Checking paragliding off bucket list
Author: Tam Cao | Majors: Supply Chain Management, Information Systems | Semester: Summer 2023
Six months ago, I was like many of my peers who were not completely sure of what they want their future to be like. I was at that point in our life of trying to find yourself. However, after spending the summer studying abroad in Italy and traveling across Europe, I can confidently answer the dreaded question of “Where do you see yourself in the future?”
Immediately after finals week, my study abroad program began in a small northern Italian town called Paderno del Grappa. I decided to choose CIMBA through the persuasion of one of my favorite professors who actively told us about this University of Iowa program. At the time, I was indecisive on whether to pursue a BSIB or BSBA but the exposure I got from studying abroad and learning with an international/global perspective helped clear my indecisiveness and allow me to figure out my dream of working internationally. Originally, I wanted to study abroad in an Asian country as it would be more familiar to me, but I truly am glad I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and visit a country completely different from the cultural background I am used to. Through CIMBA, I have narrowed down continents and even countries that would best suit me personally. Also, with the rise in competition to get a job out of college, a background studying abroad in another country would make me more desirable and notable to companies that I apply to in the future.
Through the program, I took Introduction to Finance and International Marketing as both were courses, I needed towards my degree. I arrived with the expectations that these were just going to be boring classes, but I was wrong. Each day we were learning something new, getting guest lectures from local business personals, having spontaneous gelato runs, or going on field trips to wineries and companies. Simply put, there was never a dull moment in class. While I was excited to meet new people and be taught by professors from different universities, I was immensely happy to see quite a few familiar faces – some as instructors and others as fellow students. Every professor at CIMBA were passionate about both what they were teaching and ensuring we were also immersing ourselves to Italy and relating things we learned to our home away from home. There were many instances where I was invited to grab a drink or dinner with a professor or to go on a trip with them and other students.
Although I did not take the Italian language immersion class offered, the daily trips and activities, weekly travel weekends, interactions with the nearby locals, and so much more allowed me to learn quite a bit of the Italian language as well as the culture. In Italy and many European countries, everyone seems to like to take it slow and enjoy their time whether its sitting at a café for hours or catching up with a friend at a bar. Don’t be afraid to stop and appreciate all the various amazing architecture, plants, views, etc. The food was also something else. I originally thought I would get immediately sick of eating pasta or pizza every single day, but I didn’t as there was just so much variety of dishes. But don’t worry as American staples like McDonalds is popular here if you find yourself craving something closer to home.
For any students planning to study abroad, the number one advice I can give you is to don’t shy from meeting new people. The first few days are the best times to meet and find your “group”. It can be extremely nerve wrecking to put yourself out there, but I met most of my friends during the first two days and we have become so close by the end of the program and plan to have a reunion in Iowa. Another advice is to make sure you pack lightly. Many programs will tell you to pack a full-size check suitcase, but I was completely fine with a carryon and a Beis bag. Trust me when I say you will regret packing multiple huge suitcases when having to travel with them on the cobblestone roads many cities have or up the countless stairs.