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Author: Katelyn Evans | Major: International Business | Semester: Summer 2024
Hello! My name is Katie Evans, I am an incoming Junior at the University of Arkansas studying International Business and I have two minors in Supply Chain and Spanish. I have spent the last 4 weeks in the beautiful dolomite mountains studying two courses through a program called CIMBA. Through this trip, I traveled all around Italy and to Croatia as well! As I wrap up my time here at CIMBA and finish out my class with Dr. Molly Rapert and Eric Olson, I have an immense amount of gratitude for this program and all I have been able to gain from this experience. For the amazing memories that have been made over these last four weeks and how much I have learned about international studies.
I grew up listening to stories of my grandma, traveling all across the world. At the time the thing I cared the most about was what gift I would be getting when she came home, but as I got older, I began to find all of her stories and tales more fascinating than anything else. Ever since then, I have always dreamed about studying abroad and traveling the world. During the lockdown in 2020 I would spend almost all of my time looking at where I wanted to go, researching programs, and more importantly how I would pay for this experience I wanted so badly. This is what sparked my interest in International Business. As I graduated high school and entered my first year at the University of Arkansas, I had no doubts about what I wanted to do.
I remember at every family gathering, my family would always count down when it was finally time I got to go abroad. As I opened my acceptance letter to CIMBA this last October, I couldn’t believe all my hard work, savings, and ultimately my dreams were about to come true. With that being said, this trip was everything I could have dreamed about and more. With classes such as Dr. Molly Raperts Global Consumer class, I have got to learn more about the world. Through our field trips I was able to see what Global Consumerism looked like through various businesses in Italy, allowing my class to see first-hand how local markets cater to international demand. Meanwhile, during our class time, we discussed the Impact of China on our world today and the complexities of its role in our global markets. Having the combination of these two allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the dynamics that take place in International Business. Likewise, my Global Economics class with Eric Olson gave me insight on China’s economy and how international trade functions across various companies and markets. This class enriched my understanding of the complexities that come with global economics, and the pivotal role China has played in shaping our world’s economy.
Not only did these courses challenge me academically, but through weekend trips, meeting new people, and immersing myself into a new culture, I gained a better knowledge of how to resolve conflicts and learned what kind of leader I want to be. Studying abroad can be challenging, but the lessons learned from missing a train, balancing school, and making connections with my peers made this experience worth it all.
As I prepare to leave here in 2 days, I am beyond grateful for the friendships and memories made. This experience has not only impacted my personal life and challenged me in many ways, but it has also fueled my passion for International Business. By taking these courses and having these experiences, CIMBA has allowed me to solidify my desire in this field and has given me excitement to pursue a career in International Business.