By Ian Wesselhoff 

M aggie Creekmore, a junior English major at Georgia College & State University, spent a month of her summer living la bella vita. From June 4 to July 4, she studied abroad in Montepulciano, Italy, exploring the country and trying plenty of gelato along the way. 

Creekmore was one of just 75 students nationwide to earn a 2026 Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant, awarded by the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. 

With a concentration in creative writing, Creekmore is heavily involved in the English department. On top of being a published author, she is a member of the poetry club and Shakespearean Circle at Georgia College, as well as the co-editor in chief at "The Peacock’s Feet." 

Creekmore attended three conferences last year, including the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, and was selected to serve as student vice president of the Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference for this upcoming year. 

After graduating high school, Creekmore visited Rome, which she says she absolutely loved – but she was unsure if she would ever get to go back. When her roommate told her that she was planning to apply to the Montepulciano program, Creekmore took the chance to join her. 

“I love getting new cuisine, seeing the landmarks, learning history and experiencing new living situations,” Creekmore said. “Plus, several professors stressed how great of an experience it would be ever since my first semester, so I figured I’d at least apply.” 

During her month in Italy, Creekmore took trains to numerous cities across the country, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna and Siena, but her home base was a small apartment in Montepulciano. Her class sessions were held in the castle-like Fortezza Medicea, also known as the Medici Fortress. 

“I knew I would, but I’ve really enjoyed my classes,” Creekmore said. “My English class, travel writing, has led me to approach writing in some new and creative ways, and I’ve documented a lot of my trip through the class. Plus, I talked a lot with the professor outside of class, and she has directed me towards some more journals to submit for and opportunities to consider once I’m home.” 

The learning experiences on the trip extended far beyond just her studies – from a pasta-making class to a wine tasting and countless tours, museums and cathedrals explored. 

“I’ve found a lot of independence with booking my own trains and hostel stays and learning to use my voice more, which was really throwing myself in the deep end, what with the language barrier,” Creekmore said. “I tend to hold myself back a lot, but in Italy that’s never really an option. When traveling abroad, it’s either speak up or you’re screwed.” 

Creekmore collected magnets from every new location she visited. She says that cooking and taking things slow around town were two of her favorite parts of the trip. 

“Me and my roommate just liked getting gelato and meandering through whatever town we found ourselves in, checking out little hole-in-the-wall shops, historic sites and eating street food in random piazzas,” Creekmore said. “I also got an unexpected kick out of the outdoor markets. I bought a lot of jewelry that way!”

Header Images: While based in Montepulciano for her study abroad program, Maggie Creekmore visited Pienza (gelato photo), Bologna (museum courtyard) and Milan (duomo). (Photos: Maggie Creekmore)