My fellow hawks, I am writing this article to extend an offer to you. By now, you are all aware of our neighboring institution, the University of Dallas. Our communities benefit in many ways from having one another in such close proximity, but I bet that most of y’all do not know about UD’s summer programs for high school students.

Every summer the university provides opportunities for learning and growth through their high school programs. A few are located right here in Irving, but the one that I would like to highlight is on the other side of the Atlantic.

This past summer I got the privilege of traveling to Rome to take part in “Shakespeare in Italy”. This is a three-week, college level course that explores the Bard’s deep fascination with the Italian Peninsula.

Students live in the University’s Rome campus where they take part in large lectures, discuss topics in small groups, and work on writing skills. The classes are led by brilliant English professors, a few of their graduate students and the masterful Stefan Novinski. I can guarantee that your writing, reading, and acting skills will all greatly improve if you take Shakes
peare in Italy seriously.

This is also an incredible opportunity to see a different part of the world. Students are given lots of time to explore and get lost in Rome, Padua, and Venice. While walking through historic sights and churches, all the stories from Shakespeare and beyond seem to come to life.  

For all those interested in literature or drama, or if travel is more of your thing, I cannot recommend this program enough. I expanded my horizons, gained a better grasp of western art, learned more about The Merchant of Venice than I thought possible, and forged friendships that I hope to carry with me for a long time. In addition to these, earning college credit and a potential scholarship to UD are nice bonuses.  If you want any more information, come talk to Nicholas and me, watch this video, or click here for the program’s website.

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