Angelena Russo discovered that even a study-abroad experience outside of her major could offer valuable insight into international business, marketing practices and cultural awareness.
Russo, a Slippery Rock University senior marketing major from New Castle (Neshannock HS), was part of a short-term study-abroad experience in Italy, May 12-20, aimed at teaching 22 students how different cultures define wellness and integrated health practices. The program was was led by Alessia Zanin-Yost, associate professor and health sciences librarian, and Adaeze Aroh, assistant professor of public health sciences.
Although the program focused on health and wellness professions, Russo, who is pursuing a career in digital marketing or marketing analytics, drew value from site visits of Italian health- and wellness-focused organizations.
“Hearing about their journey and strategies was such a valuable learning experience for me as a business student,” Russo said. “Seeing the differences between retailers was really interesting from a marketing perspective and hearing about the company’s journey and strategies was such a valuable learning experience for me as a business student.”
The group visited the University of Padova’s School of Medicine, founded in 1222, and Prodeco Pharma, a leader in plant-based medicine. The site visits offered students a unique view of how wellness has evolved, connecting traditional and modern health care and deepening their understanding of how culture and science work together to improve patient care.
“The students kept learning nonstop, whether they were at a site, walking through the markets, or taking in the landscapes from the train,” said Zanin-Yost. “They explored Venice on their own, coming back each time with new stories and more questions about what they discovered.”
Outside of site visits and workshops, the group explored Venice and the surrounding Veneto region. A highlight for Russo was visiting the University of Padova, where she saw students her age experiencing daily campus life.
“This was only my second time out of the country, so traveling to Europe was a huge experience for me,” she said. “Adjusting to the time change and observing how people in Italy act, dress and communicate was fascinating. It was such a different experience than anything I’d ever done before.
“I’d absolutely say do it if you’re a student considering studying abroad. There are so many options and destinations to choose from. Even if the trip isn’t directly tied to your field of study, you’ll still gain so much knowledge and perspective.”
Russo was one of more than 180 SRU students to travel abroad last year as part of the University’s study abroad programs. They include 10 short-terms programs led by faculty members and administrators, like the one Russo benefitted from, but there’s also monthlong or semester-long programs where students earn academic credit at partner institutions that are applied to their SRU degree. Additionally, more than 20 education majors completed their student-teaching requirements in Spain. All told, SRU students learned in 30 different countries last year.
“Students can study abroad from any major, for any length of time, in any place in the world — it is self-designed,” said Jenny Kawata, SRU’s director of global exchanges and partnerships. “Many of our students who travel abroad say that it is the most impactful experience that they’ve had during their time in college. It makes a big difference for attracting and retaining students, and, most importantly, setting them up to succeed.”
More information about study abroad programs at SRU is available on the University’s website or by calling 724.738.2057. More information about the public health programs at SRU is available on the department’s webpage. More information about marketing programs is available on the department’s webpage.
