One of the views students will see on the Oxford trip
Photo: @sbuoxford on Instagram
The view from the Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy
Photo: @Studysorrentosbu on Instagram
Students will have the opportunity to visit the Plaza De La Villa in Madrid, Spain on the Spain trip.
Photo: @Sbuspain on Instagram
BY CHRIS DOODY, STAFF WRITER
St. Bonaventure University provides study abroad programs in locations such as Sorrento, Oxford and Salamanca.
“There are many statistics available about the benefits of study abroad and how it expands students’ minds and confidence level,” said Anna Bulszewicz, a lecturer in the Jandoli School of Communication.
The Francis E. Kelley Oxford program takes place from July 4 to Aug. 15, 2025. The program is directed by Mike Jones-Kelley, a lecturer in the Jandoli School of Communication and Anne Lee, another lecturer in the Jandoli School, as associate director.
“It’s a good opportunity for all Bonaventure students,” said Jones-Kelley. “Only St. Bonaventure students have the opportunity to study at Oxford.”
Jones-Kelley said that in addition to the learning, Oxford looks great on student’s resumes.
“Oxford is the most famous and the most prestigious university in the world. Period,” said Jones-Kelley. “Just imagine having that on your resume for the rest of your life.”
About 30 students from Bonaventure attend Oxford annually.
“I got to spend six weeks at Oxford, I only had one class a day Monday through Friday,” said Connor Amendola, a junior media studies major.
Oxford offers a valuable academic experience and opportunities to explore Europe.
“Oxford is an academic program in addition to being an incredibly fun experience,” said Jones-Kelley.
Bulszwicz directs the Sorrento, Italy program. This trip will take place from July 6 to Aug. 9, 2025.
“No more summer vacation when you graduate, you jump into the real world and Sorrento gets you ready,” said Bulszewicz.
Some students said studying abroad can change your perspective on life.
“Going to Sorrento is a life-changing experience: the history, lifestyle and people make it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ryan Lombardi, a sophomore sports media major.
Study abroad professors said you will learn new life experiences from attending.
“It is an investment in a lifetime of being open-minded, confident and courageous,” said Bulszewicz.
These professors said they can guarantee an enhanced resume from attending.
“An abundance of portfolio work to show to a future employer and being able to communicate successfully in a foreign country is something nearly every industry is looking for,” said Bulszewicz.
Bulszewicz said this is truly a once in a life experience that students should take advantage of.
“It’s too good to be true that you’re living on the Mediterranean coast in some of the hottest real estate in the world,” said Bulszewicz.
Applications for Sorrento are due in December.
“Anyone can apply when you feel ready for exploration at a mature level,” said Bulszewicz. “Basically when your heart and mind say it’s right for you.”
Alva Cellini, professor of world languages and cultural studies, directs the study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain. This program will take place from May 23 to June 25, 2025.
“This is an immersion program, [students] live with families and get a deep dive into Spanish language and culture,” said Cellini.
Cellini said the trip is affordable for everything included, and is the cheapest out of these three programs.
“This is a complete package including books, room and board, tuition and travel through Portugal and within Spain,” said Cellini.
Bonaventure students are able to fulfill their language requirements with its program.
“Students can take any upper-level Spanish courses [SPAN-201 and up],” said Cellini.
Cellini said she hopes students will take part in this study abroad program.
“I hope students take advantage of this opportunity that the university has given them the experience to travel and use the language and daily life,” said Cellini.
Cellini said many other countries also come to Salamanca to take classes.
“I think students should go on this study abroad trip to Spain because it is a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Diego Bopp, a senior philosophy major.
The Salamanca, Spain trip can bring a maximum of 20 students each year.
doodycd24@bonaventure.edu
