Cici Dong is a sophomore at Penn State majoring in Supply Chain Management and double minoring in Italian and International Business. She has been studying Italian for a little over a year now. Access more info on Cici’s time abroad at: Reggio Calabria 2016

Cici and the Reggio program enjoying their last dinner in Italy.

Why did you choose to take Italian?

It was totally a random choice that I signed up for an Italian class in my first semester. However, I learned so much after the first semester, and I enjoyed the learning experience and decided to take a minor in Italian so I could learn more about the country on a deeper level. More importantly, I came to Penn to Penn State with no idea what I would do, but now I know that Italian goes hand-in-hand with my major and directs me to do international business work in the future.

What is it like being an international student at Penn State studying another language?

As an international student from China, it is a challenge to convert three languages in my mind and make sure I don’t mix up the English and Italian words. For me, learning a third language can help differentiate myself from my peers. I have a broader global perspective and am more open-minded.

Tell me a little bit about your time spent in Reggio, Calabria this summer.

In summer 2016, I studied abroad in Reggio, Calabria, which was Penn State six-week program. Through this program, I gained so much experience. Not only did I improve my Italian significantly, but I also had an amazing cultural experience and got the opportunity to meet some terrific people. We spent time traveling throughout Italy and the culture course I took was well blended into the whole journey, so I did not get tired of taking classes at all. I have also strengthened my connections with the Italian department’s faculty. The Italian department at Penn State is a relatively small department so students are taken care of during the program as well as after we return.

Do you have any advice for students considering majors/minors in the Italian language?

My advice for students considering majors or minors in the Italian language is to expose yourselves to an Italian environment. Enjoy the language, culture, food, etc. Studying abroad is definitely good option for these students as well. Also, don’t be shy! Students should feel comfortable practicing their language skills and not fear being judged.