University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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iT ' eter Nielsen Summer Learning by Deborah Bang While most students searched for internships or employment, others elected to participate in summer academic programs where they received credit toward graduation. Summer programs offered students a chance to flee the hustle and bustle of Ann Arbor. Two unique programs offered by the University were the New England Literature Program (NELP) and the Florence, Italy study abroad program. The Florence, Italy program of 1997 accepted approximately 50 students, 20 of which were from the University. Students were housed in the Villa Corsi-Salviati, located in Sesto Fiorentino on the edge of Florence. Senior political science and American culture student Juliane Morian said the six-week program was relaxing. We became rT TH-e FFV?- comfortable with the country before we began to travel. It was an empowering experience and it was really cool to leave the States, Morian recalled. Students agreed that it wasn ' t difficult to study and earn six to eight credits in Florence. Most weekends included excursions to European cities. Students traveled on the European rail system to major cities such as Rome, Sienna, and Venice, as well as a trip to Switzerland. Morian said, It was good to feel comfortable with the country first, and then travel. : f 7 P e NELP attracted students who were interested in American literature and nature. Based at a camp near Lake Winneapesake, NH, this six week program gave students a communal living experience. Students commented on the literature they studied by writing in continual journals and through other forms of artistic expression. Students took turns cooking meals and teaching classes while appreciating the beauty of New England and learning from the literature and each other. This program ' s approach to education seemed successful with students. The staff was incredible, commented senior social science major Sarah Altschul. I thought the program was the best alternative approach to learning. It was the best thing I ' ve ever done. Jr} ate Black, an Americ culture senior, grins as she s cessfully reaches the top of tt Pemi mountain in New Hamj shire. NELP students went oj hikingtripseveryninedays. Thj trip was known as the Smoi gasbord trip -- the group hi fourteen miles on a rainy day reach the top of this challengi: mountain. 118 Academics

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Live and learn Jtudents struggle to pay attention and stay awake in the filled 1800 Chemistry. Nearly all undergradu- atesshared the ex- perience of a class in the large lecture hall. Whether learning tol Shelley Skopit k place in the largest lee- ture hall on campus or in small discussion section, studentsparticipated in th : academic environment of veryday. We were presented with amazing opportunitii is from being taught by the University ' s president to s idying in another country. The abundance of opporti pity caused us to struggle to maintain a balance betwe our academic responsi- tudying in a window- lit area of Stockwell ' s Blue Lounge, this stu- dent forms a pictu resque portrait of Universitvlife. bilities and other campus I ;tivities. Academics Adriana Yugovich Academics 117

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I he Villa Corsi-Salviati is where the University of Michi- gan Florence program is based. The students participating in the program lived and took classes at this site. The villa was erected in the early 1400s, though addi- tions were made in the 1500s and 1600s. Students had the opportunity to take advantage of this beautiful and historic land- mark, including its elaborate and famous garden. Tolitical science senior Jesse Jannetta writes in his journal atop his favorite rock during his summer at the New England Lit- erature Program. He nicknamed this rock outside his cabin the Glacier Erratic. Jesse medi- tated on this rock and wrote in his journal almost every day dur- ing his stay at NELP. Peter Nielsen photo courtesy of Sarah Altschul I he Musee D ' Orsay offers a stunning view to onlookers in the museum. Some students in- volved in the Florence program had the chance to take trips to exciting sites around Europe. The Musee D ' Orsay in Paris used to be a railroad station, but has been converted into a museum housing what some consider the finest collection of Impression- ist art in the world. Students viewed the works of Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and Whistler, among others. photo courtesy of Sarah Altschul Summer Programs 119