October 2024

Pathways to the Steger Center

Virginia Tech aims to make study abroad more accessible to students through general education

By Bethany Lenhardt, Undergraduate Education intern

Through the combined efforts of the Office of Undergraduate Education and Sara Steinert Borella, executive director of the Steger Center, Pathways courses have made their way to Riva San Vitale, Switzerland.

“Incorporating study abroad opportunities into the Pathways program has been a long-term goal for our office,” said Jenni Gallagher, coordinator for general education. “We know global experiences are re really valuable, and by making it part of our general education program, we’re hoping to increase participation and accessibility.”

Pathways to the Steger Center is still in the early stages but already offers courses for Pathways concepts 2 and 6d, European Food Practices (ITAL 2404) and Create! (ENGE 2094).

Currently, also in the works is a series of three, one-credit courses that satisfy the Pathways 6a requirement. The series, Topics in Italian through Creative Practices, focuses on different art modalities such as acting, art, or travel writing. This series is subject to change and projected to be implemented in summer 2025.

The program is designed to be accessible to everyone. According to Gallagher, data from student surveys shows that a large number of students do not complete their general education requirements within their first two years.

“The great thing about this program is that even if students do have their Pathways fulfilled, it’s still a really cool program,” said Gallagher. “You can go even if you don’t need gen ed classes and stay at the Steger Center, which is beautiful, and interact with other students from across the university.”

Behind the new program, said Gallagher, is an effort to try to remove some of the barriers that prevent students from studying abroad.

Studying abroad for an extended period, such as an academic semester, can be disruptive to work and family life for some students. In contrast, a study abroad program for one month during a summer session is less expensive and easier to fit into course schedules for students who otherwise might not have space during the academic year.

The program at the Steger Center is run by Sara Steinert Borella, who has lived and worked in the Ticino canton of Switzerland for 20 years. Before her position at the center, she served as the vice president and dean of academic affairs at Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano, Switzerland.

Steinert Borella says that the pilot program for summer 2024 received positive feedback about the length of stay and the classes offered. The program is set to run again in summer 2025 with a capacity of 32 students. Applications are open. Students interested in applying should look to the Global Education Office for numerous scholarship opportunities that can help fund their stay.

Steinert Borella also strikes a balance between a program that is both safe and educational while remaining fun.

“Riva San Vitale is reminiscent of Blacksburg in the sense that it’s accessible and small,” said Steinert Borella. “That said, if you stay at the Steger Center and never leave, that’s not interesting. It’s my job to make that magic happen where students have a way out of the garden into the community.”

According to Steinert Borella, joining the Pathways to the Steger Center team is a professional development opportunity and a chance to get your feet wet abroad.

Steinert Borella says that can be an ideal opportunity for faculty because Pathways functions as part of the larger programming at the Steger Center. This means that faculty can focus more on teaching and building community connections.

“Virginia Tech students are fabulous and they’re really fun,” said Borella. “It was a wonderful experience for me, and I think it was for them as well.”

Neelie Harris, a third-year public relations student, traveled to the Steger Center during summer 2024 on the International Perspectives on Communication program. She loved her stay in Riva San Vitale and has conducted classroom visits encouraging other students to study abroad.

“Studying abroad in Switzerland was such a formative experience and truly deepened my knowledge of culture and life outside the classroom,” said Harris. “Virginia Tech’s faculty and staff made this experience one I will never forget.”