Fata was the nickname of a shepherdess from Castropignano known for her extraordinary beauty. Having married the young Antonio, the girl was taken to the castle by the duke’s guards so that he could exercise his ius prime noctis. Fata was horrified at the thought of having to submit to this cruel law and, to escape dishonor, she embarked on a desperate flight that took her to the top of the great rock of Cantone, a small rocky outcrop located a short distance from Evoli Castle. Hunted by the guards and with no other option, she chose to die by throwing herself from the precipice, which from then on was known as Cantone della Fata.

Lorenzo went to Civitacampomarano alone on the festival’s opening day; no one wanted to join him, and no one believed him when he said it was worth checking out that evening. Indeed, there were very few people in the square: just Lorenzo, the artists, the staff, and a handful of other visitors listening to the legendary DJ Gruff spinning records from a balcony overlooking the piazza. Fortunately, things changed—both in the days that followed and, more importantly, over the years. Since then, ever-growing numbers of people have flocked to Civitacampomarano to admire the stunning artworks created on the walls of the village homes.

More than a study abroad experience, the program invited students to step into communities, listen deeply, build relationships, and examine how different societies respond to many of the same social challenges faced around the world.

From anti-violence shelters in Rome to disability employment initiatives in Molise, students encountered social work not as an abstract academic discipline, but as a lived practice shaped by culture, history, community values, and human connection.

The journey began in Rome, where students visited the Differenza Donna Association, an organization that operates anti-violence centers, shelters, and support services for women. In addition to learning from social workers about their professional pathways and daily challenges, students provided personal hygiene kits for women being served through the organization’s shelter programs.

From Rome, the group traveled into the mountains of Alto Molise. In Capracotta, students partnered with the Assembramenti Culturali association and explored the “Nature and Memories” project, which uses nature-based experiences to support individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Surrounded by the remarkable landscapes of the Giardino della Flora Appenninica, participants examined how environmental engagement can contribute to health, dignity, and quality of life.

The program then continued south into Puglia, where longtime Molise Italian Studies partner Vincenzo Cantatore helped facilitate experiences focused on social innovation and community development. Students visited ExFadda, a former winery transformed into a vibrant public space for creativity, civic engagement, and youth empowerment, before sharing a meal and conversation at XFood, one of Italy’s most celebrated examples of inclusive employment. There, individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities play central roles in the operation of a thriving social enterprise, demonstrating how workforce inclusion can become a powerful vehicle for autonomy, dignity, and community participation.

While every destination offered valuable learning opportunities, the heart of the program unfolded in Isernia through a multi-day partnership with LAI Cooperative. Over three days, students worked alongside participants and staff engaged in theater, ceramics, gardening, educational programming, and social activities designed to support adults with intellectual disabilities. LAI’s mission centers on creating opportunities for independence, meaningful employment, social connection, and active participation in community life. Rather than observing from the sidelines, students became part of the daily rhythm of the organization, building relationships that transformed theoretical discussions into lived understanding.

The exploration of innovative approaches to well-being continued in Fornelli, where students visited La Piccola Bottega and learned about donkey-assisted therapy under the guidance of psychologist Serena Sassatelli. Through discussion and hands-on experiences, participants examined how animal-assisted interventions can support emotional development, communication, confidence, and social connection across diverse populations.

In Termoli, the focus shifted toward poverty alleviation, food security, and community solidarity. Working alongside local volunteers coordinated through the Diocese of Termoli-Larino, students assisted at the Solidarity Cafeteria, an organization supporting individuals and families facing economic hardship. This experience highlighted the critical role of grassroots networks, volunteerism, and community-based responses in addressing social needs.

The program concluded where it began: in Rome. There, students visited Binario 95 and Casa Sabotino, learning about programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness and social marginalization. Through conversations with staff and guests, participants explored questions of autonomy, housing, social inclusion, and dignity while reflecting on themes that had emerged throughout the journey.

Termoli sits on the Adriatic coast in the province of Campobasso and serves as Molise’s principal seaside destination and most important port city.

Unlike the mountain villages and river valleys that define much of the region, Termoli occupies a dramatic coastal setting where a rocky promontory extends into the Adriatic Sea. Upon this natural outcrop rises the town’s historic center, creating one of Molise’s most recognizable landscapes.

The city is known for its long sandy beaches, clear waters, and favorable climate, making it a popular destination during the summer months. Its port serves as both a fishing harbor and a transportation hub, providing connections to the nearby Tremiti Islands.

The tradition dates to 1740, when local artist and sculptor Paolo Saverio Di Zinno was commissioned to create a series of moving religious tableaux for the city’s Corpus Christi celebrations. Rather than relying on static floats, Di Zinno designed intricate iron frameworks capable of supporting children and adults dressed as biblical and saintly figures. Hidden beneath flowing costumes and decorative elements, the structures create the illusion that participants are suspended in midair.

Although the original procession featured many more scenes, thirteen Mysteries survive today. Each represents a different religious theme and is carried through the city by teams of bearers who shoulder the weight of the structures along a route that winds through Campobasso’s historic center. The result is a striking blend of artistry, engineering, faith, and endurance. As the Mysteries move through the streets, spectators witness living works of art that have remained remarkably unchanged for nearly three centuries.

For takeoff, all that’s needed is a small, unobstructed space, and after a short run, perhaps aided by a light breeze, the flight begins. To maneuver and direct the paraglider in the desired direction, two handles called “brakes” are used. This particular means of flight is derived from the more well-known parachute used for airplane launches and was conceived by French paratroopers who felt the need to reduce the cost of their training and no longer depend on airplanes. To complete a paragliding flight, a difference in altitude of a few hundred meters is sufficient, and by exploiting thermals, one can cover long distances and reach very high altitudes, even several thousand meters.

The crystal-clear waters of the Sangro River meander through a picturesque landscape, between mountains and dense woodlands, inviting you to raft or canoe. The rafting route is approximately 5 kilometers long and offers a splendid “walk on the water” among ancient trees and lush vegetation rich in biodiversity.

For most of the year, the Sangro offers a variety of sensations and experiences, thanks to a varying water level through the seasons and the presence of torrential stretches alternating with calmer or gently sloping sections. The large flow of water in spring makes for highly engaging and exciting excursions. In summer and autumn, however, you can enjoy more gentle descents, particularly popular with beginners and families. In midsummer, while cruising the river, you can admire the surrounding nature in its full explosion of colors and shapes, and you can also take the opportunity to take fun dips and swim in the cool waters. The Sangro is certainly one of the most inspiring Italian rivers to explore, and the team at Sangro Outdoor Experience is ready to help you learn more about this world, both from a sporting and naturalistic perspective.

Students will spend time in Colli collaborating with local schoolchildren through sports, music, bread-making, and creative exchange. They will meet the remarkable Uncinettine, whose crocheting traditions carry generations of artistry and local memory, and create alongside them. They will step into the landscapes of the central Apennines with the team at Rewilding Apennines, exploring conservation efforts tied to the Marsican brown bear and the broader ecological story of this region. They will sit with local citizens over cards, conversation, and folklore, discovering that some of the richest intercultural learning happens in the unscripted spaces between formal activities.