15 students will travel to Italy in June 2019 as part of a study abroad course focused on human trafficking in an international context, specifically in Italy, as well as the unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.
Italy is a prime location for the study of human trafficking. Each year, the country receives a significant number of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war, human rights violations and extreme poverty. Refugees who make it across the Mediterranean Sea to Italy and other countries in Europe are then especially at risk for both labor and sexual exploitation.
CCJS Shady Grove Program Director Dr. Wendy Stickle has led the trip for four years and finds it particularly rewarding to see students realize the reasons why human trafficking occurs in different countries and what this atrocity looks like. "I hope the biggest takeaway for students is awareness of human trafficking and the push and pull factors that drive this crime in different regions of the world," said Dr. Stickle.
Dr. Stickle also hopes students take away a sense of pride and empowerment. For many, this trip is their first time traveling solo. "Participating in a study abroad program should increase content knowledge but also result in personal growth. I hope that occurs for all of our students!" Make sure to follow their trip by visiting the UMD Goes to Italy blog regularly. Students will be posting daily starting June 7th!
To learn more about this trip and other Education Abroad options at Maryland, visit the Education Abroad Program Search.
