Italian
Student Profiles
Gina Conti
- Degree Program(s): Accounting, Italian, and Leadership Studies
Why did you decide to study Italian?
I decided to study the Italian language because of my family’s heritage. I am 100% Italian and have been taking the language since I was in kindergarten. It has also been highly encouraged by my parents and my grandparents. I was always taught that it is important to know where you came from and to be proud, and by learning the language it has only increased my love and passion for the Italian culture.
Why did you choose URI?
I chose URI because it reminded me the most of where I am from. I am from a good-sized community in Massachusetts but I also have a house on the water. Coming to RI and having both a community/small town feeling and the beaches nearby just made me feel comfortable. I also love the atmosphere of the campus and also the success of the programs that I am involved in.
What do you consider the biggest strengths of the Italian program at URI?
I think that some of the biggest strengths of the Italian program at URI are the different opportunities to study the language abroad. They offer a variety of programs that allow you to work with your major to coordinate when and where would be the best time and place for you to go. Also the staff is all very open and willing to help you and work with you to figure out what program would be the best for you.
What kind of study abroad experiences have you had as a URI student?
As a URI student, I had the opportunity to study in Calabria for a month over the summer. For me, a month was the perfect amount of time and because it was the summer I didn’t have to worry about missing any of my core major classes. I was able to take two classes and earn six credits along with learning how to cook and interact with the people of the town. What I liked the most about this program was that it was located in a small town in Calabria and not many people spoke English. By being immersed that intensely into the culture, it forced me to really work on my Italian and strengthen the skills I already had of understanding the language even more. It also gave me the opportunity to travel around southern Italy and get to see the history of the country.
How will you use (or how are you using) your Italian experience at URI in your chosen career path?
My major is accounting with a minor in Italian and leadership studies. Having an Italian minor in the business world puts me at an advantage because I have the skills to work with companies overseas. I plan to go into public accounting and that gives me the opportunity to travel abroad and work with different clients. Having the language background would give me the upper hand in working with international clients over someone who didn’t have a language background.
What would you say to someone undecided about where to go to school for your particular language program?
If I were talking to someone who was undecided, I would definitely recommend URI. Their willingness to work with any major gives you the flexibility and time to figure out what you want to do. They also have a variety of opportunities to go abroad throughout the year and go to different places.
What do you love about being immersed in Italian language and culture?
What I love the most about being immersed in the Italian culture was learning about the people themselves and having that interaction with them. Hearing first hand stories about their lives and the history of the culture was fascinating. Also, being able to travel to Italy and see the traditions that my family still maintains in America gave me a sense of coming home. Seeing where the traditions come from and seeing that people still practice them and that you do them the same as the people in Italy was just a great feeling of contentment and happiness all in one. Being around people who are similar to you and your core values, even so far away from home, was one of the best feelings throughout my whole experience.