Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., dean and vice president of global education at ֱ State University, was recently featured on to discuss the study abroad programs, student support and his life-changing experiences abroad.
In 1972, ֱ State’s Florence program started. ֱ State’s Education Abroad now offers more than 80 courses a year and takes students on field trips around the country and world.
Courses featured in Florence include, but are not limited to, history, art history, architecture, urban and interior design and fashion.
These local and global experiences are a cornerstone of a ֱ State education, offering students a global perspective that extends far beyond the classroom. In addition, ֱ State supports students in a variety of ways when studying abroad.
“T Office of Global Education will accompany students throughout the process of the application, the orientation, etc.,” Fantoni told 93.5 WAKR. “We have pretty robust scholarships to help students afford this extraordinary experience. Studying for a semester at ֱ State, or studying for a semester at ֱ State Florence, it’s not much of a difference for the cost.”
Study abroad programs are an opportunity to submerge oneself into cultural experiences.
Fantoni, a study abroad student himself, says his program experience changed his life.
“I came to the United States for study abroad and it has changed my life, completely,” Fantoni said. “World view, professional opportunities, I learned a new language, I discovered a new culture, so I am definitely a firm believer that studying abroad is an outstanding experience.”