Bella Pusateri's Spotlight
Bella Pusateri
About Bella
Bella is a fourth-year student at Penn State University Park majoring in Economics and Finance. She is minoring in German. During the fall 2022 semester, Bella studied abroad in Vienna, Austria through our IES: Vienna program.
Continue reading to learn more about Bella's highlights of her time in Vienna in her own words, why she chose Vienna, how she was able to improve her language skills, the lessons she took away, and her advice for students interested in studying abroad!
Bella on an excursion to a small village in the Alps called Hallstatt, Austria
Bella before a show she saw at the Vienna State Opera
Photo Bella took of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
Photo Bella snapped of the Art History Museum of Vienna in Vienna, Austria
Photo Bella captured of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria
Photo Bella took of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria
Photo Bella captured of her coffee at Cafe Hawelka in Vienna, Austria
Bella's Education Abroad Experience
"I chose my education abroad program because of the German-language component and the wide offering of courses it offered to fulfill remaining general education requirements.
As a German minor, this program provided an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in the German language. Studying German and speaking the language every day was so impactful, and it greatly improved my fluency. My improved language skills were tremendously helpful while traveling with the friends I made in my program. Being in a new country without your typical support system is an incredible way to gain self-confidence, and to forge truly deep and impactful connections with new friends. Vienna is truly a remarkable city for those interested in everything ranging from art, music, history, and culinary arts!
One thing that surprised me most about my experience was how amazing the public transit system is in Vienna. Super random, but it made my experience of exploring and getting to know the city so much easier!
I think I really learned how to stay calm in stressful situations. When abroad, especially while traveling to a new destination, you can never control everything going on. Being able to trust that things will work out and not panicking actually made the situations easier to deal with and resolve.
If you are considering studying abroad, reach out to the Penn State Global office. They are so helpful by assisting you in evaluating your options, looking into program costs and scholarship options, and connecting you to peer advisers or program alumni."