We recently caught up with Jess Strong, a second-year student currently studying Geography BA(Hons), to hear more about her recent experience attending a field trip to Sicily.
Why study Geography at Brighton?
“Throughout secondary education, geography was always my favourite subject – being something I found consistently fascinating – and knowing the real-life changes I could make in the world, especially in sustainability and development, made me keen to pursue geography into higher education and my future career.
“The moment I attended an open day at the University of Brighton I immediately knew that this was the place for me. I found the modules and teaching style to be something that really suited my own style of learning and interests, and the physical environment of the university and Brighton itself felt so comfortable to me.
“Choosing to study Geography at the University of Brighton wasn’t just a decision about education; it was a choice about where I wanted to grow, both personally and professionally.”
Academic support that goes beyond the classroom
“From day one, the course team have gone above and beyond to provide immense amounts of assignment support and preparation, ensuring that we really understand how to approach work confidently. The feedback I receive is genuinely constructive and focused on how to keep improving. Rather than just pointing out what could be better, staff take the time to guide us through how to elevate our work, helping to build skills that will stay with us well beyond university.
“What makes the course team truly special is that their support isn’t limited to academic work. They’re genuinely invested in our personal development too- whether it’s encouraging new ideas, helping us seek out opportunities, or backing any ventures we want to pursue, they create an environment where we’re not only growing as students but as people.”
Preparing for Sicily: Bridging theory and reality
“Before going to Sicily, I spent time preparing by researching Sicily’s history, patterns of development, and how these forces have particularly shaped the eastern region (the focus of our field trip). Gaining this knowledge really helped me bridge the gap between theory and real-world experience, and as I explored different sites during the trip, I was constantly making connections between what I had studied and what I was actually seeing, noticing where my expectations were challenged.
“Understanding the cultural context of Sicily also helped me approach the trip with an open mind and sensitivity. Being aware of Sicily’s unique identity meant I could engage with the environment and the communities we encountered respectfully and thoughtfully, which made the whole experience so much more enriching.
“One moment where this preparation really came to life was during our visit to Taormina. Walking through the town, it became clear how tourism has significantly shaped both its physical landscape and cultural presentation. When investigating the tourist gaze, it was fascinating to see how the town had been designed to cater to visitors’ expectations, and how I was also drawn to curated elements.”
Mount Etna: A moment I’ll never forget
“One of the most memorable experiences of the Sicily field trip was climbing Mount Etna on our first full day in Sicily. I knew about Mount Etna’s cultural and historical importance to Sicily but seeing it up close and physically walking across landscapes shaped by centuries of lava flows was something completely surreal.
“It’s an experience that’s truly hard to compare to anything else, and climbing an active volcano was something I never imagined I would, or even could, do.”
Lessons from the land: culture, resilience, and identity
“Throughout the field trip, my learning was deeply shaped by seeing how Sicilian society has adapted to the challenges and opportunities posed by the landscape, particularly around Mount Etna. It was fascinating to observe how historical settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and even cultural identity have all been influenced by the volcanic environment. Rather than viewing Etna as a threat to be avoided, local communities see it as a powerful, maternal figure who provides for local communities through volcanic soils, supporting rich agricultural practices.
“The connection between the people and the land felt deeply rooted and resilient, which was extremely prevalent in Catania, where marketplaces, selling locally grown produce, celebrated Mount Etna as a key part of Sicily’s heritage. This was really significant to me in understanding how landscapes play such a huge role in shaping culture and identity.”
A glimpse into the future
“The Sicily field trip really helped me develop a keen interest in understanding environmental impacts – not just from a physical perspective, but also by considering the broader socio-economic factors that influence environmental conditions. I became increasingly aware of how spaces evolve over time, and how natural landscapes are crucial in shaping identity and meaning, making me understand how important it is to look at the full picture when working with the environment.
“I’m passionate about pursuing a career in sustainable development, and this experience reinforced just how important it is to think holistically. Development isn’t just about building new infrastructure, but understanding the complexities involved – and how to ensure that development benefits both the environment and the people living within it.
“Being able to conduct comprehensive research and impact assessments that incorporate every aspect of life will be a key part of my future career, and this experience in the field has truly supported me in knowing what is important and why.”
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