Each program admits a limited number of students per year. Students pay St. Andrews tuition, room and board, plus a surcharge that varies with each program and includes round trip transportation, some in-country travel, and more. In all, the programs are extremely affordable.
“The Brunnenburg program is a life-changing experience.”
– Dr. Ted Wojtasik
St. Andrews has offered a full fall semester at Brunnenburg Castle since 1983. Courses at the castle are taught by two professors who live at the castle. One of the professors is an anthropologist and the other is a philosopher. The St. Andrews faculty member who accompanies the students teaches in his or her discipline.
Brunnenburg is a castle constructed around 1250 in Northern Italy. In the mid-20th century, the castle was restored by Mary de Rachewiltz, the daughter of Ezra Pound, and her husband Boris. In 1958 Pound stayed in the castle writing the last six of his 116 “Cantos” of The Cantos. Presently the castle houses The Ezra Pound Center for Literature and is the home to the de Rachewiltz family. Students who are admitted into the semester-long program have the opportunity to study abroad at the castle. They are also encouraged to spend time exploring and experiencing the culture of the surrounding areas.
Assistant Professor in English and Creative Writing Ted Wojtasik has made the trip several times in the past decade. His essay on one of the experiences on the trip was published by the 234 online journal.
Each program admits a limited number of students per year. Students pay St. Andrews tuition, room and board, plus a surcharge that varies with each program and includes round trip transportation, some in-country travel, and more. In all, the programs are extremely affordable.
"Just think, at Brunnenberg we studied Ezra Pound’s poetry in his own library – with his own daughter, a princess. From the castle windows I could look across the mountains toward Austria – it was magnificent. I’ll never forget our first assignment in India. We all still had jet lag – and Neal said, “Go find the mosque, buy an orange, and meet me back at the hotel.” Not only did this experience allow me to work with and learn about incredible animals, but it also broadened my worldview. I would encourage anyone interested not only in wildlife, but also in learning about another culture, to definitely go. It is an experience I will always remember and cherish!”
“The trip to South Africa with Dr. Kellam is a once in a lifetime experience. While there, we were able to gain first-hand experience with a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from large animals such as cape buffalo, rhino, and kudu, to smaller animals such as bush babies and even a squirrel. We worked directly with Dr. Kellam as well as several veterinarians practicing in South Africa to assist in a wide range of medical procedures. My favorite experience was assisting with the relocation of around 40 cape buffalo cows and their calves. We learned about the process of relocating wild animals and the steps they go through to ensure each animal is healthy and ready for transport. I also really enjoyed the mass capture and relocation of impala we were able to participate in. While I was definitely drawn to this experience because of the opportunity to work with wildlife, I was also excited to learn about a different culture. Immersion in the South African culture begins immediately once you are in the country. To start off, we ventured through Johannesburg and learned about the country’s history through visiting various historical sites in the city. Throughout the trip, we were able to interact with locals at each location, allowing us to gain first-hand knowledge of the similarities and differences between growing up in America and South Africa.”
Check out the African Wildlife Vets Facebook page.
For more information, please contact Dr. Laura Kellam at [email protected]
Gifts made to the study abroad program go into a private fund designated for travel and expenses.
The Class of 1993 Achievement Scholarship for International Study helped fund the trip for 2024. Special thanks to Ellen Whitney and her classmates for making this possible!
You can create something ongoing like the Class of 1993 or give as a one time gift!
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