, saying it was an honor to celebrate Wayne in Abruzzo. ”This year, Wayne State Program Director Raffaele De Benedictis and his Italian colleague, Dr. Pasquale Casale, added new courses that make the Wayne in Abruzzo program even more valuable than before,” Reid said. He added that the professors sought research and educational partnerships between the two universities that will result in Wayne State and the Università dell’Aquila signing an official affiliation agreement providing for student and faculty exchange later this year.

The universities will work together on critical research projects in bio-diversity and the environment. He also added that additional projects will focus on nutrition, food science, nuclear physics and other areas.

Through Wayne State University’s English Language Institute, students from the Università dell ‘Aquila and from l’Università di Teramo will for the first time be able to take courses for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The courses are made possible by Comunità Montana Sirentina.

De Benedictis, a professor in Wayne State’s Department of Romance Languages and Literature, said, “this program is one of many that demonstrate how Wayne is a global leader in academic excellence that provides access to higher education in Europe through innovative programs like Wayne in Abruzzo.

“The presence of Wayne State in Abruzzo will stimulate student exchange opportunities, help foster direct and close academic relationships, diversify our student population and help increase international student enrollment at Wayne State demonstrating our commitment to studying abroad.”

“As the global marketplace becomes increasingly important, students must be competent in traditional core subjects but also be proficient in foreign languages and have an understanding of other people and cultures. Wayne in Abruzzo is just one of more than 35 study-abroad programs that provide this type of opportunity to students. He added that “on a global scale, students are able to acquire a general knowledge and training in recognizing and appreciating other people’s values, beliefs, and become more tolerant toward others by learning about, and developing respect for, different cultures helping them to become better citizens of the world.”

Wayne State University Director of Study Abroad and Global Programs Kelli Dixon said the university is a diverse higher education institution, which helps to cultivate international relationships by playing an important role in global, academic, political, social and economic affairs.

“Studying abroad helps students broaden their horizon and creates opportunities that expand learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to gain knowledge, talents and skills that help them in today’s increasingly competitive world. It provides an opportunity to improve understanding of other cultures and world issues.”

While attending Wayne in Abruzzo this year more than 40 students stay at the Monastero Santa Chiara, an eight hundred year-old former Benedictine monastery which has been updated and outfitted with modern conveniences, participate in extra curricular activities, and take educational tours to Rome, Florence, Naples and Pompeii.


Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to 33,000 students.

To view President Irvin D. Reid’s video message go to: www.utv.wayne.edu/abruzzo/reid4.wmv