Studying Abroad

A Rewarding Educational Experience

Two students from Culver Academy in Indiana, Elizabeth Becker and Madison Tallant, attended the Spoleto Study Abroad 2010 Arts & Humanities summer immersion program in the renaissance town of Spoleto, Italy this summer. This educational journey featured a rich and varied curriculum in the arts.

(L-R: Elizabeth, Madison)

Madison and Elizabeth were part of a select group of students chosen for this intensive summer study abroad program in the arts and humanities. Madison participated in the drama program, and Elizabeth participated in the photography program.

To enhance their program, twice-weekly excursions to cultural centers such as Florence, Assisi, Tivoli, Siena and other medieval hill towns in central Italy offered students the opportunity to experience significant artistic, cultural, and historic treasures first-hand. When she returned to Winnsboro to finish her summer break, Madison said the trip to Italy was very rewarding. "It was amazing to see all those wonderful places and just soak up the creativity they inspired."

Madison would not have been able to attend this summer study without the scholarship generously provided the by Frank Batten (founder of The Weather Channel and a Culver Alumnus). Madison is a senior at Culver this year and will graduate with honors in Theater in June. She is the daughter of Mia Tallant and Louis Tallant of Winnsboro.

As part of her senior service project, Madison held a two week drama camp, Acting Out/Building Up, at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts under the supervision of Maryann Miller that ended in a sold out performance and raised over $500 for our local arts center.

Culver Academy is an active member of the 14 consortium schools across the country that supports the Spoleto Study Abroad Program mission. Spoleto Study Abroad is committed to bringing an integrated style of learning to those students interested in pursuing their academic and artistic interests in an inspiring European setting.

In 2011, Spoleto Study Abroad will be offering a three-week summer session in creative writing, visual art, photography, drama, and vocal music. For an opportunity to participate in the upcoming Spoleto Study Abroad 2011 summer program, visit www.spoletostudyabroad.com or contact spoletoabroad@gmail.com.