UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This past May, Penn State students traveled to Prato, Italy, in the Multilingual and Intercultural Communication in Italy embedded program in the College of the Liberal Arts. The two-week trip abroad was open to students enrolled in SPAN 210N, IT 210N or PORT 210N and explored the fundamental components of the intersection of language and culture through humanities and social science.

The course, taught by Lauren Halberstadt, associate teaching professor of Spanish, focuses on linguistic strategies for succeeding in multilingual situations, as well as intercultural communication practices for navigating new environments. This is the second year in a row that Halberstadt has taken her class to Italy.

“I designed the program to intentionally target diverse experiences in multiple language and cultures in a very intercultural city,” Halberstadt said. “Sure, we are in Italy, but throughout the program, the students learn how multiple cultures intersect. They are prepared by the in-residence course in the spring semester for travel in May that is curated to push their expectations and expand their knowledge. This group really leaned into each and every opportunity in a genuine way!”

Throughout the trip, students learned about Italian language and culture, as well as how to develop their skills in multilingualism. The students shared photos from their trip on the @mictravelpsu Instagram account.

Elana Laing, a third-year student majoring in Spanish and public relations, discussed some of the educational opportunities they had to help expand this knowledge.

“We took a class at the Monash University Prato Centre where my classmates and I learned more about the Italian language and the cultural and historical aspects of Italy,” Laing said.

Isabella Salcedo, a fourth-year student in the integrated undergraduate-graduate degree program in Spanish and human resources and employment relations, explained another unique educational opportunity had by the class.

“We also did many cultural activities through Monash University, including cultural exchanges with Australian and Italian students,” Salcedo said.

On top of the various educational experiences, students had the opportunity to explore and embrace Italian culture throughout their trip. While based in Prato, students additionally traveled to Florence, Bologna, and Pienza. Whether it was an event the class had planned or exploring the town during their free time, students were able to experience a lot of what Italy has to offer.

“We did a variety of activities including tours of major art museums such as the Uffizi Galleries, visited many different duomos, toured local textile factories and toured a biscotti factory,” Salcedo said. “We also visited a female-owned winery to learn about the process in which the wine is made.”

While students reminisced on several of their favorite memories, including the various trips and cultural experiences they had, they explained that the connections they made stood out above all. Kalei Howard, a fourth-year student majoring in marketing and minoring in Spanish, elaborated on the friendships she made through the trip.

“My favorite memory from the trip was spending time with all of the amazing people I met through the class,” Howard said. “Without the class, I wouldn’t have met some of my lifelong friends, and it truly wouldn’t have been the same without them.”

Students also said that this trip gave them numerous skills that they will utilize for the rest of their lives. Laing explained that through this trip, she gained both practical and professional skills.

“This trip allowed me to travel to another continent, navigate Italian public transportation and create new cultural and educational experiences in another country,” Laing said. “I hope to use my majors to pursue a career in international affairs, diplomacy, and global communications.” 

For others, their experience abroad allowed them to explore their studies deeper and develop skills they can use both in the classroom and in their future careers.

“Since part of my Spanish degree is about cultural immersion, this helped me learn to adapt quickly to a new environment,” Salcedo said. “As a Mexican-American studying Spanish, I knew little to nothing about Italian culture aside from the stereotypes you hear growing up, so learning to navigate a new setting with little language and cultural awareness was a skill I’m glad I acquired.”

Above all, students were incredibly grateful they had the opportunity to study abroad, calling it a life-changing experience, and encouraging other Penn State students to take the chance if the opportunity presents itself.

“The advice I would give to students interested in traveling would be to do it!” Howard said. “Study abroad and take the embedded program — you will not regret it. I will never forget this experience, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”

“Make room in your undergraduate plans for study abroad,” Laing added. “It makes for unforgettable experiences, personal growth and professional development that makes you a much better person and future young professional. There are all kinds of programs for every area of study.”

Students interested in the spring 2025 Prato, Italy, embedded program should email Halberstadt at lyp5028@psu.edu.

Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network

The Career Enrichment Network empowers Liberal Arts students to explore, engage and define their career journey through diverse career development opportunities. Students can meet with a career coach to explore careers, internships, education abroad, research, the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program and more. Through donor support, the Career Enrichment Network provides Liberal Arts students the opportunity to apply for funding to help support participation in many of these experiences.