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Madeline Stavis ’08 (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) spent her spring semester immersed in Roman culture.
The Marquis Scholar took a full course load studying the Italian language, sociology of Italy, ancient Roman history, and Roman art history through the TempleUniversity campus in Rome, Italy.
“I really benefited from the fact that all of my classes were focused on Italy,” says Stavis. “The ability to engage concepts that I was learning about in class really enhanced my academic and immersion experience. I never would have understood the sociology of Italy if I did not have Italian friends who could supplement my class work with their own stories. On the same token, a traditional classroom experience cannot compare with listening to an art history lecture while sitting in the ancient Roman forum.”
Stavis, a history and government & law major, lived in an apartment with two other American students at a residence complex.
During her time in Italy, Stavis visited Bologna, Siena, Florence, Pompeii, Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, and smaller towns such as Parma, Modena, and Pozzuoli. She enjoyed this time and was able to familiarize herself with the country and the culture.
“Traveling within Italy is so rewarding because of the regional diversity,” says Stavis. “I didn’t realize until arriving [in Rome] that one country could keep me intrigued and entertained for so long. I absolutely fell in love with the culture, as everything from the food to the incredibly friendly people made my stay exciting, rewarding, and of course, delicious. In general, Italians are open and friendly, and this made learning the language and acclimating so much easier.”
During her time abroad, she also had the opportunity to visit other major European cities, including London, Amsterdam, Geneva, Prague, Dublin, Greece, Paris, and Barcelona.
Stavis believes her time abroad taught her lessons she would not have learned otherwise.
“I have definitely gained self confidence, as traveling without knowledge of the language leaves one in some uncomfortable situations. Knowing that I was able to navigate a Czech public transportation system or even figure out how to cross a street in Italy, which takes lots of eye contact and a confident stride, makes me feel prepared for new challenges in America,” she says. “I am also more willing to ask people for help, as sometimes there is no way to get things done in another country without a little assistance. While I have always been tolerant of non-English speakers, I am even more sympathetic now. I can now see myself trying to offer advice in Italian to packs of tourists in Times Square, as I really know how it feels to be lost in a foreign country.”
Stavis reflects on the impact her time in Europe has had on her life and future plans; she hopes to take a year to travel after graduating.
“I always knew that I would take a year off before pursuing another degree, and now I hope that I will be able to return to Europe in that time period,” she says. “Traveling to Europe has made the world feel smaller, and I now realize that I need not limit myself to the U.S.”
This fall, Stavis will begin a history honors thesis on pogroms in Russia in the early 20th century with Joshua Sanborn, associate professor of history. Last summer, she interned at the New York office of MWW Group, a public relations firm. Last May, she spent three weeks in Poland and Russia for a special Lafayette course taught by Sanborn and Robert Cohn, Berman Professor of Jewish Studies.
Stavis is comedy co-chair of Lafayette Activities Forum, and serves on the executive board of History Club. She also is a member of Holla Back.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars like Stavis receive a special academic scholarship and distinctive educational experiences and benefits. This includes a three-week, Lafayette-funded course abroad or in the United States during January’s interim session between semesters or the summer break. Marquis Scholars also participate in mentoring programs with Lafayette faculty and cultural activities in major cities and on campus.