Majoring in International Studies as well as Chinese and International Economics (FLIE), Michael Di Girolamo has been able to combine his passion for learning foreign languages with the study of international commerce. Michael is focusing his studies in East, South, and South East Asia with a thematic concentration in comparative politics and societies. The flexibility of the major has allowed him to study Chinese and pursue a minor in Italian all while continuing to learn Korean. This past summer, Michael further refined his Korean language skills and gained an in depth understanding of American diplomacy through his participation in an internship at the U.S. Embassy in South Korea.

As an International Studies major, Michael has greatly enjoyed the multidisciplinary nature of his coursework. Through completing an introductory course in international relations as well as courses on Chinese culture, he has gained a deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese society and the history of its relations with the United States. Michael sees his studies in these focus areas as being substantially strengthened by his learning of the Chinese language. As Michael explained, “learning a foreign language is one of the best ways you can familiarize yourself with another culture and prepare to work in an international environment.”

On campus, Michael is actively involved as a member of the national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, where he plans workshops centered around global cultural diversity. Assisting others to pursue their interest in foreign languages, he currently serves as an Officer for the Chinese Language and Culture Club. Michael has also worked to establish a weekly conversation table where students can study the Korean with the help of native speakers. From these experiences abroad as well as on campus, he has more than prepared himself to pursue a career in international business.