Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Minor: Mathematics, Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics
Hometown: Media, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Fall 2022
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
Studying abroad in Rome, I lived like the Romans do. I attended courses with other American students four days per week to study locally relevant topics. I adapted to Italian life, learning how to enjoy little details, slow down, and live with more passion. The program included numerous socially engaging events, building a unique culture within the student population that fostered strong bonds. The experience was the time of my life.
How did this experience impact you academically?
Academically, I strengthened my passion for art history, diving deep into local art. With an incredible collection of public art around the city, as well as magnificent museums, my art history course scheduled weekly excursions to view the art we were studying. This hands-on style extended to all my courses; Italian language improved my daily communication with locals and international trade helped me understand exchange rates of the different currency that Europe uses. The relevant, useful, and accessible material improved my learning.
"Living in Europe for almost four months has influenced my desire to return there and travel to more of the world."
How will this experience impact your career goals?
Living in Europe for almost four months has influenced my desire to return there and travel to more of the world. Finding a career that includes travel or seasonal off-time now intrigues me. My priorities have shifted to target this experience-based approach that certain careers offer.
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.)?
My major advisor, as well as the Career Enrichment Network coaches, helped tremendously in finding a program that fit my academic plan and my location preferences. Enrichment funds from the college of Liberal Arts were also a key piece in making the experience happen. Since the program included additional costs like plane tickets not usually included in my college experience, the funding brought the cost back to standard semester levels. I am grateful that it was possible to utilize funding to lower these additional costs associated with living abroad.
How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?
The Paterno Fellows Program, in addition to the college of Liberal Arts, provided additional funding that made the study abroad experience possible.