Hopkins Latin and Italian Students Explore Italy Over Spring Break

During Hopkins' Spring Break from March 7 through March 15, a group of twenty-one Latin and Italian students, along with three faculty chaperones, traveled through Italy for a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience in culture, language, and history.

“It was so cool to be somewhere with such a complex history,” Italian student Molly C. ’27 wrote about her experience.

During their travels, the group visited Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi. Highlights from the first leg of the trip included attending a Roman Gladiator School, visiting an agriturismo for a mozzarella-making demonstration and tasting, participating in a pizza-making class in Sorrento, and touring the remarkably preserved ancient city of Pompeii.

According to Italian teacher Teresa Picarazzi, the trip came to a head in Amalfi, where the students engaged in several events with their pen pals from Hopkins' Sister School, Marini-Gioia. These activities included a welcome dinner, a morning of classes at Marini-Gioia, and various cultural experiences, such as a tour of La Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, a visit to the Amalfi Paper Museum, and an exploration of Amalfi’s ancient boat works. The Hopkins group also enjoyed a scenic hike along the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Trail), which connects the Amalfi Coast towns of Maiori and Minori.

“This trip was truly so special for me—visiting somewhere outside of America for the first time and sharing the experience with my new friends,” said Italian student Jade B. ’27. “I can’t wait for more travels!”