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The 19 ��Ӱֱ�� State College (ASC) studying at Sant’ Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy had the opportunity to meet with Consul Karen Schinnerer, Press and Culture Secretary, at the USA Consulate in Naples recently.

18 architecture students and one business student are part of the 100 international students that are spending the spring semester at the Sant’ Anna Institute. ASC professor William Dean, the chair of the architecture program, is also taking part in the study abroad program.

Consul Schinnerer said, “This kind of experience changed my life, when I was a university student: it opened the world to me. Probably at some point, it led me to the career that I chose. I think it is incredible that you have made this choice, it’s important and I hope that your experience is just as impactful on your life as it was on mine.”

“Like myself, each of you is an ambassador! You’re an American in a foreign country representing your culture, your experiences and you’re able to share them, not only with your fellow Americans ,with the Italians you meet every day in your life and through your travels and other experiences. Like myself, you are building relationships and expanding the relationships between Americans and Italians. At the end of the day that is what diplomacy is about!”

Alec Harrigan, an ASC student on the trip sees the chance to study abroad as an once-in-a-lifetime experience. "I have stepped out of my comfort zone through immersion in a foreign culture. While listening to US Consul Karen Schinnerer and Sorrento Mayor Massimo Coppola speak, I was drawn to the similarities between the US and Italy and the importance of maintaining a close friendship. I was happily surprised to hear how much of an impact I can make as an American student in Italy and as an informal ambassador for both ��Ӱֱ�� State College and the US. I am looking forward to embracing this role further and developing connections internationally." 

The President of Sant'Anna Institute Cristiana Panicco said, “The past two years have been challenging, but we are pleased with the large number of students we have received and those that we are expecting for future terms. Thanks to the Consul of Naples and the Mayor of Sorrento for being here. Their attendance today confirms their support to Sant’Anna and its efforts to create an international University.”