The University’s International Programs Office hosted a Study Abroad ‘Welcome Back’ reception Feb. 20 for participants of the study abroad program to share their experiences and how it has changed their outlook on the world.
Last fall, WSU students studied in Hawaii and abroad in Italy, New Zealand, England, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. Some took short-term courses in Italy and Costa Rica during winter session.
Cynthia Siegler, director of international programs, and Study Abroad Coordinator Robert O’Neill led the program. Students from the Communication Department’s “Inspiration of Place: Food, Symbols & Saints” winter session course in Florence presented. Their topics ranged from food, art, cooking, wine, and vinegar, to saints, symbolism, culture, and communication.
In addition to fun and excitement, studying abroad is a life-changing experience that helps Westfield students grow academically and personally.
“Students have the opportunity to travel to many countries around the world to earn academic credit,” said Siegler. “Students who spend time abroad, either on a short-term or semester-long basis, return exhilarated by the experience. They bring fresh perspectives to the Westfield campus and are more confident about living in today’s world.”
In an increasingly globalized world, studying abroad can expand a student’s career prospects. It’s seen as essential, as new technologies have led to the international integration of national markets and businesses. To successfully compete in the global marketplace, multinational and small businesses need employees with cross-cultural competencies and knowledge of foreign languages. By studying abroad, students gain the skills employers need.
The following Westfield State students studied abroad during the fall 2019 semester:
Isabella Aristizabal, Joseph Barmashi, Emily Bertolaccini, Rayan Beturne, Ashling Devaney, John Laurenti, Rieghan O’Connor, and Anna Szczebak studied abroad in Italy.
John Casey studied in New Zealand.
Emma Conlin, Jacqueline Devereaux, Maggie Kane, and Lucas Spearing studied abroad in England.
Wyatt Telega Kendrick studied in Japan.
Matthew Landry studied in Germany.
Alyssa Mathieson studied in South Korea.
Andrea Gotta was part of the national student exchange and studied in Hawaii.
The following students studied abroad during winter session 2020:
Georgette Aucion, Paul Butts, Colby Cameron, Tyler Carruthers, Christine Clark, Sabrina Condrate, Cora Danziger, Joshua Delaney, Desmond Heffner, Scott Howe, Christopher McLaughlin, Elizabeth Sears, and Mariah Winterle studied in Florence, Italy.
Daizha Baptiste-Johnson, Katrina Bingham-Mass, Erica Burton, Scott Carcanague, Kashlyn Carrigan, John Collins, Dean Conrad, Natalie Diesz, Sean Goslin, Pinciaro Gillian, Ally Rosenhein, Zoe Rottersman, Maninder Singh, Noah Tyler, and Rebecca Weisman studied in Costa Rica.