While studying Italian Renaissance during the Summer Pre-College Program at AUF, I experienced a completely new way of learning. Instead of relying heavily on textbooks, our class got to explore Florence through weekly excursions– visiting both iconic landmarks as well as the lesser known beauties.

This hands-on approach gave me a new understanding of the Renaissance in an educational and unforgettable way. One of the most influential experiences our class had was visiting Basilica di San Lorenzo. While every site was special in its own unique way, this visit stood out to me the most. The Basilica isn’t just visually appealing with its stunning architecture–it’s also the burial home for historical figures we studied, including Cosimo de’ Medici and Donatello. Learning about their importance in class and then being able to see it firsthand made the history feel real, and to me that is what makes this method of learning so impactful.

Standing before the tombs and the artworks that had previously been only words on a page felt almost surreal — like meeting someone you’d known through stories your whole life. I found myself tracing details with my eyes I might never have noticed in a photograph: the way light falls across stone, the small inscriptions that hint at lives lived long ago.

This kind of experiential learning helped me connect with history in a way I never have before. Standing in the historical buildings where key figures in history once lived or walked upon is a kind of learning experience no textbook could ever offer. Our professor didn’t just take us to these locations, but instead he guided us through them with thoughtful context that forced us to look at the places in a completely different perspective. By the end of the course, not only was I able to say that I learned about the Renaissance, but I was able to say I saw the Renaissance with my own eyes.

Because of that guidance, small details the professor pointed out — a fresco’s faded color here, a sculptor’s signature there — suddenly connected to broader historical threads we’d discussed in class. Conversations after each excursion, helped to cement those moments into lasting memories.

Studying the Italian Renaissance with AUF’s style of learning taught me more than just historical facts. It showed me that when learning hands-on, you're able to see things in a new light. Exploring Florence alongside my professor and classmates gave me a deeper appreciation for the city's powerful past. This course changed my perspective on history and I will forever cherish this unique experience.