Business in Europe and International Marketing Service Learning Trip
Last week, the Business in Europe and International Marketing students ventured to Gualdo Tadino and Città di Castello. These two charming Umbrian towns are known for their artisan products including traditionally-made ceramics and furniture. Students interviewed the artisans in their workshops and learned everything from how paints are mixed as they were in the 1500’s, to how kiln firing secrets are passed down from generation to generation and sustainability efforts being made to preserve the wood supply in Italy.
Several workshops and a furniture exposition later, students now have the task of assisting the regional Umbrian government in uniting Umbrian artisans under a brand called ‘Umbria Artigianato’. With this brand, the local government hopes to strengthen and promote the local artisan industries both in Italy and abroad. This collaboration brings to life a real case study- helping preserve Umbrian artisan industries by ensuring their growth and success locally and internationally. This service learning project, which combines community work with classroom theory, will continue in the coming semesters at Umbra. Stay tuned!