Muhlenberg athletes are spending the summer of 2026 enjoying fantastic experiences on campus, in their hometowns, across the country, and even around the world.

After helping the Mule softball team to a College-record 36 wins and the program's first regional championship, rising seniors Samantha Fehrenbach and Lillie Teague continued to make memories by traveling to Florence, Italy, for a six-week summer study-abroad program. Here's what they had to say about their experience:

What made you decide to study abroad?
LT: I always knew that I wanted to study abroad even before I started at Muhlenberg. I have always loved traveling and wanted to see what it would be like to learn in a different country. I also have many friends who have studied abroad, whether it be a full semester or a summer program, and they have absolutely loved it. The summer program was a great option for me to do something that I have always wanted to do but also not have to miss a full semester of school and softball!

SF: I have many friends who studied abroad in Florence and absolutely loved it, so that definitely made me want to visit Italy more. 

What has been your favorite part about studying abroad?
SF: My favorite part of studying abroad is just waking up and exploring a different part of the world every day. I have made incredible friends, lifelong memories here, and will forever be grateful for this opportunity. I love learning more about Italian culture as well as trying authentic foods. I've also really enjoyed the freedom and independence that comes with studying abroad. Florence is a very walkable city, so I get to discover new things every day. 

LT: Being in a new environment full of new people has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Being able to travel with new friends and see some of the most beautiful cities in Italy and surrounding countries has been so fulfilling. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying abroad?
LT: Do it! It is the most incredible experience, teaches you so much, and is so much fun. It is so cool to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn to be independent, and build a new community in a place so far from home. It has genuinely been such an incredible experience, and I think that everybody who has the opportunity to take part in it definitely should. 

SF: Be extremely open-minded about everything! And say yes to every opportunity your program gives you. This is an incredible experience that teaches you so much about yourself.

What class are you taking?
Both: We are taking a class called Food, Wine, and Culture in Italy. We learn about specific foods and wines from different regions all over Italy and how they connect to Italian history as well as their significance in Italian culture. We also do food and wine tastings often, which is very fun!

What has been the favorite place you've visited?
SF: My favorite place we've visited was Cinque Terre. Lillie and I went on a day trip and got to spend a few hours by the beach and then walk around the cute towns surrounding it. I loved that the beach had super clear water and lots of fish swimming around. The architecture of the buildings was breathtaking and was nothing like what I've seen before. 

LT: My favorite place so far is Capri. We spent a day in Capri when we took a weekend trip to the Amalfi Coast. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. While we were there, we took a gondola up to the highest point of the island and got to see the most unbelievable view. We also took a boat excursion and got to swim around the caves. It was so cool. 

What else has made this experience memorable?
Both: One of the coolest parts of being here has been meeting people from all different backgrounds. It is so cool when someone asks what school we go to and asks us questions about the student-athlete lifestyle and what it is like to play D3 sports. It is equally as awesome to learn about where everyone else is from and what the culture is like there! We have roommates from Utah, Tennessee, and Alabama, and it is so neat to learn from them as well as teach them about our lifestyle back at home. 

Doing something interesting this summer? Fill out this form to be included in our Summer Check-In series!