Liberal Arts student spends semester immersing herself in Italian culture

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Knowing she wanted to study abroad before graduation, Penn State liberal arts student Nina Castillo Schoonewolff spent her final semester immersed in Italian culture while studying abroad in Milan this fall.

Castillo Schoonewolff, a fourth-year student double majoring in international politics and global and international studies, decided to study abroad in Italy to improve her Italian language skills.

“There is no better way to improve your skills than immersing yourself in the culture,” Castillo Schoonewolff said. “My friends and I would minimize speaking in English and tried speaking only in Italian. We still made mistakes here and there, but it is the only way to learn. Over time, I noticed that my brain started thinking entirely in Italian, and I would have to translate what I was thinking. Working tirelessly toward fluency was an integral part of this transformative journey.”

Initially worried about spending a whole semester abroad, Castillo Schoonewolff participated in “Organized Crime in Curaçao,” an embedded program offered by the College of the Liberal Arts, that took Castillo Schoonewolff and her classmates to Curaçao during the 2023 spring break. Her immersive experience of traveling and studying in a new country reassured her ability to take a leap and apply to a full-time semester abroad program.

During her time in the fashion capital of the world, she had the opportunity to attend the "Diesel Spring Summer 2024" fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. While the culture surrounding fashion was fascinating, Castillo Schoonewolff said, the history and architecture of the city was also captivating.

While she traveled to various cities and countries, like London and Austria, being able to explore Milan itself was one of her favorite parts of the experience. She said the seemingly “mundane” activity of sitting in Piazza del Duomo, at a café, while reading a book made her time abroad even more special.

“It was such a surreal experience,” the Potomac, Maryland, native said. “I was speechless getting to experience and appreciate all the architecture and history. I never would have imagined that is how my life could be.”

Castillo Schoonewolff took one Italian, one political science and two psychology courses while abroad. The psychology courses were her favorite and offered unforgettable out-of-classroom experiences, such as a “transformative” visit to Carcere di Bollate, a rehabilitation center for inmates, which opened her eyes to new perspectives. 

“The exposure to Milan's diverse educational environment was pivotal in broadening my perspectives within global and international studies,” Castillo Schoonewolff said. “Interacting with professors and classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds enriched discussions, deepening my comprehension of global issues. This experience not only elevated my academic abilities but also fostered a profound appreciation for international perspectives.”

Meeting new students was also an aspect of studying abroad that allowed Castillo Schoonewolff to grow as an individual and learn new skills. She entered the 300-person program without knowing a single student but took it as an opportunity to embrace the unfamiliar.

“You have to go in with an open mind, and no matter how nervous you may get, you have to try to make new friends in that group,” Castillo Schoonewolff said. “We are all here and in the same boat, and we are all nervous about it, but you just start by talking to people. Be yourself, be nice and be open to meeting new people.”

While balancing schoolwork and exploring a new city can be hard, Castillo Schoonewolff said she completed assignments as soon as possible so her work did not accumulate and cause more stress. She found the balance rewarding.

Castillo Schoonewolff received funding from the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and Penn State Global to support her international experience, which relieved the financial pressures of being abroad. In previous semesters, she had to work part-time while studying, but this fall, she was able to truly enjoy and embrace the experience and culture as a student.

“The College of the Liberal Arts has been instrumental in facilitating my successful experience abroad in Milan,” Castillo Schoonewolff said. “It was rewarding to know and feel how supportive faculty and staff have been. They make all the opportunities actually feasible, and they want us to have these amazing experiences. Their willingness to accept the classes I took abroad toward my major was pivotal. This flexibility ensured that my academic pursuits aligned seamlessly with my degree requirements, allowing me to maximize my learning while abroad. Additionally, the guidance and assistance from academic advisers and faculty within the college helped me navigate the logistics of studying abroad, ensuring a smooth transition and empowering me to make the most of this transformative experience. Their support has been invaluable in shaping this impactful academic journey.”

Castillo Schoonewolff said that studying abroad in Milan greatly aligns with her career aspirations.

“The global exposure and diverse educational setting have honed my adaptability, cultural competency and interdisciplinary understanding — attributes highly valuable in a dynamic professional landscape,” she said.

Though Castillo Schoonewolff is finished with her degree coursework, she will not officially graduate until May 2024. She will also begin work as an analyst in Deloitte’s government and public services risk and financial advisory practice in their Washington, D.C. office in May.

“I was able to demonstrate to Deloitte my commitment to embracing new challenges, adapting to diverse environments and fostering a global perspective,” Castillo Schoonewolff said. “These skills correlate with a liberal arts education and are directly transferable to collaborative teamwork, cross-cultural communication and innovative problem-solving — critical elements in today's interconnected workplaces. This experience will undoubtedly empower me to contribute effectively, think creatively and navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized world within my career path.”

Castillo Schoonewolff said she has found her academic journey at Penn State to be profoundly rewarding.

“From the exhilaration of cheering at football games to the depth of international academic experiences and the exploration of diverse disciplines, I am immensely satisfied with my time at the University," Castillo Schoonewolff said. "These experiences have not only broadened my academic horizons but also allowed me to forge meaningful connections and friendships, creating a rich tapestry of memories that I will carry with me as I step into this next chapter.”