Feb. 16, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Schechter
International Education and Programs
(805) 756-5964
mschecht@calpoly.edu
Cal Poly Study Abroad Students in Torino Working at Winter Olympics
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Four Cal Poly students participating in study-abroad programs this quarter are experiencing Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy, up close -- with three of them working on the games.
Cal
Poly business students Tracy Clarke, Kevin Foley, Katie Grachen
and David Lacampagne are all in Italy attending the University of
Torino as part of their studies in business administration and business
marketing. The campus is two blocks from the Olympic Village and
Media Village area, and all students have a two-week break during
the games to experience the event. Clarke is working for NBC at
the hockey games, Foley is working for the Canadian teams, and Lacampagne
is working as a volunteer driver for U.S. Olympic Committee members.
The students' reports back on the Torino games so far:
Kevin Foley: "The city is getting really crowded. The population has doubled. It seems like every day there is a new building up for the Olympics. Everyone is working really hard. I am going to see Germany vs. the Czech Republic in ice hockey and to the snowboard half-pipe medal ceremony. I live right down town about a block from the medal ceremony and the torch is passing right by my house. I got a job working as a bartender for the Canadian house. The Olympics are changing the city so much. There are so many new people, and so many new buildings and attractions. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet and check in the U.S. ski teams, bobsled teams, and skeleton teams. It was a lot of fun meeting and encouraging our team! I am super excited to go to the events, and watch the U.S. take the gold."
David Lacampagne: "Torino, Italy, has been a very interesting place to be for the past month. First off, it is my home for the next four months, which took some getting used to. Study Abroad through USAC has been a great experience so far, and is something I would recommend that everyone do if they have the chance. Italy is a beautiful place in itself, but also leaves the rest of Europe a train or plane ride away, which has provided for some fun weekends. Torino, as many know, is hosting the Winter Olympic Games. Everyday something in the city changes, whether by addition or subtraction. An additional one million people will be in town for the games, which is having a huge impact on life in Torino. I have had a great opportunity to work with the U.S. Olympic Committee, volunteering as a driver, which has allowed me to transport athletes and USOC members throughout the Olympic venues. The next two weeks will be a very interesting time, as we do not have school. The plan is to mix in the Olympic experience with lots of traveling and relaxing. It has been a great month, and I know that it will only get better over the next four."
For more details on the students, their contact information, or Cal Poly's International Education Programs, contact Monica Schechter, associate director of international education and programs, at mschect@calpoly.edu.
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