Students in the Media and Communication program studying this summer in Florence, Italy, took their learning beyond the classroom by volunteering with Fondazione Angeli del Bello, or “Angels of Beauty Foundation,” a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and beautifying the city. 

The volunteer experience gave students a chance to put the theme of their summer magazine, Il Ponte, into action, connecting their classroom discussions about overtourism and city beautification with a hands-on effort to care for the community around them.  

Each summer, as part of the five-week program, students and their instructor work together to choose a theme for the student-run magazine, Il Ponte, which promotes the program while engaging with the local community. 

This year, the magazine theme is “Reducing Overtourism and Promoting City Beautification” — an issue that has become increasingly relevant in Florence as tourism continues to bring both cultural and economic benefits but also challenges to the city and its residents.

“We want our magazine to go beyond simply showcasing Florence as a beautiful spot for tourists,” said Dr. Jaejin Lee, the instructor of the courses and this year’s program leader. “Instead, I encouraged students to think critically about how visitors can enjoy and appreciate the city while respecting its residents, environment and culture.” 

For the students, the experience offered a new perspective on their role within the city. During one of the foundation’s events, they spent two hours collecting trash around Giardino Henry Dunant and Torrino di Santa Rosa parks, giving them the opportunity to contribute directly to the community they called home for the summer. 

“It was a very rewarding experience and a great way to participate in our temporary citizenship of the city of Florence,” said Rachel Wynn, a dual degree senior student majoring in Management and Marketing, and a student in the program.