On Wednesday, Jan 31, SVSU’s Study Abroad Office put on “A Night in Italy”—a chance for students interested in studying abroad to get a feel for what it would be like to do so in Italy.
The office will also host three other Passport Events throughout the semester, giving students information on opportunities to study in France, Japan, Spain, and Mexico.
At “A Night in Italy”, the Study Abroad Office raffled off travel gear, put on games and crafts, and offered Italian food to students in attendance. The rest of the Passport Events will follow suit.
Kal Spencer, SVSU’s Study Abroad Coordinator organized these events.
“We picked five destinations that are popular with SVSU students so we could offer more in-depth information about programs in those countries,” they said. “Bringing in food, music, art, and activities from those places gives students a taste of cross-cultural engagement. It’s also a great vehicle for giving away scholarships.”
Spencer responded to the ever present question, Why study abroad?
“[It] will push you outside of your comfort zone, and that’s where you’ll learn new things about yourself and the world,” Spencer said. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on your own culture, gain a global perspective, and meet people who could play an important role in your life. It’s also very fun.”
Scholarships are vital to an economical college experience. One $1,000 scholarship will be given to an attendee at each event. There will also be a punch card system, so students who attend every event will be entered into a drawing to receive a $1,500 scholarship to offset the costs of studying overseas.
While all majors are welcome to study abroad given the opportunity, Spencer encourages art and design students to look into Italy specifically.
“We will be highlighting Accademia Italiana in Florence which is predominantly an art school with lots of interesting design classes,” they said.
Several SVSU students will be headed to Italy very soon. Two nursing students will be doing a pre-health shadowing experience in Saronno in June, while two other students will be visiting Sorrento in May.
Spencer encourages students to look into the faculty-led trip to Rome, Florence, and Venice this spring; this will be a political science course studying food security. The deadline to apply is February 15.
There is an experience for everyone abroad, and there are so many scholarships available to help make it happen. Regardless of major or class standing, check out the Passport Events or meet with a study abroad advisor to find what option best suits you.
