Professor Enjoys Sharing Passion for Humanities with Students Studying Abroad

Living in Italy, Lisa Kaborycha, Ph.D., is surrounded by history. She loves to bring history to life through her research and her writing – and, especially, in her teaching.

As a professor at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, she shares her passion with her students, endeavoring to make their study abroad experience even more meaningful. For Dr. Kaborycha, it is also important to ensure her students build critical skills that will help them to excel in the classroom, in their careers, and throughout their lives.

“It’s very fulfilling for me, as a scholar, to teach in-depth courses to my students,” she said. “I can share so much of my own work – my studies and research – and it feeds into my work as well. It’s also great to teach them about Florence.”

‘A high value on art and philosophy’

Dr. Kaborycha, who is from the U.S., moved to Florence more than 15 years ago. Initially, she went to study Florentine manuscripts as part of research she conducted while on a Fulbright Grant. She continued the research, earning her doctorate in medieval and early modern history. She later spent a year on a fellowship at Villa I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies.

A devoted educator, Dr. Kaborycha has taught at several American and Italian colleges and universities. She has enjoyed the connections she has made with her fellow Chargers at the University of New Haven. She has collaborated with Kevin Murphy, Ph.D., the Prato campus dean, to create rich learning experiences for students.

“I love the way the University emphasizes a strong humanities component,” she said. “Having someone with such a strong background in art history as the dean is great. The University puts a high value on art and philosophy, and everyone is very approachable.”

‘A strong will to learn’

An avid archer, Dr. Kaborycha is also the author of several books. She shares her passion for writing with her students, and she endeavors to help them to grow as writers. It is a skill that, she believes, will help them to excel in any field. Committed to her students’ development and education, she challenges them to think critically and to continue to hone their writing skills.

“Writing well is something students can pursue while they’re studying abroad in Italy,” she said. “They get time to work on perfecting their writing. It’s so important to teach students writing early in their college career.”

Dr. Kaborycha is looking forward to continuing to welcome Chargers to Italy. She’s excited to share the country’s rich culture, art, and history with them and to ensure their experience abroad is fulfilling.

“I really like the students I meet who study here,” she said. “They have a clear sense of direction, and they are open to finding out about the world. They have a strong will to learn and to explore all there is to do here.”