Where do I begin with my Italian battlefield tour? Overall it was an amazing cultural experience that I would repeat if I could. My professors are amazing who love what they do, which is evident when they teach. Sure the Italian views are outstanding, but even when Lee or Cindy taught I was captivated by their energy. There were so many moments on that trip that I will never forget. One in particular tends to stick out...
When you’re on a battlefield tour there are inevitable moments of mourning. Which I have come to appreciate, as it has given me such a different outlook on the military and what they do for our country. On one of the last few days of the trip we ended up on Monte Sole. A mountain where there was a mass murder of Italians by German troops. I remember going to the ruins of the village and we questioned the role of the Germans. We discussed if their actions could ever be justified given the horrors they inflected, yet also received while being in the German forces. The passion that we all had while speaking was enlightening. This has made me think twice about judging someone’s actions in such volatile situations.
Such a devastating story, yet the mountain is now converted into a peace school. The amount of hope I had that day was remarkable. It was like, despite the sadness that the war had caused there was still faith in humanity. Monte Sole is such a calming, beautiful place that I will never forget. Climbing the whole mountain made us feel so accomplished. After our descent we went for dinner with our amazing host. Before we left we stood out in the grass field and did our daily end of the day chat. I remember the sun setting and feeling nothing but peace.
Chantal Rich-Joncas, 2014 Italy study tour participant
About Chantal: Ever since I was a child I knew traveling is an essential part of my being. My first two travel studies were during my Bachelor of Arts. Travel studies are the perfect way of getting credit and exploring the world in a safe and comfortable way. At the end of my first year (2012) I went to Poitiers and Paris, France with UNB. Which was great because my major was French. Fast forward to my third year (2014)... I was thrilled when I realized that I could complete my History minor in Italy, on yet another travel study. I didn’t know if I could swing another trip abroad in such a short time, but with the help of the Travel Bursary most of my expenses were covered. Right now I am completing my Bachelor of Education at UNB. Interestingly enough I am in Beijing, China as I write this! The BEd program allows some students to go overseas for their advanced practicum. I am extremely grateful that my university encourages and helps nourish my love for traveling. For the upcoming school year I will be moving to Nice, France as a Teaching Assistant. I without a doubt believe that my trips through UNB played an integral role in getting that position.
Such a devastating story, yet the mountain is now converted into a peace school. The amount of hope I had that day was remarkable. It was like, despite the sadness that the war had caused there was still faith in humanity. Monte Sole is such a calming, beautiful place that I will never forget. Climbing the whole mountain made us feel so accomplished. After our descent we went for dinner with our amazing host. Before we left we stood out in the grass field and did our daily end of the day chat. I remember the sun setting and feeling nothing but peace.
Chantal Rich-Joncas, 2014 Italy study tour participant
About Chantal: Ever since I was a child I knew traveling is an essential part of my being. My first two travel studies were during my Bachelor of Arts. Travel studies are the perfect way of getting credit and exploring the world in a safe and comfortable way. At the end of my first year (2012) I went to Poitiers and Paris, France with UNB. Which was great because my major was French. Fast forward to my third year (2014)... I was thrilled when I realized that I could complete my History minor in Italy, on yet another travel study. I didn’t know if I could swing another trip abroad in such a short time, but with the help of the Travel Bursary most of my expenses were covered. Right now I am completing my Bachelor of Education at UNB. Interestingly enough I am in Beijing, China as I write this! The BEd program allows some students to go overseas for their advanced practicum. I am extremely grateful that my university encourages and helps nourish my love for traveling. For the upcoming school year I will be moving to Nice, France as a Teaching Assistant. I without a doubt believe that my trips through UNB played an integral role in getting that position.