Mikey DeAngelis's Spotlight
Mikey DeAngelis
(he/him/his)
About Mikey
Mikey is a third-year student at Penn State University Park majoring in Film Production. He is minoring in Italian in addition to completing a Smeal College of Business certificate. Over the spring 2023 semester, Mikey studied abroad in Florence, Italy through our Florence: International Studies Institute (ISI) at Palazzo Rucellai program.Â
Continue reading to learn more about Mikey's highlights of his time in Italy in his own words, how he was able to improve his language skills, lessons he took away, and his advice for students interested in studying abroad!
Mikey posing in Giardino Bardini (Florence, Italy)
Mikey posing on a rooftop near Giardino Bardini in Florence, Italy
View of Florence, Italy at night captured by Mikey from the Piazzale Michelangelo
Photo Mikey captured of the Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, Italy
Photo captured by Mikey of the view of Florence from the San Miniato Church
View from the Giardino Boboli captured by Mikey
Photo taken by Mikey of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy
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."