17/07/2026
What happens when Oklahoma's most iconic highway meets the creativity of students studying in the heart of Italy?
This summer, students from the Ga***rd College at the University of Oklahoma joined us at OUA for an experience that went far beyond the classroom. While immersed in Italian culture, history, and communities, they explored how a global perspective can inspire fresh ideas for local impact.
Their challenge? Developing research and communication strategies to help promote Oklahoma's Route 66—the longest drivable stretch of the legendary Mother Road—as it approaches its centennial celebration in 2026.
Living and learning abroad gave these students the opportunity to see storytelling, tourism, and place branding through a new lens. By engaging with a different culture, collaborating across disciplines, and stepping outside their comfort zones, they discovered that some of the best ideas come from experiencing the world beyond home.
At OUA, we believe that international education isn't just about where you study—it's about how those experiences shape the way you think, create, and lead. We're proud to have been part of their journey and can't wait to see the impact they'll make back in Oklahoma.
From Italy to Route 66, every journey begins with a story!
***rdCollege
