MBS Students Learn 91福利 Tourism and Hospitality in Italy
In May, 20 students from the Maine Business School (MBS) traveled to the Amalfi Coast of Italy for an unforgettable travel study experience focused on tourism and hospitality. Led by Executive Dean Dr. Jason Harkins, the course brought classroom concepts to life through hands-on learning in one of the world鈥檚 most iconic travel destinations.
鈥淭ravel study experiences are some of the most powerful learning opportunities we offer our students,鈥 says Dr. Harkins. 鈥淲hen you step outside the classroom and into a place like Italy, concepts become real. Business, culture, and history all come alive in ways that simply can鈥檛 be replicated on campus. These trips challenge students to think differently, adapt quickly, and engage with the world around them. After leading several of these trips, I鈥檝e seen firsthand how transformative they can be, both academically and personally.鈥
The itinerary, developed in partnership with CIS Abroad and in Sorrento, struck a thoughtful balance between academic learning and cultural immersion. Throughout the week, students attended lectures on tourism, economics, and food marketing, and participated in a cooking class, service learning, and guided tours of Naples and Pompeii.
Tourism Industry Research
Before departing Maine, students spent the spring semester building a strong foundation through industry research. Each student team focused on a specific sector鈥攈ospitality, food and dining, wellness tourism, small craft producers, curated tours and experiences, and craft beverages鈥攃omparing the Campania region of Italy with Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.
Students also engaged directly with Maine tourism leaders, including Chiara Moriconi from the , Cecil Gardner from the , and Everal Eaton of the . These conversations helped students better understand how tourism operates locally before analyzing it in a global context.
Each group presented its findings to peers prior to departure, creating a shared knowledge base that enriched the experience abroad.
Brendan Matos from Oxford, CT, learned about wellness tourism for this class. 鈥淚 never really thought about the reasons behind people’s travel choices before,” he says. “The research we conducted before the trip made our trip to Italy so much better because we already had a sense of what we’d experience.”
As part of the course, students were required to keep a reflection journal throughout their time in Italy, reflecting on what they learned and how they think about the differences between Italy and Maine.
鈥淭he experience journal is a critical part of the learning process on a travel study course,鈥 Dr. Harkins says. “It pushes students to slow down and reflect in real time, capturing not just what they saw, but what it meant and how it connects to what they鈥檙e learning academically. That daily reflection helps turn experiences into lasting knowledge.鈥
Viva Italia
For some students, the trip marked their first time traveling abroad鈥攁dding an extra layer of excitement and discovery.
鈥淲hen I first heard of a trip to Italy, I was determined to go,” says Mia Voisine from Fort Kent, ME. 鈥淔or the longest time, I’ve wanted to go abroad to learn and to explore, and MBS gave us that opportunity to see the world.鈥
The experience began with an orientation at the Sant鈥橝nna Institute, followed by a hands-on gelato-making class, an early introduction to Italy鈥檚 rich culinary traditions. On day two, students attended a guest lecture by Dr. Sarah Brown on sustainable tourism in the Campania region, then visited three local hotels to explore different hospitality styles and operations in Sorrento.
鈥淒uring the three hotel visits, I learned how a different perspective can determine the value you see,鈥 Voisine says. 鈥淭he way they are unique in their own ways, rather than trying to be similar to each other, is why these hotels can thrive.鈥
Day three centered on service learning with Caritas Italiana in Naples. Students worked together to prepare a meal for the local community, gaining insight into social responsibility and community-based support systems. In the afternoon, they explored Naples on a guided walking tour, visiting some of the city鈥檚 most famous sites.
Later in the week, students attended a lecture by Dr. Davide De Gennaro on Italy鈥檚 current economic landscape and trends. They then participated in a guided food tour, learning about the production of mozzarella and limoncello while sampling local specialties. Visits to traditional artisan workshops offered a closer look at Sorrento鈥檚 craftsmanship and long-standing production techniques.
Mia Voisine focused on experiential tours for the class. 鈥淏efore we left for Italy, I learned how impactful tours are to Italy鈥檚 economy,鈥 she says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not just for tourists to learn the best places to eat or where to shop. These tours provide visitors with an impactful learning experience about Italian culture. Tours are also integral to the locals, as they help provide for their families. So much of Italy’s economy comes from tourism, and we saw that firsthand throughout the week.鈥
Over the weekend, students traveled along the Amalfi Coast, visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The group also toured Pompeii, gaining historical context that deepened their understanding of the region鈥檚 cultural significance.
The program concluded with a final guest lecture from Dr. Ivana Di Leva on food marketing and tourism in Campania. Students explored how culinary identity shapes regional branding and visitor experiences, then participated in a cooking class and a farewell dinner featuring traditional Italian dishes.
鈥淚 loved the cooking class because it was so hands-on and interactive!鈥 Voisine says. Matos agreed. 鈥淚t was a new experience for me because I had never made fresh pasta from scratch before. I learned how much work goes into making traditional Italian food and how important fresh, local ingredients are.鈥
Through a combination of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and hands-on experiences, the Italy travel study offered students a deeper understanding of global tourism and hospitality. Just as importantly, it created lasting memories, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of connection among the group, hallmarks of the Maine Business School experience.
鈥淪ome of my favorite memories and friendships came from this trip,鈥 Voisine says. 鈥淚 learned so much about myself while also learning about a different culture and way of life.鈥