Education Major Explores Italian Classrooms

This summer, Education major Mya Maloney '27 traded her usual LVC classroom for something a little different-observing Montessori and public schools in Italy, snapping photos around town, and getting a crash course in Italian culture (with plenty of gelato along the way).

"I was inspired to study abroad in Italy because I wanted to experience education from a global perspective and see how teaching and learning look beyond the U.S.," said Maloney. "I knew that immersing myself in a new culture would help me grow more adaptable and empathetic, qualities that will allow me to better connect with my future students."

Italy was an easy choice for her. "Italy is the birthplace of both the Montessori and Reggio Emilia education approaches. Experiencing the culture and environment where these philosophies originated gave me a more authentic understanding that I can bring back to my own teaching practice."

Maloney credits the Center for Global Education for helping her feel fully prepared for the trip. She also received financial support through the Katherine J. Bishop Scholarship and her John B. Allwein stipend.

While in Italy, Maloney took two courses: an education class comparing U.S. and Italian schools and a photography course that let her capture daily life through a creative lens. "As part of the class, we observed Montessori, public, and private schools, which gave me valuable insight into both the similarities and differences between them."

She also noticed cultural differences in the classroom. "Classes in Italy were typically three hours long, which created a very different pace and structure compared to classes at LVC. Italian courses also relied less on electronics, with a stronger emphasis on face-to-face interaction and traditional learning methods."

Outside of class, Maloney dove into Italian life. "I immersed myself in Italian culture by visiting cafes, exploring local shops and restaurants, and traveling to cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. I also tried to meet locals and practice the language, which helped me better understand daily life and customs in Italy." She also built strong bonds with her travel group. "They helped me feel more comfortable throughout the experience and were always up for a good time, which made exploring Italy even more memorable."

The trip gave Maloney a new perspective on teaching. "This experience broadened the way I think about education by showing me that there is no single 'right' way to teach or structure a classroom," she explained. "In my future classroom, I want to incorporate some of those ideas, like fostering independence, encouraging hands-on learning, and building a strong sense of community."

She's already thinking about how to share her experience back at LVC, too. "At LVC, I will continue to encourage my peers to consider studying abroad as it is such a rewarding experience. This year, I am serving as Student Government President, where I will continue to support the Center for Global Education and provide students with opportunities to grow both on and off campus."

Her advice to other education majors is simple: "The summer program is perfect for our schedule and is an opportunity you won't regret. It's a chance to gain new perspectives on teaching, learn skills you can bring back to your own classroom, and grow both personally and professionally."