Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., vice president for global education and interim dean of the Honors College at 17cҳ, was recently featured on to discuss the education-abroad programs, student support and his life-changing experiences abroad.
In 1972, 17cҳ’s program in Florence, Italy, started. Today, 17cҳ’s Education Abroad program now offers more than 80 courses a year and takes students on field trips around the country and world.
Courses featured at the 17cҳ Florence Center include, but are not limited to, history, art history, architecture, urban and interior design and fashion.
These local and global experiences are a cornerstone of a 17cҳ education, offering students a global perspective that extends far beyond the classroom. In addition, 17cҳ supports students in a variety of ways when studying abroad.
“T Office of Global Education will accompany students throughout the process of the application, the orientation, etc.,” Fantoni told WAKR Radio. “We have pretty robust scholarships to help students afford this extraordinary experience. Studying for a semester at 17cҳ, or studying for a semester at 17cҳ Florence, it’s not much of a difference for the cost.”
Education-abroad programs are an opportunity to immerse oneself in cultural experiences.
Fantoni, an education-abroad student himself, said his program experience changed his life.
“I came to the United States for study abroad and it has changed my life completely,” Fantoni said. “Worldview, professional opportunities, I learned a new language, I discovered a new culture, so I am definitely a firm believer that studying abroad is an outstanding experience.”