Add One To The Bucket List: Study Abroad

Zaidy Paiewonsky and the historic Santa Croce. Photo courtesy of Zaidy Paiewonsky.

Every year, large masses of students flood into the farthest corners of Europe, Australia, Africa and all over Asia to check off a major college bucket list item: studying abroad. But what if you could do more? What if you could have all the perks of studying abroad (college credits and traveling? Sign me up!) while gaining real life experience that employers everywhere will be intrigued by? Well, did you know that interning abroad is now the new best thing in student travel?

Zaidy Paiewonsky who is a senior at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City was an advertising and graphics intern for Florence University of the Arts communications office and journalism school in Florence, Italy during the summer of 2015.

“Not only do you build up your resume, but it is a truly unique experience,” Paiewonsky said. “You live among the culture and work with the people, ultimately you learn to adapt. It is one of the best life decisions I ever signed up for.”

Baylee Mozjesik, a sophomore journalism major at Ole Miss plans on finishing her French minor in Paris this summer, and then traveling to Scotland to take advantage of the admirable journalism schools in the UK.

“I am over the moon excited,” Mozjesik said. “I guess it is something I feel like I need to do to be competitive in my future career. Also, it is a great way to grow up and be independent.”

There are endless opportunities for students and recent graduates everywhere. From hospitality majors to journalism students to those with business futures, and for fashion extraordinaires everywhere, there is an internship for you.

After graduating with his masters in business and marketing, Alec Reitzel from North Carolina reminisced on his days abroad.

Alec Reitzel leading his trip on the Amalfi Coast. Photo courtesy of Alec Reitzel.

“I had to go back,” Reitzel said. “I wanted my last bit of fun before sitting down at a desk job for the rest of my life.”

Alec scored an internship, and later a job offer, from the number one student travel company in Europe, Bus2Alps.

Reitzel traveled to tens of cities and countries during his six months living in Florence, Italy, as a guide for students studying abroad. He learned to know his way around iconic European destinations such as the Italian Amalfi coast, Interlaken, Switzerland and the music festivals in Croatia.

“Interning abroad causes you to thrive in uncomfortable situations,” Reitzel said. “Studying abroad is one way to experience a new culture, but working abroad really forces you to immerse yourself in the culture.”
There are plenty of programs across the world that cater to the needs of diverse students everywhere. From Go Global to Study Abroad Italy (SAI), there is something for everybody.

Verona, Italy.

Allyson Arrigo is a senior print journalism major at the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She can be reached at alarrigo@go.olemiss.edu.

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