The Transformation of Fisher’s Study Abroad Program

Study abroad programs have steadily gained popularity at universities nationwide, including St. John Fisher University. However, what is now a thriving cultural and academic opportunity for Fisher students, with over 100 locations available, was once on the verge of disappearing.

The study abroad program at Fisher originated as an opportunity for students to master the language they were studying while living in its home country; the options at the time were Italian, French, Spanish, and German. As the University’s language offerings have evolved, the study abroad program has expanded to serve as a cultural experience, allowing students in any field of study or language skill-level to spend a semester abroad.

Dr. Stella Plutino-Calabrese, the University’s current director of global education and study abroad, brings more than two decades of experience working in international studies to the program. She was first hired as a professor of Spanish and Italian for the Modern Languages and Cultures Department (now known as the Languages and Cultures program). Originally from Italy, she has taught courses in the Core curriculum and for the Honor’s program, focusing on immigration, the Italian American experience, women’s studies, and the Holocaust.

In 2017, following a vacancy in the study abroad directorship role, she was offered the opportunity to head the program.

“When I began, the number of students going abroad was small, and it was something that I wasn’t happy about,” she said.

Provost Dr. Kevin Railey said that when he came to the University in 2016, there was worry about the program’s sustainability as student interest in study abroad lagged. Rather than see it fold, he supported Plutino-Calabrese’s idea of engaging in a different approach. She believed the small number of students participating in study abroad actually stemmed from minimal promotion of the opportunity by the University, not a lack of interest from students.

“History proved that the narrative that was bouncing around Fisher when I first came was simply not true,” Railey said. “Fisher students, in fact, do want to take advantage of studying abroad, and if we set it up for them in the right way, they will do that.”

Railey put his trust into Plutino-Calabrese, and thus began the work to rebuild the study abroad program. Within three years, the number of students studying abroad multiplied. Pre-Covid, Fisher was on track to reach the national percentage of students studying abroad, which is 10 percent.

Plutino-Calabrese views study abroad as highly collaborative, and she partners with offices across campus to support students, including the Office of Student Financial Services, Registrar’s Office, Department of Athletics, and Center for Career and Academic Planning, among others. “I don't have all the expertise … It's a joint project,” she said.

According to Plutino-Calabrese, the most requested study abroad location is Italy, followed by Spain and Ireland.

“I think a lot of it has to do with who our students are … we have a lot of students of Italian and Irish heritage at Fisher, and they want to learn the language and find out the roots of where they come from,” she explained, adding that Spain’s popularity derives from the commonality and importance of the language.

South Korea is one of the newest locations offered for studying abroad at Fisher, as student interest begins to expand outside of European countries. Others growing in popularity include Singapore, Japan, Portugal, Lisbon, and Cape Town. The programs are accessible for most students, as the courses are largely taught in English.

“English is considered the business language … which makes it easier for Americans to go and study anywhere they want because their language is recognized as an important language,” said Plutino-Calabrese.

Living abroad today for students has also become more convenient, as European countries now accept credit cards and mobile payment methods, provide affordable public transportation, and no longer require the need for a prepaid phone for communication. 

Plutino-Calabrese said it’s normal for students to feel anxiety, or even regret, when they first arrive at their destination.

“I tell students there is always an adjustment period … when they come back, they tell us they have much more difficulty readjusting back to the U.S. than when they arrived in a foreign country,” she said.

From her perspective, students’ re-entry in the U.S. poses a challenge for them—they begin to long for what they now know life in another country looks and feels like. One of her goals for the program is to establish a plan to make re-entry to the U.S. a smoother, less stressful transition for students.

“We often hear that the biggest regret among students who are about to graduate is not having studied abroad,” she continued. “But those who did, they recall their experience as the most transformational and rewarding among the many opportunities of their college years.”

The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), an award-winning study and internship abroad provider, is one of Fisher’s longest-running affiliates, dating back over two decades. Plutino-Calabrese has collaborated with the organization for the majority of her career at Fisher, and was recently asked to serve as a board member. The promotion is due to both her success in expanding Fisher’s study abroad program, and her suggestions to the foundation on how to continue to improve the programs at universities worldwide.

She recently was asked for feedback on how to organize an Honors program to shape the experience of students who wish to continue their Honors studies while abroad. She applied her knowledge of Fisher’s Honors program to suggest how a similar one would operate within AIFS.

Plutino-Calabrese’s new position with AIFS will not disrupt her role at Fisher, but rather enrich it. “When I talk to people in the same field, I want to know how they do it there–what works well and what does not–to see if there is anything that I can incorporate here,” she said. “I’m very blessed that I have the administration’s trust. I feel really lucky to be at Fisher every day.”

Plutino-Calabrese stated that studies show that students develop many important skills from studying abroad, such as adaptability, self-awareness, empathy, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. She believes these qualities are particularly important and set students apart for future success.

“Studying abroad is the single most life-changing experience for any student,” Plutino-Calabrese said. “It’s a chance to explore new cultures, learn new languages, and be exposed to new customs and traditions. Students return home with a different perspective of the world, and an expanded network of friends. Ultimately, my objective is to make the experience for the students the most remarkable that they will have in their four years.”

Railey said Plutino-Calabrese’s conviction for study abroad and easy rapport with students have been a roadmap for success.

“The reason Stella's been as successful with the program as she has, is because of two skill sets that don’t always exist in the same person,” said Railey. “She is passionate, she’s really people-oriented … she’s also really good at the minutiae of applications and contracts.”

“Not everybody has a managerial mindset and a really people-oriented capability. Stella has them both,” he continued. “Hiring her was a home-run … we found the right person.”

Students interested in study abroad can find more information on Fisher’s Study Abroad website or by emailing mplutino@sjf.edu.

This article was written by Brooke Eastman, a senior media and communication major. Eastman currently serves as a Public Relations Writing Intern with the Marketing and Communications department at Fisher for the fall 2024 semester.