All posts by Anna Faiola

Enjoying the fresh and tasty food of Italy

Food-of-Italy-Web
Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Italy

Italy has a way with food. They include simple, straight to the point ingredients. Unlike the food in the United States, Italy’s food contains no preservatives and few ingredients. For example, the bagged chips in the grocery store called Le Contadine has 3 ingredients: potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. The chips were delicious, but they were not my favorite cuisine. As of today, my favorite food was the tortellini with meat marinara sauce. The pasta was hand made and stuffed with cheese at the restaurant; this opposes the United States because most of the food comes frozen from other states. The delectable dish was served after a delicious some very rich bruschetta. It has olive oil and fresh tomatoes garnished on a crunchy bread. The noodles were not too chewy and it came in a perfect proportion.

After the meal, the group went to a delicious gelato place. The record for the trip for the most gelato flavors eaten is 42. I thought I didn’t stand a chance, and I was right. I tried only 7 flavors. The gelato was really good, but the meal was so heavy and flavorful that I couldn’t think to finish a dessert as well. Overall, I was extremely please with the food served in Italy and the refreshing attitude that the waiters had. They were not working for tips like they do in America. The attitudes seem genuine. It was nice to enjoy international food and great company!

By Kayla Harden

Why Study Abroad with St. Petersburg College

Study Abroad

Studying in a foreign country is one of the most important experiences today’s students will have.  Not only does studying abroad allow for great personal growth by changing perspective and inviting tolerance for different cultures and peoples, studying abroad provides students with the necessary skills to be competent global citizens in the 21st century.

Studying abroad also has tangible economic and academic impact.  Current research indicates that there is a positive link between study abroad and retention/graduation rates – in short those who study abroad stay in school and tend to graduate at a swifter speed than those who do not.  Studying abroad also jump-starts a career by boosting a student’s resume and improving employment prospects and marketability in a growing competitive market.  Finally, there is literature that indicates that the first study abroad experience of a student promotes substantial intellectual growth that lasts a life time.

As Mark Twain once famously quipped, “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” Travel does indeed broaden the mind and studying abroad is the finest way to do this!

What are the top 5 reasons to study abroad with St. Petersburg College?

  1. Understand and appreciate other cultures
    You will be immersed in a different culture, enriching your personal and professional future.
  2. Gain a global education
    By experiencing the environment of a new culture on a daily basis, you will gain a tangible sense of how other people live and work.
  3. Learn a foreign language
    New languages come alive when you immerse yourself in the environment.
  4. Enhance your professional opportunities
    Future employers recognize the value of the intercultural communication skills you will have gained by studying abroad, which are important in today’s global economy.
  5. Earn academic credit
    Expand your horizons, meet interesting people, sample exotic foods and enjoy the sights while you earn college credit.

I Studied Abroad while Studying Abroad with St. Petersburg College

study abroad program
Study Abroad, Study Abroad in South Africa

For the record, South Africa was not my first study abroad; I started studying abroad when I left the Bahamas on 12th December 2015 to begin studies at St. Petersburg College. I don’t think that many people can say that they studied abroad while studying abroad, but no one could prepare me for what I saw, felt, and experienced while in South Africa. I must admit, I had doubts and a few issues before leaving because I am an international student, but the application process was easy.  When I found out that I was accepted into the program, and that I had received funding, I was ecstatic.  My family didn’t share the same excitement, but I was going, so they had to prepare themselves. I was going to study at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (name changed to Nelson Mandela University).

South Africa was not on my list of places to explore, but after seeing my first sunrise and sunset, I realize that I was exploring more than the country; I was exploring my origin.

My first thoughts were that I was entering a country much different from my own, or the one that I’m used to, and I didn’t have anything in common with the natives there. I was so….wrong! In fact, I got a little homesick as I saw and learned more about a history shared by my own country. I walked on and sought through a map in the District Six museum that had places named like some of the streets in the Bahamas. Some areas in the Bahamas the sights were breathtaking.

At the first meet and greet I was apprehensive. After all, I was about to spend three weeks with strangers and professors that can affect my grades. My classmates became my new friends because we were always together and looked out for each other’s interests.

As we learned more about South Africa, I learned about the each of the individuals that took the journey with me. Most of the classes were open forum/ open lecture format and engaging, so although there were many lectures, the mixture of excursions and interaction worked well for a practical person like myself.

I cannot single out one experience that was the most memorable because it all sunk in and made an impact. I played with children, was up close with animals, spoke and danced with students and learned to appreciate all that I have gained in life.  South Africa was an Amazing, Exhausting and Exhilarating opportunity all in one.

Additional Study Abroad Opportunities Available for SPC Students

Study Abroad

Quicklinks: Home | Scholarships | How to Apply | Resources | Blog

Did you know that as an SPC student you are able to participate in additional study abroad opportunities than those offered just by SPC? So if you don’t see the study abroad program you were looking for among those listed on the SPC Study Abroad page, check out the additional options below through our partner institutions.

Study Abroad Partners

University of South Florida options

The University of South Florida offers a wide variety of programs to SPC students. SPC students interested in studying abroad through USF Tampa or St. Petersburg are required to complete an SPC Study Abroad application online.  After submitting your application you will be contacted for an advising appointment.

USF Tampa Study Abroad

Additional Study Abroad Opportunities

University of South Florida website
USF study abroad office website
Study Abroad Office
International Affairs
4202 E. Fowler Ave., CPR107
Tampa, FL 33620
Phone: 813-974-4314
Fax: 813-974-4613
Email: studyabroad@iac.usf.edu

USF St. Petersburg Study Abroad

Additional Study Abroad Opportunities

University of South Florida St. Petersburg website
USFSP study abroad office website
Education Abroad
140 Seventh Ave South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-873-4USF
Email: studyabroad@iac.usf.edu 

Need more information or have questions on these additional Study Abroad opportunities? Give us a call at 727-341-4735.

Request Info

Now Taking Applications for the 2018 Honduras Study Abroad Program through St. Petersburg College

2019 Honduras Study Abroad Program
Honduras, Study Abroad

St. Petersburg College invites you to participate on 2018 Honduras Study Abroad program. Join professors Sara Brzezinski  and Jim Wallis on this inaugural interdisciplinary study abroad program in Central America.

Ready to participate or want to learn more? Click here.

Eligibility: In order to participate in an SPC study abroad program, students must be in good academic standing and eligible to enroll in one of the available study abroad courses offered.

Available Courses: 

  • Professor Sara Brzezinski: CLP 2140 Abnormal Psychology
  • Professor Jim Wallis: BSC 2362 Tropical Ecology

Details about the courses:

The primary goal of Abnormal Psychology is to introduce participants to cross cultural comparisons of mental health systems, policies, diagnosis, and treatment through lectures, labs, and discovery-oriented investigative experiences of native cultures, community agencies, educational institutions, and the inner cities of Honduras. Several topics will be covered in depth. These include (but are not limited to) cultural psychology, the diagnosis/treatment/prognosis/prevention of mental illness, community mental health care, culture bound syndromes, geriatric psychology, health psychology, primitive medicinal treatment/psychopharmaceuticals, and mental health law and policy.

The primary goal of Tropical Ecology course is to introduce course participants to the rainforest associated systems of Central America and the ecology through lectures, labs, and discovery-oriented investigative experiences of rainforest, wetlands, estuaries and coastal environments of Honduras. Several topics will be covered in depth. These include (but are not limited to) the general ecology of Honduras, ecology of rainforests and rainforest associated habitats, identification of rainforest fauna & flora, marine ecology, coastal ecology, identification of vertebrates, invertebrates and tropical plants, and human interactions with natural systems and there impacts.

Apply now! Further yourself culturally, build your resume, and set yourself apart in the world by joining SPC on this study abroad program, Experience the Central American culture of Honduras as your earn college credits! Click here to apply now.

Have any questions on SPC’s Honduras Study Abroad program? Contact Anna Faiola by email at faiola.anna@spcollege.edu or by phone at 727-712-5883.

My experience on the England Theater study abroad program with SPC!

England Theater study abroad program
Study Abroad

England Theater study abroad programThe England Theater study abroad program was my first theater class even though in high school I took literature and came across some classic plays such as The Crucible and Tess of the D’Urbervilles. In this program, I came in contact and experienced for the first time professional theater. Moreover, travelling to London not only meant that we (SPC students) would get to study theater but it also gave us the unique opportunity to experience and learn the history of London, some of which dates back to fifty AD. If anyone out there is reading this and is deciding whether or not the trip is going to be worth it, then I would say go for it because it will take you to a whole new level of exposure to a fascinating, and rich culture and awe striking theater experiences. Having seen Switzerland and Lapland in one of the most boring times of the year, I was a little skeptic in the beginning of this trip. However, that wasn’t the case with London. I loved the bus rides from and to the airport and to Stratford upon Avon. In this trip, I felt like I was part of a team, a wonderful, caring, and wise team. I think I haven’t felt like that in a while, especially since two years ago I moved half way across the world to study, here in the USA, in a foreign land to me. Also, the energy of London made me fall in love with life all over again and when you start appreciating things around you, you are extremely grateful and accepting of who you are and what is to become of you in the near future. Lastly, I want to say, Thank you Professor and I hope you continue this tradition of for future study abroad students!

Want to learn how to participate in opportunities such as the England Theater study abroad program? Click here!

$2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship Extended!

$2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship Extended
Costa Rica (Business), Study Abroad

The $2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship deadline has been extended to Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11:59 pm. This is an incredible scholarship opportunity available to SPC students.

Scholarship eligibility: Students must be in good academic standing and degree-seeking at St. Petersburg College in order to apply for an SPC Study Abroad scholarship.

Ready to apply to the Summer 2017 Study Abroad Scholarships? Submit your online application now by clicking here. Please note: the scholarship is very competitive, so pay close attention to the questions and make sure you answer them fully!

Program details: Through the SPC Costa Rica Business program students will be able to intertwine the country’s culture with the information they are learning while enrolled in an SPC course, allowing them to earn college credits abroad! Click here to read the full program details.

Business students traveling to Costa Rica will have the opportunity to enroll in the following courses taught by Professor Lori Jones:

  • MAN 2604 Intercultural Relations in Business
  • GEB 2350 Survey of International Business
  • MAN 4102 Managing Cultural Diversity

Sustaininibility students will have  the opportunity to enroll in the following courses taught by Professor Lynn Grinnell:

  • MAN 3784 Sustainability in the Natural Environment
  • MAN 4788 Sustainability and Environmental Issues
  • MAN 4061 Corporate Social Responsibility College of Business
  • MAN 4935 Special Topics: Problems and Solutions in the Triple Bottom Line

Student testimonial: “This Study Abroad trip exceeded my wildest expectations! The program was extremely well hand-crafted to provide a spectacular perspective into the international way of doing business in Costa Rica.  If I had to change anything, it would be nothing.  From the special group of students, to the incredible professor, and to the carefully designed itinerary, every aspect was a mind-altering experience.” – Tait Sorenson, who participated in the summer 2012 Study Abroad Costa Rica Business. To read Tait’s full blog post on his experience, click here.

Study Abroad offers SPC students the chance to further themselves culturally, to build their resume, and set themselves apart in the business world. Ready to participate?  Apply for the $2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship by the April 17th deadline!

Have any questions? Contact Anna Faiola by email at faiola.anna@spcollege.edu or by phone at 727-712-5883.

$2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship Extended – click here to apply before the deadline: Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11:59 pm.

$2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship available

$2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship
Costa Rica (Business), Study Abroad

$2,000 Costa Rica Business ScholarshipThe $2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship deadline has been extended to Monday April 17, 2017 at 11:59 pm. This is an incredible scholarship opportunity available to SPC Business majors!

Scholarship eligibility: Students must be in good academic standing and degree-seeking at St. Petersburg College in order to apply for an SPC Study Abroad scholarship.

Ready to apply to the Summer 2017 Study Abroad Scholarships? Submit your online application now by clicking here. Please note: the scholarship is very competitive, so pay close attention to the questions and make sure you answer them fully!

Program details: Through the SPC Costa Rica Business program students will be able to intertwine the country’s culture with the information they are learning while enrolled in an SPC course, allowing them to earn college credits abroad! Click here to read the full program details.

Business students traveling to Costa Rica will have the opportunity to enroll in the following courses taught by Professor Lori Jones:

  • MAN 2604 Intercultural Relations in Business
  • GEB 2350 Survey of International Business
  • MAN 4102 Managing Cultural Diversity

Sustaininibility students will have  the opportunity to enroll in the following courses taught by Professor Lynn Grinnell:

  • MAN 3784 Sustainability in the Natural Environment
  • MAN 4788 Sustainability and Environmental Issues
  • MAN 4061 Corporate Social Responsibility College of Business
  • MAN 4935 Special Topics: Problems and Solutions in the Triple Bottom Line

Student testimonial: “This Study Abroad trip exceeded my wildest expectations! The program was extremely well hand-crafted to provide a spectacular perspective into the international way of doing business in Costa Rica.  If I had to change anything, it would be nothing.  From the special group of students, to the incredible professor, and to the carefully designed itinerary, every aspect was a mind-altering experience.” – Tait Sorenson, who participated in the summer 2012 Study Abroad Costa Rica Business. To read Tait’s full blog post on his experience, click here.

Study Abroad offers SPC students the chance to further themselves culturally, to build their resume, and set themselves apart in the business world. Ready to participate?  Apply for the $2,000 Costa Rica Business Scholarship by the April 17th deadline!

Have any questions? Contact Anna Faiola by email at faiola.anna@spcollege.edu or by phone at 727-712-5883.

 

$2,500 Belize Study Abroad Scholarship Available!

Belize Study Abroad Scholarship
Belize, Study Abroad

Belize Study Abroad ScholarshipDid you know that St. Petersburg College offers incredible study abroad scholarship opportunities? Spread the word about the $2,500 Belize study abroad scholarship. The application can be found on the Belize study abroad webpage or by clicking here. The scholarship deadline is Thursday, March 30 at 11:59pm. Please note, to be considered students must be degree seeking, in good academic standing, and must meet all study abroad qualifications.

Professor Wallis and Professor Brzesinski, the faculty members leading this program, have created this especially unique program that provides students with an opportunity to enroll in Tropical Ecology (BSC 2362) and/or Abnormal Psychology (CLP 2140), allowing them to learn about the ecology and the psychology of the country simultaneously! The classroom is the country, the book is the diverse culture, the people, the ecology, which the students are exposed to 24/7 in the program’s itinerary.

Upon their return from the last Belize study abroad program, the Center for International Programs asked past students “What would you say to someone who is considering joining this program?” their answers included the following:

  • I would say jump into it wholeheartedly. I will never regret this decision and I’m honestly looking for more trips to go on. It’s the chance of a lifetime and the opportunity is too good to pass up – Stephanee
  • Do it – do it – do it!!! It is one of the best things you can do for your personal education, your degree education, and to round out your resume for a future professional career. It is a fun way to learn that is hands on and rewarding. One of the only chances to travel like this in your lifetime in this setting. Highly recommended to all students to participate, you won’t regret it! – Jacy
  • DO IT! Take advatage of the oportunity while you can! Its a once in a life time chance! – Victoria

Encourage your student to take advantage of the $2,500 Belize study abroad scholarship and inspire them to embark on this life-changing experience to beautiful Belize!

Questions? Contact Anna Faiola by email at faiola.anna@spcollege.edu or by phone at 727-712-5883.

$2,000 scholarship extended for the Cuba Study Abroad program!

Cuba Study Abroad program
Travel

Cuba Study Abroad programSPC is pleased to announce that we have extended the $2,000 scholarship deadline for the amazing Cuba Study Abroad program to Wednesday, April 5.

Click here to submit your online application now!

Program information:

Through this exceptional opportunity students will be able to earn college credits while visiting Cuba in a remarkable 8-day exploration. Full details are available on our Study Abroad website.

Courses available:

  • MUL 1010 Music Appreciation (3 credits)
  • MUN 1441 Hand Drumming Techniques (1 credit)

On this cultural, educational and musical exchange, students will have the opportunity to discover Cuba through the resource that has kept the country vibrant through decades of political strife and isolation from the world: The Cuban people. Their joys, challenges and unique world outlook will unfold for you through personal meetings and enjoyment of their arts and culture in this program. Encounter Cuba through its people, intriguing excursions, lectures, UNESCO World Heritage sites and more. Explore Havana’s timeless streets, architecture and famous landmarks. Savor local cuisine and talk with Cubans about their way of life.

What is included?

  • Round trip air from Tampa to Havana
  • 7-Nites, 8 Days lodging
  • All sightseeing by private air-conditioned motor-coach with English speaking guides
  • MEALS, breakfast, lunch, dinner (excluding 2 dinners)
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites, Old Havana, La Terrazas Biosphere Project, Vinales Valley
  • Musical exchanges with local musicians / music professors
  • Agro-Ecologic Farm visits, including Yoandra Farm with rarest plants in Havana, Paradiso Finca
  • Cuban Cooking school, river bathing, evening entertainment
  • Cuban Tourist Visa
  • Medical Insurance while in Cuba
  • And much more…

Delve into the vibrant music and dance culture of Cuba, one of the world’s most invigorating and passionate cultures. From Cuban classical music to the beat of the Afro-Cuban drums, from ballet to salsa, this tour will encompass the many styles that makes this country thrive. A visit to Cuba is an absolute must for those who have a passion for the arts. Music, Dance, Art, Culture and Cuisine: Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to CUBA with the St. Petersburg College.

Click here to visit the Cuba Study Abroad program website to learn more!

Questions? Contact Anna Faiola at 727-712-5883.