OU in Arezzo

OU in Arezzo (OUA) is the University of Oklahoma’s Italian Study Center in Arezzo, Tuscany. It offers OU undergraduate students the opportunity to study abroad while earning OU academic credit, to engage with Italian culture, and to grow personally and academically in an international setting. Community outreach and on-site engagement programs aim to enhance students' personal development, foster well-being while abroad, and promote cultural competence through meaningful interactions with the local community.

OUA has a long tradition of community outreach and service projects, designed to benefit both students and the Arezzo community. 

Past events include:

• The Big Event - OU's annual service day in April takes place at OUA too! OUA students combine efforts with local Italian students (e.g., from the University of Siena in Arezzo and local high schools) and community volunteers. In the past, projects have included refurbishing community spaces, sprucing up park spaces, creating street art and murals, and repairing and repainting community centers. 

• The Little Event - This is an OUA exclusive event and only takes place during the fall semester! For over 5 years now, the small-scale service projects have included food drives, donation collections, and beautification projects.

• English language outreach projects - An ongoing engagement project that connects OUA students with their neighbors and students in local schools. Students and staff read short stories with residents at a nearby retirement home or engage in simple conversations in English with middle school students at their school. These exchanges enhance language and cultural competency and foster social interactions among participants.

• Fun Run & Awareness Events - Student Activities Council (SAC) organized 5K runs to benefit local and international nonprofits and participated in campaigns such as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness and connect students with broader social issues. 

• Fundraiser Events - OUA-led cultural fundraisers bring local residents and students together for a good cause. In 2017, proceeds from a benefit dinner at the Rooney Family Center were donated to a charity supporting Abruzzo earthquake survivors, enhancing students’ leadership and organizational skills. 

These outreach efforts support student personal development, foster community well-being, and strengthen intercultural relations between OUA students and the people of Arezzo.