Trevi Fountain
Author: Elle Kopischke | Majors: Supply Chain and Marketing
Three years ago, when applying for colleges, the University of Arkansas stood out to me not only for the beautiful campus and highly ranked supply chain school but because of their extensive study abroad program. I have always known I wanted to travel and study abroad when the opportunity presented itself and Summer 2022 was the time to do it! When I was 13, I was fortunate to travel to Europe and while I was there, I fell in love with the country of Italy. So, when searching for programs last August, the University of Arkansas Rome Center sparked my interest. The Rome Center offers a program called Marketing in Rome. Students receive 6 credit hours for taking Global Marketing and Consumer Behavior taught by Molly Jensen and Heather Sprandel. Dr. Jensen and Professor Sprandel were both wonderful teachers and most importantly, mentors. One of our major projects was to explore and research any topic from transportation to women’s fashion to coffee and how it differed in Italy. At the end of our time in Rome, each group of 5 students presented on their marketing research project they had been working on for 4 weeks. My group decided to explore the market of gelato. We looked at how tourism affects it, GDP differences, and simple differences such as packaging and size. Instead of researching from inside of the classroom, Dr. Jensen and Professor Sprandel allowed us students to explore and learn firsthand. They encouraged us to deeply immerse ourselves into the culture outside of the classroom. This is the key difference between classes in Arkansas and classes abroad. Instead of only discussing cultural and global differences, I was able to live it for four weeks. It enhances my learning and allows me to bring a new perspective into the classroom.
Throughout my time exploring Italy, the key cultural differences I encountered were in everyday life. From 2-euro cups of coffee to travel and public transportation, it is all unique to Europe. While I have experienced new culture before, it is nothing like spending 4 weeks in a different city where English is not the first language. I learned that life in Italy is simple. Italians enjoy their cheap, small, and delicious coffee every morning at their local café. Drive-thru and large lattes do not exist. Italians use public transportation and trains to get to most places. Buses are essential to everyday life in Italy, and let me tell you, they are not fun in hundred-degree weather. Instead of going on road trips or flying to the beach, they simply hop on a train and arrive a few hours later. Italians live a simple life; a life we can learn from.
My biggest piece of advice to share is to be present. Always be looking for the next opportunity to present itself. It can be as simple as stopping to listen to a singer in a square to walking into a fabulous church to catching a train to the beach. Italy is home to some of the most beautiful places, artwork and people so do not take your time for granted. Take in every little experience because before you know it, you will be sitting back at your desk at home writing and daydreaming about the trip, instead of living it.