From Language to Lifelong Impact: Paolo Santonocito’s Study Abroad Story

From immersive language learning in Madrid to an unexpected career pivot years later, Paolo Santonocito (IES Abroad Madrid | Fall 2005 | Spring 2006) reflects on the experience that shaped both his personal passions and professional path. What began as a desire to become fluent in Spanish grew into a lasting appreciation for food, culture, and connection, along with a continued commitment to giving back. Read on for Paolo’s reflections and advice for students and alumni considering their own global journeys as he helps pave the way for future IES Abroad students. 

IES Abroad: What inspired you to study abroad? Why Madrid?

Paolo Santonocito (PS): Having had the good fortune of traveling to Europe almost every summer when I was growing up, the idea of living, studying, and working abroad was a foregone conclusion. I had a strong interest in Spanish, so Madrid was a logical choice, and the opportunity to romp around another big city (I grew up in the New York City metro area) was music to my 20-year-old ears. Everything that awaited me in Madrid—art, architecture, newspapers, my academic courses, old bookstores, my host family, film, television, tapas, and the people—was a way for me to soak up the culture and immerse myself in the language. The thing that excited me the most about being in Madrid for a year was the ability to speak Spanish everyday and become fluent or nearly-fluent in one of the most spoken languages in the world.

IES Abroad: Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you wish you’d been given before or during your study abroad experience?

PS: First and foremost, study abroad for a year, not just a semester. Second, do everything you can to maximize your exposure to the language of the country. If there’s someone in the program who is a native speaker, befriend them. If there isn’t, find a compatriot in the program who wants to practice conversing in the foreign language.

IES Abroad: What aspects of your study abroad experience have you carried forward into your life today?

PS: I always had an interest in food, but something about being in Madrid during those formative years of my life—the newness of the environment and abundance of delicious Spanish food—heightened my interest in food and inspired me to learn how to cook well.  Today, cooking is one of my favorite hobbies and I constantly reference the “Bible of Spanish cooking,” 1080 recetas de cocina by Simone Ortega. Another aspect of my study abroad experience that remains an important part of my life is the Spanish language. Although I don’t get to speak Spanish anymore on a regular basis, I continue to enjoy reading in Spanish. I’m still working through the collection of books I amassed while living in Madrid. 

IES Abroad: Can you share a little bit about your journey since study abroad, personally and professionally?

PS: After graduating from Fordham University in 2007 with a B.A. in Philosophy, I returned to Madrid as a “language and cultural assistant” i.e., an English teacher through a program sponsored by Spain’s Ministry of Education and Science. After that memorable year, I studied law at Loyola University Chicago. Following law school, I worked in development and alumni relations at Columbia University and, later, in fundraising consulting. Life took an unexpected turn about three years ago. My wife and I—and my mother and father—moved to Iowa to be closer to my wife’s family. I am currently the head pickleball pro at a tennis and pickleball club in Cedar Rapids. 

IES Abroad: What motivated you to make your first philanthropic gift?

PS: IES Abroad provided me an invaluable academic experience and the opportunity to live in Madrid for a year. As a grateful alum, giving back is axiomatic. When I made my first gift in 2010, I walked to the IES Abroad offices in Chicago and handed them a check. I had a very nice conversation with a member of the Alumni Engagement staff. I’ve been giving annually ever since. Being a donor is one way to deepen your connection to an organization.

IES Abroad: Some young alumni feel like they need to wait until they’re more established before giving. What would you say to them? 

PS: If you believe you will give in the future when you are “more established,” there’s no better time to start than now. Being a donor is an experience. By giving early on as a young alum, you get to experience what it is like to be a donor—receiving touching acknowledgement letters describing the impact of your gift; feeling the emotions from giving money to support IES Abroad's mission; and, perhaps, establishing relationships with the advancement staff. By having these experiences, you can honestly evaluate whether donating is something you wish to turn into an annual tradition. Additionally, having a history of giving will make you more inclined to give in the future. I would also suggest that you might get more joy by increasing your giving when the time is right rather than waiting to make your first gift years or decades after your time as a student.

IES Abroad: How do you think your support makes an impact?

PS: I know my support makes an impact because I get to read the wonderful stewardship letters, email communications, and alumni magazine describing how the funds are used to support students and programs. As a donor, you can direct your donation to a particular area that is most meaningful to you.

IES Abroad: If you could inspire just one fellow alumnus to give back, what message would you want to share with them?

PS: Make your first gift and see how you feel. If you enjoy the experience, make another gift at the same time the following year.

Check out all of our Alumni Spotlights to see real examples of how study abroad changed the lives and careers of our past students. 

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