Anthony’s Study Abroad Journey: From Italy to Ireland
Students at Towson University have a wide range of international study abroad and domestic study away programs to choose from, and it can seem hard to pick just one. Luckily, you don’t have to! At Towson University, there is no limit on how many times students can study abroad or away. In fact, it is not uncommon for participants to be “frequent flyers” during their time at TU.
One such student is Anthony Saporito, a senior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Italian. During his time at Towson, Anthony has studied abroad on three different faculty-led programs:
- The Pursuit of Happiness: A Cultural Comparison of the US and Italy – Rome and Florence, Summer 2022
- Italian Language and Culture in Venice – Venice, Minimester 2023
- Communication and Culture: Storytelling as Advocacy in Ireland – Dublin, Donegal, and Belfast, Minimester 2024
Anthony was first drawn to Italy due to his cultural background and the goal of improving his Italian language skills. There he explored historic cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice.
“Drawn to my Italian heritage, I ventured to Italy, a land that beckoned with the promise of cultural familiarity and perfecting my language skills. The Italian language, which I had studied since middle school, guided me through the vibrant streets of Rome, Florence, and the canals of Venice. Each city offered unique learning experiences, from understanding Italy’s relaxed lifestyle to enhancing my linguistic prowess.”
After returning from Italy, Anthony decided to study abroad for a third time. Accompanied by old friends, and making new ones along the way, he ventured to Ireland.
“The allure of storytelling then took me to Ireland, where stories are an integral part of the culture.”
Many students believe that when they study abroad, they must do a program that is related to their major. Anthony is proof that students can explore multiple fields of study while abroad, without delaying their graduation. He completed courses in Psychology, Italian, and Communication Studies, despite being a Computer Science major. Students can receive credit for classes fulfilling core requirements, major requirements, minor requirements, or receive elective credits, including internships! Students need at least 120 credit hours for graduation, and studying abroad or away is a chance for every major to earn credit towards that requirement.
However, studying abroad provides non-academic benefits to students as well. It provides an opportunity to become immersed in a new culture, learn the history of a new country, and build friendships. Additionally, studying abroad can have profound effects on one’s confidence and perspective on life.
“With each program, I not only deepened my knowledge of other countries but also forged lasting friendships, savored different styles of cuisines, and discovered monumental wonders. I chose to study abroad multiple times due to the amazing programs and the wonderful individuals that would assist us with anything that we may have needed. These journeys that I took with friends, both old and new, instilled in me a newfound confidence and the courage to embrace the unknown, forever transforming my perspective on travel and self-discovery.”
If Anthony’s story inspires you, join us at a Group Advising session to begin planning your own journey! If you’re interested in having a similar enriching experience, the minimester programs for 2025 are now running. Check out more information and apply on Horizons for programs such as TU Italian Language and Culture in Venice and TU Communication & Culture: Storytelling as Advocacy in Ireland.
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