Ciao, Italia!
The USC Davis School of Gerontology's first study abroad program, a nutrition and lifestyle course in Genoa, Italy spearheaded by Valter Longo, Ph.D., is a delicious success.
By Jonathan Riggs
Photo Credit: Carin Wong |
The Italian countryside is a gorgeous backdrop for any Americans abroad, but it also proved to be a fascinating classroom for a group of USC students who signed up for the USC Davis School of Gerontology’s first-ever study abroad program.
Created and taught by Valter Longo, Ph.D., the program focused on the relationship between healthy aging and diet and lifestyle choices, set against the inimitable countryside and culture of his hometown: Genoa, Italy.
“I chose Genoa for two main reasons: the Mediterranean diet based on plant-based food and fish is still one of the very best to optimize health span,” Longo said, “and Genoa has one of the very highest over-65 populations in the world.”
His hometown connections also allowed him to offer students a global perspective on aging, courtesy of guest speakers and resources at the
| While in Genoa, Dr. Longo was interviewed about his class by Primocanale.
Watch Clip (Clip in Italian) |
University of Genoa medical school and San Martino Hospital, with a heavy focus on genetics and cutting-edge uses of technology to predict the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
“I’m on the social science track, and I wanted to take this class to get the biological perspective on gerontology,” said sophomore Carin Wong. “The experience was definitely once in a lifetime: beneficial educationally, socially and culturally.”
“Dr. Longo has been conducting breakthrough research on nutrition and aging at USC, so I jumped at the chance to gain exposure to his expertise, both culturally and academically,” said grad student Elaine Martini. “We would laugh at the irony: one minute in class we were learning about the benefits of caloric restriction, and the next minute, we were biting into the best pesto gnocchi in the world!”
Although food was a key factor in the course, students found plenty of topics other than pasta to keep them occupied: discussing differences in European and American healthcare systems, analyzing the cultural attitudes towards longevity and, of course, exploring the country itself.
“We learned a lot in class and experienced a whole different lifestyle out of class,” Wong said. “Through the cultural immersion, we were able to see firsthand everything we learned.”
“I was able to apply it to my life immediately,” said sophomore Kyrsti Harris. “I had a truly amazing experience.”
The combination of fascinating subject matter, a world-class professor and the immortal charms of “The Old Country” ensured that the course left its mark on the students...and guaranteed that the program will be a hot ticket for next summer.
“Going abroad allows you to see how your field and academic focus are applicable on a global scale,” Martini said. “Plus, Italy is breathtakingly beautiful and so much fun. If you can, absolutely attend this program!” |
