Formal Dinner with Dr. Rapert
Author: Sydney Kincaid | Major: Political Science
As I reflect on the last five weeks in Europe, it is hard to comprehend and put into words all that the last five weeks has meant to me. There are countless memories, experiences, and lessons I learned that all stemmed from studying abroad. But more than that, there are lasting friendships, exponential personal growth, and a new appreciation for the world around me that I will carry with me for a lifetime. I hope to share just a glimpse of what I saw while I found adventure, challenges, and a new sense of self while abroad.
From the time that I was young, I knew that studying abroad was something I wanted to do. I had a love for travel and experiencing the world that challenged me to think outside of the normalcy I was used to. When it came time to choose a study aboard program, I wanted one that offered me a sense of structure but also freedom to venture out on my own and learn how to navigate life in a foreign country. That is what led me to choose the CIMBA Italy program. The structure of the four-week program is built around 2 classes that offer 6 hours of credit. Most days there would be class in the morning and a field trip in the afternoon that was related to what we were learning about in class. On the weekends, students are given the opportunity to travel to any destination that they please, just as long as they make it back for class Monday morning. When we arrived on campus and throughout the program, the CIMBA staff reminded students that they were not there to hold our hands, but they were more than willing to help in any way that we need. Their philosophy is that we will learn just as much, if not more, traveling in another country and doing so on our own rather than focusing only on class for four weeks. Another factor that made this program unique, and one that I really appreciated, was how immersed students are into the Italian culture. The campus is an hour north of Venice in a town that was so small, you could walk through it in 15 minutes or less. During the week while on campus, students had the opportunity to venture into the community and get a better feel for what it is like the live like a local in Italy and become familiar with the culture and societal norms.
The two courses that I took while abroad were the Global Consumer with Dr. Molly Rapert and Global Economics with a professor form the University of Tulsa, Dr. Eric Olson. When reflecting on my course with Dr. Rapert, all I can say is that I have the utmost respect for her, her ability to connect with each student she knows, and her genuine desire to help others learn. Our Global Consumer course spent four weeks working through different topics around Italy, China, and Africa. We discussed state control, surveillance, business strategies, and tactics used to combat the coronavirus. This class was unlike any other that I have taken in that we learned through discussing articles we read and sharing thoughts and experiences based on the articles to expand on what we already knew. Dr. Rapert is what made this class all that it was. She willingly shared life experience and stories throughout the course that taught students life lessons that they will hold with them for years to come, I know I certainly will.
In the United States, especially on a college campus, it can become so easy to race through life trying to climb the steep, long, and never-ending road to success. As someone who enjoys being involved but is also a perfectionist, I have found myself in this trap going full speed ahead, focusing more on my achievements and how others view me rather than appreciating all that is around me. In Italy, the way of life is much different in the US. The best way I know how to describe it is that people do not live to work but rather work to live and appear to live much simpler lives because of this. There was a small bakery up the street from the CIMBA campus that my friends and I visited frequently for a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino. We got to know the owner and her son due to our nearly daily visits and learned more about their story. The owner, Alba, must have been in her 70’s. She had lived above her bakery in the small town of Paderno del Grappa for her entire life and was truly one of the most content and joyful people that I have come to know. Each day as we would walk in to “Al Asteria”, we were welcomed with a huge smile and an Italian greeting. Alba knew no English but was able to communicate her zest for life through her actions. Alba was a testament to the Italian culture which has a deep appreciation for living a life you love rather than one that is centered around achievements. Alba’s life was simple and that appeared to be more than enough to make her happy. Alba taught me to appreciate the smallest things in life and to take a step back when it all feels like too much.
I cannot speak highly enough about the CIMBA program, or study abroad as a whole. Many thanks are due to the Honors College for helping to send me on this incredible experience. Their generosity is something that I am forever grateful for and all that it led to. My advice to any students considering studying abroad would be to take the leap of faith and say yes. And when you do say yes to studying abroad, say yes to every opportunity while abroad. Having an open mind to all that you may have the chance to experience will lead to the most enriching and unexpected experiences. I have no hesitation in saying that this was the most rewarding, exciting, and fulfilling four weeks of my life.