For many college students, summer is a chance to recharge.
For East Tennessee State University interior architecture student Emma Hurley, summer became an opportunity to learn, explore and gain a new perspective on design.
Living and studying in one of the world’s most architecturally significant cities, Hurley spent part of her summer in Italy, participating in ETSU Studio Rome. The program, a five-week immersive study abroad experience, allows sophomore interior architecture students to complete a semester of coursework while experiencing Rome as their classroom. Students study architecture, sustainability, history and culture.
For Hurley, the decision to spend her summer in Rome was an easy one.
“Studio Rome is a unique opportunity that’s built into my major,” she said. “As a design student, it was an incredible opportunity to see the architecture I had studied come to life in front of me and experience it alongside my classmates and professors.”
Learning beyond the classroom
While Studio Rome includes traditional coursework, many lessons take place far beyond the classroom.
A typical day began with classes at the Accent Global Learning Center featuring guest lectures from Italian architects, followed by site visits or classes in cathedrals. Living in Rome also introduced Hurley to the rhythms of everyday Italian life.
“Going into this experience, I didn't realize how much I would enjoy learning about Italian culture and getting to live alongside it for so long,” she said. “I loved learning the little things, like how to order my coffee or grocery shop in our neighborhood. I also loved trying all the gluten-free food options I found. I think I ate more pasta in five weeks than I have in my entire life at home!”
Seeing design through a new lens
For Hurley, experiencing world-renowned buildings in person has made all the difference.
“There's something about experiencing architecture in person that just can't be captured in photos or textbooks,” Hurley said. “Standing inside a cathedral and being awestruck by its scale or sketching the intricate details on a historic façade are experiences that photos simply can't recreate.”
Those moments, she says, have given her a deeper appreciation for architecture and will influence her work long after she returns to ETSU.
Taking the leap
For students considering a summer course, whether abroad, online, or one offered on campus, Hurley encourages them not to let uncertainty hold them back.
“Being away for five weeks can definitely seem daunting at first,” she said. “But the experience truly turned out to be something amazing. I'm so glad I took the leap and stepped outside my comfort zone because I can confidently say I've grown as a student, a designer and a person. Looking back, any initial hesitation was completely outweighed by how incredible the experience was.”
If she had to sum up her summer in just three words?
“Adventure. Growth. Joy.”
Whether students want to stay on track for graduation, explore a new subject, study abroad or gain hands-on experience in their field, ETSU's Summer Session offers opportunities to keep learning while making the most of the season. Registration for Summer Session II is open until July 13, giving students the chance to earn credits, build new skills and discover experiences that can shape both their education and their future.
Learn more about ETSU Summer Session and register for a class.
Learn more about ETSU Studio Rome.
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