Picturesque in Rapallo

Author: Lauren Sanders | Major: Accounting | Semester: Summer 2023

My name is Lauren Sanders, and I am an Accounting major at the University of Arkansas. I studied abroad in the summer of 2023 through the CIMBA program in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. My time abroad greatly impacted and enriched me personally, professionally, and academically through opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

Ever since my freshman year, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I could never have imagined the profound way I have developed and grown personally through the intentionally crafted curriculum, exposure to Italian culture, and navigation while traveling to new locations.

Before taking the Global Consumer course with Professor Molly Rapert, I had very little background knowledge of global issues. Now, I am much more educated, but more importantly, I care and want to know more about the occurrences outside of the United States. Reading articles about the exploitation of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang province in China and a personal account of life as a child soldier in Sierra Leone opened my eyes to international problems that I had never heard of before. Further, I realized how easy it is to be ignorant and focused only on America, but because of this course, I desperately want to continue to learn more about other parts of the world – the good and the bad.

Besides the personal growth in the classroom, I grew from experiencing the Italian culture. Italians are more leisurely and take their time to do tasks. Most notably, they do not rush while eating and truly enjoy the meal and the company they are dining with. Now at home, I have taken this part of Italian culture with me. I am more present and less rushed in interactions with others, especially while sharing a meal. I like keeping busy, but I have learned that it is important to slow down and take a moment to enjoy and absorb my surroundings.

One of the unique aspects of the CIMBA program is the ability to travel freely on the weekends. During these three travel weekends, I have been challenged and forced to pivot when events did not go as planned. From missing a train because I stayed on too long to failing to be able to get money from an ATM, I have learned patience, flexibility, and grit. I am thankful for getting to explore beautiful parts of Italy, but even more grateful for how I have been forced to grow and really step out of my comfort zone while traveling abroad.

CIMBA has also fostered professional growth. Through the program, I learned etiquette and developed interpersonal skills. I now feel confident in attending a formal business event by knowing the nuances and manners involved with fine dining. Further, Dr. Al Ringleb, the founder of CIMBA, shared the acronym “LOVE.” Which stands for Listen, Observe, Validate, and Expand. When interacting and conversing with others, I will utilize “LOVE” to deepen connections and show that I care about the conversation and what people have to say.

Academically, I have been pushed to explore new ideas and learn in a fast-paced environment. I loved both my courses and gained different insights from each. Introduction to Law taught me how important and prevalent contracts are in business and day-to-day interactions. An agreement, consideration, capacity, and legality are all it takes to form a binding contract. Moreover, in the Global Consumer, I acquired a better understanding of China and Africa’s history and future economic impact. I was previously blinded and biased toward the viewpoint of Western dominance. However, now I am aware of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the debt being collected from other countries, and China’s growing influence on African countries. Further, Africa is full of potential due to innovative leapfrogging and the continued population growth within the country. I am very grateful to have examined new concepts and questioned previous beliefs and biases with thoughtful and intentional lesson plans from extraordinary professors.

I highly encourage everyone to study abroad through the CIMBA program. I had tremendous personal, professional, and academic growth, and I hope others get to experience this special program and all it has to offer as well.