FSU Begins Exchange Program to Italy

Fairmont State University will begin its student exchange program this fall with the University of Calabria in southern Italy.

The exchange follows a general agreement reached by the two institutions after FSU students, faculty and administrators traveled to southern Italy in summer 2007. As the emphasis on the global economy increases, study abroad programs are becoming more and more important, said Dr. Christina Lavorata, FSU Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.

Fairmont State's goals include increasing the international presence on campus and offering more study abroad opportunities. Students started to work to become eligible for the study abroad program by taking Italian language and culture courses last fall.

FSU graphics arts student Laura Bonasso will be the first student to participate in the program when she begins classes at the Italian university in January 2009. A 2006 graduate of North Marion High School, Bonasso is the daughter of Diane and Bob Bonasso and granddaughter of Jack and Dee Bonasso of Carolina.

A sophomore, Bonasso prepared for her studies abroad by taking the two Italian language courses taught by FSU adjunct instructor Rose A. Mazza.

"I can understand the language when people speak to me in Italian, but I am not used to talking in Italian," Bonasso said. "I am hoping I will become more fluent when I am in Italy because when I am there I will be speaking it all of the time."

Bonasso is enthusiastic about her distinction as FSU's first exchange student in Italy.

"It's kind of scary, but it is exciting at the same time," she said."I'm looking forward to helping others and guiding them. Ever since I was little I've wanted to study in Italy. The timing was good in that I had the interest and the exchange is starting now and I am able to take advantage of the opportunity."

At 20, so far, Bonasso's travel has been confined to Canada and the U.S. East Coast.

"I'm ready to spread my wings now and go across the sea," she said. "I've always been interested in traveling and a career that involves travel. I want to see the world."

Bonasso will be an ocean away from home while there, but she will never be too far away from family.

"My mom wants to visit me while I'm there. She's always wanted to see Italy. One of my brothers also wants to come. I have distant relatives in the Calabria region. I'll definitely be meeting up with them," she said.

Bonasso hopes to also visit Rome and Venice, particularly the museums in the cities. The site she is looking forward most to seeing is the Trevi Fountain.