Liberal Arts Major: Psychology
Hometown: Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Spring 2022

Give us a brief summary of your experience?

I traveled to Rome, Italy to study in the IES program for the Spring semester of 2022. I arrived at the end of January and I am currently a little over halfway through my program! I have been able to take interesting courses, including an intro to the Italian language course which has allowed me to learn the language and adjust to life here in Rome. I have visited numerous culturally significant sites such as museums and historical ruins, both individually and with my classes. I have also been lucky enough to travel to other European countries, such as France, Spain, and Portugal!

How did this experience impact you academically?

I have taken several interesting courses this semester. One of these is my cross-cultural psychology class. This has allowed me to learn about subjects within my major in an entirely new perspective. I have developed my global awareness, both in the field of psychology and in my daily life! I have also been able to pursue my personal interests. For example, I am taking a class on the city of Pompeii and will visit the area at the end of the program! I have grown in my appreciation for art and history while also learning more about my major.

"Through this program, I have developed my global awareness both in the field of psychology and in my daily life!"

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will impact my career goals, as I have developed tremendously as an individual. I have become much more independent as well as more culturally aware. I will be able to apply this independence and ability to adapt to new situations in my future career. I will be more empowered to step out of my comfort zone as well. Also, having a strong global awareness and cultural sensitivity is very important in my field of business psychology. I have also become much more interested in global and cultural issues, so I hope to integrate this in my future career.

How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?

The College of the Liberal Arts has helped me to succeed in this experience through enrichment funding. I have been able to make the most out of this experience with this financial support by putting the funds towards cultural experiences such as tickets to museums, sites, and other experiences. I have also been able to use these funds to gain a deeper understanding of my experiences, through the purchase of textbooks and other educational materials.

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

The Paterno Fellows Program has emphasized the importance of building a global perspective which motivated me to make the decision to study abroad. I was also able to utilize resources, such as advising, in the process of applying to the program.