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Students
Breaking Boundaries Abroad
Richelle Fatalo
Class of 2025
Currently Studying: BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Fashion Marketing
Member Of: Pace Profashionals, Women Who Lead (Vice President)
Pronouns: She/Her
Richelle Fatalo '25 isn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone. When the opportunity to study abroad arose, Richelle went after it—despite having never set foot in the country that she would soon call home. Not only did she get to visit new cities and see historic landmarks, but she also gained valuable insight into how marketing is done in other countries.
Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?
When I was first looking at schools, I recognized that Pace University and the Lubin School of Business had more opportunities for students to achieve success compared to other schools I looked at. During my search, I also really liked the classes and majors offered here—I knew that with these kinds of courses and opportunities, I would succeed, especially with Pace being in the heart of Manhattan. The connections students can make here are so important and not found anywhere else.
How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?
During my sophomore year, I joined our on-campus fashion business club, Pace Profashionals. This club has made me feel much more comfortable with my style and who I am as a person, while also helping me see that so many students are confident in their style. It made me feel welcomed.
What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?
My favorite opportunities include receiving hands-on help from professors who want you to succeed and being handed opportunities from—not only career fairs but also from professors who see the potential to shape your future career and build your resume.
You studied abroad at Lorenzo de Medici Institute in Florence, Italy. What motivated you to study abroad?
I really wanted to experience new and different cultures and lifestyles that I never experienced before. I also really wanted to learn how people from different countries live in all aspects—from food, clothing, language, religion, and housing. Seeing different towns in Italy really opened my eyes to how different and unique they are compared to towns in America. I also always wanted to visit Italy, so studying abroad was the perfect opportunity.
How did the Lubin School of Business help you prepare for your courses abroad?
I felt prepared for my time abroad in Italy, thanks to the different marketing courses I took and the professors I had within Lubin. I took a class in Italy to fulfill my minor in fashion marketing, and it was a breeze because I had already learned the bulk of it through Lubin.
What was the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your time abroad?
Taking the weekends to go see different places! I think it is super important to use your time abroad to see different cities or countries because you'll be able to experience different lifestyles and visit landmarks. I would definitely take the opportunity to go somewhere else, even if it's only for a weekend.
Studying abroad made me more excited about my career choice and goals. I learned that other countries market products and services differently than in America. While most stores stay the same, the marketing is different, which opened my eyes to how creative other countries are when targeting their audience, even if it is for the same product.
How did your experience shape or impact your career goals?
Studying abroad made me more excited about my career choice and goals. I learned that other countries market products and services differently than in America. While most stores stay the same, the marketing is different, which opened my eyes to how creative other countries are when targeting their audience, even if it is for the same product. It just made me happy to see all the creativity.
How will your international business school experience impact your time at Lubin?
It gives me more experience in marketing and advertising, which will help me apply what I learned abroad to what I will learn in the future as I keep growing and learning.
What is one skill or piece of knowledge that you learned abroad that you brought back to Lubin with you?
Perseverance. Everything in life is going to be hard no matter what you do, but you cannot just give up because you think you can't do it. You must push yourself sometimes to achieve your goals.
Do you have any advice for other Lubin students that are considering studying abroad?
Do it. It may seem scary, especially if you have never traveled to another country before—let alone by yourself—but it is not that scary. I was terrified—I did not know what to expect, but I am glad I went for it because I would regret it if I graduated college and did not do it. If you're unsure, you don't have to do a semester! I only spent one month abroad because I was scared that a semester would be too long, but now, I wish I had done the full semester! Do not be worried about making friends abroad, either—everyone is in the same boat. It is like being a freshman again! Overall, face your fears now and go, or you'll regret it later.
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