Rabun Gap faculty members visit Spoleto campus

Ms. Loring and Mr. Nowack traveled this summer to learn more about Rabun Gap's new campus in Italy.
Two faculty members spent a week at Rabun Gap’s campus in Spoleto, Italy this summer. 

Ms. Lynda Ann Loring, director of international programs, and Humanities department chair Mr. Steve Nowack traveled to the hill country region of Italy in June, making the Pallazo Leti in Spoleto their home base. 

This was the first faculty trip to Spoleto since Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School announced it had acquired the global campus this spring.  Rabun Gap now owns the Italian campus with two other independent schools — Ashley Hall School and The Culver Academies. The campus includes the scenic Palazzo Leti, which has housing for 24 and includes classroom space.

During their trip, Ms. Loring and Mr. Nowack met with representatives from Ashley Hall School to begin brainstorming the different ways that the Spoleto campus can be used for future study abroad programming. Students already travel to the Spoleto campus for Spring Break trips (this year’s trip is February 28-March 7, 2020), and school leaders are working to develop a curriculum and program for future trimester-long study abroad opportunities. 

“There are few, if any, high schools that can create the opportunities that we now have the capability of creating for our students, especially on our international campus,” Mr. Nowack said. 

“I did a study abroad my senior year of high school and it changed my trajectory in life. I am so excited to offer this kind of opportunity to students at Rabun Gap,” Ms. Loring added. “ To help all students access this kind of experience is my goal. This study abroad is not for the few but for all who have a desire to open up and expand their worldview.” 

Part of the trip was spent exploring Rabun Gap’s new global campus and learning about the city of Spoleto. 

“(Spoleto) has transportation throughout the city, a number of cultural landmarks that can be viewed and explored, and the town is designed in such a way that it is very easy to navigate, which is important for all of our students who will be traveling there in the years to come,” Mr. Nowack said. 

“I loved the access that Palazzo Leti had to the high places of Spoleto. We were up on a hill and this allowed for stunning views, quiet times of reflection and relaxation,” said Ms. Loring. “The town is full of such beauty, it was a treat to have Lorenzo Muti guide us and teach us about both the ancient and modern history of his hometown. I also love how safe it feels. It feels like a small village but it is actually a good-sized town, and yet everything is close and easily accessible.” 

In addition to the time at the Spoleto campus, Mr. Nowack and Ms. Loring also toured the Assisi St. Francis Cathedral in Assisi,  Fountains of Tivoli in Tivoli, Tuscany, Siena, Pienza, and Mozart Vineyard.
 
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.