With an interest roster of 40 students, York High School art and photography teacher Mrs. Sunderland is currently awaiting the administrative greenlight for her proposal regarding a weeklong field trip to Italy. She and a cohort of students hope to immerse themselves in the birthplace of the Renaissance, exploring world-renowned architecture and historical sites throughout Florence and Rome. The journey is tentatively scheduled for April break in 2026, however interest registration has already begun. Although it’s not set in stone, this plan has been in the works for years and the process of obtaining approval is already well underway.
Mrs. Sunderland was inspired by her own memories of studying abroad in Italy during her senior year of high school, joining her class of fellow art majors to admire the historical landscape. She intends to share her life-changing experiences with a group of York High Schools who enjoy art and history as much as she did in high school. Although school trips have traditionally been sanctioned to foreign language students, Mrs. Sunderland hopes that the Italy trip will open new pathways for students of the arts to travel abroad during their formative years.
The itinerary itself was curated by the travel agency CIEE. They offer a plethora of experiences, and, with a journal in tow, students will tour and document famous art galleries and museums in Florence. They’ll also put their art techniques to practice through interactive lessons taught by Italian art professors, including Fresco painting and the unique artistry of perfume-making and book-binding. In addition to the itinerary, dedicated leisure time will allow students to explore Italy’s piazzas (city squares) and marvel at its Baroque architecture. On their final day, Mrs. Sunderland and the students plan to visit the Colosseum in Rome. All the while, students will have the opportunity to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, ensuring a wholesome experience. The trip will culminate in an exhibition of participants’ own sketches and interpretations of Italian art history.
Ultimately, this is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a whirlwind of cultural marvels. Mrs. Sunderland remarks, “Art history was once in the Program of Studies, and that’s a huge component if you become an art major in school” and, “art history is a great way to learn about history and culture in general, whether you’re pursuing arts or not.” For more logistics and pricing information, visit the proposal and interest form linked below:
Links:
Program Proposal Art and Culture: York High School in Florence, Italy
