Get on Board and Go Abroad
By Briana Nestor
Features Editor
This year, Lasell hired Lena Cappiello as the new Coordinator of International Services. Cappiello was one of 300 applicants for this position. “We couldn’t have been [happier] with how the search went,” said Diane Austin, Dean of Student Affairs.
Cappiello is a graduate of Fordham University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Art History and American Studies with a minor in Italian Languages and Cultural Studies. As a junior in college, Cappiello studied abroad for a year in Florence, Italy, where she worked with international students. In graduate school, she received a Master’s Degree from New York University in International Education with a concentration in International Education Development.
“I loved working with students. I felt like I was giving back and that I was a good resource,” said Cappiello. As the Coordinator of International Studies, her three primary objectives are establishing diversity among program participants, providing direct service to the international student population, and expanding the study abroad and internships abroad programs at Lasell.
“Jim Ostrow and I set a goal to have 60 students study abroad next fall,” said Cappiello. There are currently 43 students studying abroad this fall. “50 percent of them are in the fashion department, but we would like to see other majors [studying abroad],” she said.
Students can study in almost any country around the globe. The ideal time to study abroad is the fall semester of a student’s junior year. “There are a limited number of students who can study abroad in the spring because [the student] has to petition for it,” said Cappiello.
The most popular places to study abroad are London, Paris, Florence, Milan, Sicily, and Sydney, Australia. Lasell works with eight primary affiliates. Arrangements to work with outside affiliates can be made upon student request.
The general cost to study abroad is home-school tuition. “Students pay the Lasell tuition, room and board, and you can still use your financial aid. You would pay the bill as you normally do,” said Cappiello. “It’s definitely something students should do regardless of their financial background.”
Aurisha Albright, a senior, studied fashion design in London. “I went to London twice actually, the first time in fall of 2008 to [American Intercontinental University] and then this [past] summer to Kingston University. It was probably the best decision I ever made, and it really puts things in perspective, and I will probably end up in London after I graduate this year,” said Albright in an interview.
Natalie Thomas, also a senior, studied fashion design at the American Intercontinental University in London as well. “I wanted to meet other college students from around the world, and basically submerge myself into new place and culture,” said Thomas.
Studying abroad is enriching as well as academically beneficial. “Study abroad can prepare students with real life experience once they get out of college. Employers are drawn to students who have Study Abroad on their resume,” said Cappiello.
Cappiello is eager to meet with all students who are interested in studying abroad. Contact Cappiello at lcappiello@lasell.edu with questions or comments. |
