Mikey DeAngelis

(he/him/his)

Mikey's Education Abroad Experience

"My decision to go abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made. I made so many new friends, and with those friends, I was able to easily travel around Europe in my free time. I was able to immerse myself in the Italian way of life by befriending locals in my host city. I felt like I was becoming a small piece of the local community. I developed my Italian language skills greatly and gained a deeper understanding of Italian culture. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

I was surprised by how much I was able to fit in during my time abroad. While I was in Europe, I visited 22 countries. With the right amount of planning, preparation, and flexibility, it was relatively easy to find budget-friendly ways to travel.

During my time abroad, I learned how important it is to travel if you can. Traveling opens your eyes to new experiences and cultures that change the way you view the world. It was a life-changing experience that I will continue to seek into my adult life.

My advice to Penn State students who are on the fence about studying abroad is to just do it. I didn't know a single person going abroad at the same time as me. I went alone, knowing no one, and it ended up being the most amazing experience. I didn't know a single person that I met during my time abroad who regretted their decision."