Author: Karis Guilfoyle | Major: Accounting | Semester: Spring 2024
One of my favorite sites in Rome!
I studied abroad in Rome, Italy during the Spring 2024 semester, fulfilling a lifelong dream of traveling to Italy. Rome was the most appealing option for me due to its status as a large, vibrant city with an endless array of things to see and do. Even after living there for four months, there were still many places I didn’t get to explore. History is one of my favorite subjects, largely thanks to my dad, who is a history teacher. Rome’s rich historical heritage made every moment special. Experiencing iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican in person was surreal. The daily experience of walking past St. Peter’s Basilica to get to class and having my classes held in an old palace added a unique charm to my academic life. Rome’s status as a major travel hub made it easy to explore other cities in Italy, various countries in Europe, and even different continents. This was facilitated by the University of Arkansas’s Rome Center, which allowed me to take the same classes I would have taken in Fayetteville, ensuring that I stayed on track with my degree plan while enjoying the benefits of studying abroad.
My academic experience in Rome was unique and eye-opening. During my semester abroad, 12 of my 15 credit hours were for business courses, including finance, marketing, and management. The most enriching aspect was that all my classes were taught by Italian professors and business professionals, providing valuable insights into the business world from a European perspective. In my marketing class, we engaged in numerous discussions and projects on how to market various products, many of which were unfamiliar or less popular in the United States. This presented an initial challenge but ultimately highlighted the cultural differences in consumer preferences and marketing strategies. The contrast between the choices made by us, the American students, and those suggested by our Italian professor emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultures. Similarly, my management class shed light on the differences between American business culture and that of European countries. This early exposure to cultural variations was immensely beneficial from an academic standpoint. In today’s globalized business environment, understanding these differences is crucial as most companies have international interests. I aspire to work internationally one day, and this experience allowed me to learn about cultural differences and observe their practical implications before entering the workforce. This knowledge equips me with a unique skill set that can differentiate me from other job candidates.
Exploring the Sahara Desert!
While abroad, I had the opportunity to travel to 10 cities and towns in Italy, 8 countries, and 2 continents. Two trips that stood out the most were to Morocco and Cinque Terre. Traveling to Morocco and exploring the Sahara Desert was an unforgettable experience, one I wouldn’t have had if not for studying abroad. Our tour included exciting excursions like riding ATVs, camels, and sandboarding, but what made the trip truly special was our local guide. The guide’s insights made the experience more intimate and enriching. We visited a store that produced its own argan oil products, savored local cuisine, and learned about their religion as we were there during Ramadan. This immersive experience was one of the coolest and most culturally enlightening moments of my time abroad.
Hiking the 5 villages of Cinque Terre!
The second standout trip was a school-sponsored hiking trip to Cinque Terre. Although I don’t consider myself an avid hiker, I was excited about this trip because Cinque Terre inspired the setting of the Disney movie Luca. No group from the University of Arkansas had completed the 5 Villages of Cinque Terre hike before. Driven by my competitive spirit, a small group of students and our director set out to complete the challenging 16-kilometer hike, enduring rain and hail along the way. Finishing the hike was incredibly rewarding, and the breathtaking views were a constant source of motivation. This trip also allowed me to bond with students from other disciplines like communications and architecture, whom I wouldn’t typically interact with on a daily basis. Overall, this semester was the best experience of my life, and I hope more students get the opportunity to experience something similar.