Author: Gaby Sledge | Major: Communications and Criminology | Semester: Summer 2025

Spent a day exploring the Louvre in Paris, France.

Learning and traveling have long been two of my utmost passions. Therefore, studying abroad during college was more of an assumption for me rather than an optional pursuit. Through scholarship funds and an encouraging Honors College staff, this dream of mine was easily realized. The University of Arkansas offers hundreds of program options, so to narrow down my choices, I relied on student discourse. Numerous friends and peers highly recommended the Consortium Institute of Management and Business Analysis (CIMBA), a four-week summer business program in Italy. With the assistance of Walton College staff at the meeting, I found two non-business classes that would satisfy my degree plan: Italian and Law & Ethics. Due to this newfound confidence in courses, I was sold. Not only would I be building up my degree and fortifying my knowledge, but I would be doing it in the Italian countryside! Shortly after arriving in Paderno del Grappa, our little campus quickly became home. My courses at CIMBA were fast-paced but interesting. Taking a foreign language course in just four weeks felt like a fire hydrant of information at times, but I can wholeheartedly say that it enhanced my experience to be immersed in the local language. My “professoressa” grew up in the Treviso area and thus provided the most helpful insights, teaching us things we never would have learned otherwise. We had interactive learning experiences every week, which gave us a deeper understanding of history and traditions. Something I will always remember is tasting authentic Parmigiano Reggiano with locally grown cherries. The other course I completed is equivalent to Law & Ethics. As I intend to pursue a career in law after graduation, I found this class’s material particularly engaging and relevant to my aspirations. The course was taught by Sarah Dobrzykowski, a professor at the University of Arkansas whose connection I found especially meaningful. I appreciated the opportunity to hear the insights that she brought to the subject matter. An aspect specific to CIMBA that allures many students is its travel weekends. From Thursday afternoon to Sunday night, students are free to explore Europe. Alongside friends that I made during the school week, I had the opportunity to travel to Florence, Croatia, Paris, and Venice. These bucket-list destinations remain a distant dream for many people. Fortunately, their proximity to campus and the relaxed nature of European borders made weekend travel simple.Europe is rich in history and home to many of the greatest pieces of art in the world. Having the opportunity to walk hundreds of cobblestone streets filled with stories and lose myself in artwork spanning the ceilings of a cathedrals was, in one word, incredible. While I could go on and on describing the wonder, what stood out to me most was Venice. On our last night, several of us found ourselves near Venice in anticipation of early trips to the VCE airport. Since we had an empty schedule and a beautiful new city to explore, a group of us took a train from our hotel to the famous sinking island. We ate a delicious dinner, ending our Italian experience the way it began: with pasta. After dinner, we walked through the winding, narrow streets, punctuated by canals, cafes, and boutiques. The maze of a city opened into a grand “piazza,” where we ended the night with live jazz music. The simplicity of conversation with friends paired with a musical performance was stirring. Although I only had one night to experience all Venice had to offer, the excitement I experienced in such a brief time will set it apart in my heart forever. The final, and perhaps most meaningful, part of my study abroad experience was the connections I made with people. As a Fulbright student entering a Walton-centered program, I initially felt intimidated. But from the beginning, I found myself surrounded by genuinely wonderful individuals. Even the peers I met at the airport and I quickly became close, forming lasting friendships. Italy became a greenhouse for connection. Gathering at central hangout spots, taking evening walks for gelato, and playing hundreds of rounds of card games created strong and sincere friendships. Many of these newfound friends attend the University of Arkansas, which means these relationships will continue in a tangible, everyday way. Others attend universities like Kansas and Iowa, but I’m confident that these bonds will last; one of them is already planning to visit Fayetteville in the fall! I also formed sincere connections with my professors. Small class sizes and interactive learning created a more personal student-teacher dynamic. Beyond CIMBA-affiliated individuals, I befriended elementary students who attended school in the same building as me. Playing with them at recess helped improve my Italian and brought me immense joy. It was a simple, beautiful exchange—one that left a lasting impression on my heart. I knew from a young age that I wanted to study abroad. I did not, however, anticipate the impact it would have on my life. From finding friendship by playing soccer with kids who speak a different language to getting blisters on my feet from walking around the Louvre all day, my experience studying abroad is one I wouldn’t trade for anything. Traveling has a refining nature to it, if you allow it to. Observing the way others conduct their lives moves me to reflection and consideration of my own life. I learned so many important lessons from my time in Italy. The culture there is vastly different than that of the United States. The way Italians prioritize relationships and take things slowly are two lessons I will carry with me. Whether it be eating a five-hour dinner with friends or intently listening for an answer when I ask, “How are you,” I want to be formed by a sincere heart. Grazie, Italia!