Liberal Arts Major(s): Russian
Other Major: Finance
Hometown: Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

Living in such close proximity to other countries! After class, I would explore Paris as much as possible, and on the weekends I traveled to different cities such as Versailles, Giverny, Fontainebleau, Brussels, Milan, Venice, Rome, Rhodes, Athens, Berlin, and Geneva!

I am more interested than ever in pursuing a career on an international scale after studying abroad.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This particular program exposed me to different aspects of the world economy and emerging markets. I learned a lot more about diplomacy and trade within Europe as well. This experience was also a nice change of pace from my usual business and Russian classes here at Penn State. I got to study French, art history, and economics!

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I am more interested than ever in pursuing a career on an international scale after studying abroad. Living in a different country gave me so many opportunities to learn about different cultures and meet people with very different backgrounds and perspectives.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try something that had nothing to do with my majors (Russian and Finance). I am so grateful for this experience because not only did I learn a lot throughout my semester abroad, but I also developed new friendships that will last a lifetime!