Dazzling royal regalia in the Tower of London. Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous Mona Lisa. Michelangelo’s breathtaking work in the Sistine Chapel.

In May, 27 PennWest travelers marveled at these breathtaking sights and countless others during a study abroad experience in London, Paris, Florence and Rome.

The program, led by Professor Cass Reese, with support from Professors Scott Gladd and Angela Glass, offered students the opportunity to earn credit while immersing themselves in the art and architecture of these cities.

“We had an incredible trip bursting at the seams with unforgettable moments,” Reese said.

The group explored iconic landmarks including Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in London, the Palace of Versailles in Paris, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, and the Roman Colosseum.

“The rest of the world feels real now, and I love it,” said Roswell Butina, a junior graphic design major who traveled with the group. “I both returned to where my interest in art started with the works of the impressionists at the Musée d'Orsay and had unexpected experiences that pushed me ahead as an artist and a person.”

During spring break, Dr. Sean Madden and Dr. Beverly Ross of the College of Education, Arts and Humanities, led a 10-day study abroad program to Scandinavia. The 23 PennWest travelers explored Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen.

“It's important in understanding our place in the world and what we wish to bring to it,” said PennWest student Claire Mapes, who spent the academic portion of the trip researching women and gender in Scandinavia. “It expands our minds and gives us new ideas and experiences that we wouldn't get any other way.”

PennWest strives to build cross-cultural connections and to offer students unique opportunities to become active citizens of the world. Learn more about studying abroad here.