Francesca Rizzuto

ISA – Florence University of the Arts – Florence, Italy (Spring 2015)

Ciao! My name is Francesca Rizzuto and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Ramapo College. I have always loved to travel and enjoy exploring the world, so during spring semester of my junior year, I decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy at Florence University of the Arts. It was the most amazing and eye-opening four months of my life, to say the least. Throughout my time abroad, I also visited 10 different countries and almost 30 different cities throughout Europe. There is something about living and going to school in a different country, being immersed in an unfamiliar culture, and traveling the world that teaches you intangible values that you really can’t learn any other way. International education is an opportunity that no college student should pass up. Not only was studying abroad a memorable experience, but it also allowed me to develop a better outlook on life, become a more positive and confident individual, and has had nothing but a positive impact on both my personal and professional life. As a Global Roadrunner, I not only would like to share my extraordinary experiences, but would also encourage students to capitalize on such a wonderful and life-changing opportunity that Ramapo College has to offer. It is a chance for college students to travel, form friendships, become immersed in a unique culture, learn or brush up on a language, enhance their perspective on life, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Studying abroad was a goal of mine, as well as a dream. I want to show students they can accomplish their goals and dreams, just like I did.