Paragliding over the Venetian Prealps
Author: Jenna Bray | Majors: Economics and Marketing | Semester: Summer 2025
When I first started exploring study abroad programs, Italy was not my initial choice. I questioned whether it would make sense academically and worried it might feel more like a vacation than a serious educational experience. However, the more I learned about CIMBA, the more I realized it could provide the kind of academic challenge I was seeking. I spent four weeks in Paderno del Grappa, a small town in northern Italy, and those four weeks turned out to be some of the most formative of my college career.
I chose CIMBA because it offered courses that connected directly to my majors and to my interest in understanding how the world operates. I took The Global Consumer with Dr. Molly Rapert and Global Economics with Dr. Eric Olson. These courses significantly expanded my view of global business and economics and demonstrated how interconnected the world truly is.
One of the most impactful parts of my time at CIMBA was learning from Dr. Molly Rapert in The Global Consumer. She is one of the most engaging and knowledgeable professors I have ever had. Each class session felt like stepping into a new world. She explained complex concepts with clarity and pushed us to think critically and examine our own assumptions.
In The Global Consumer, one of the most fascinating subjects we studied was China. We explored how China markets itself internally to build national identity and externally to shape its global image. Dr. Rapert connected these topics to real-world examples and made the discussions feel both relevant and thought-provoking.
Learning about life in China and comparing it to my own experiences was sometimes surprising. I realized that my own perspective is not always the universal standard for what is right. Just because others make choices differently does not mean those choices are wrong. This realization was both humbling and eye-opening, and I am grateful to Dr. Rapert for helping me see the world in a new way.
One of my favorite days in The Global Consumer was when we discussed how foreign brands operate in the Chinese market. We examined how government influence, cultural expectations, and consumer behaviors all overlap in complex ways. Companies must be precise in their choices, from colors to language, to avoid costly mistakes. Dr. Rapert helped me understand that marketing is not only about creativity but also about deeply understanding people and cultures.
Beyond lectures, Dr. Rapert encouraged us to reflect on how we had changed during the program. She introduced us to the Start Stop Continue framework, which allowed me to think intentionally about what I had learned and how I wanted to apply those lessons in the future.
In Global Economics, Dr. Olson encouraged us to consider how economic decisions influence the broader world. We discussed topics such as tariffs, trade policy, and how actions in one country affect individuals and businesses globally. One day in class, we debated the impacts of United States-China tariffs. Our discussion covered not only trade flows and economic growth but also how businesses must adjust their strategies to protect supply chains and serve different markets. This conversation reminded me that the headlines about trade wars are not simply political stories. They have tangible effects on businesses and on people’s daily lives. Sitting in a classroom in Italy, examining how these issues influence everything from consumer prices to international shipping routes, made it clear that economics is not abstract. It is real and affects every aspect of life.
While I expected CIMBA to deepen my academic understanding of international business, I did not anticipate how much personal growth would accompany it. One of the most significant lessons I am bringing home is the importance of being open to new perspectives and opinions. Living in another country, surrounded by new people, unfamiliar customs, and different viewpoints, pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. I recognized how often I fall back on my own assumptions without even realizing it. Moving forward, I want to approach new ideas and conversations with curiosity rather than trying to fit everything into what I already know.
Another valuable lesson has been learning to slow down. In Italy, people value stillness and living in the present. Shifting from a culture focused on constant progress to one that encourages joy in the moment has been a rewarding experience. When I felt frustrated by the slower pace, I tried instead to appreciate my surroundings. Practicing gratitude became easier, thanks to the steady approach of the people I met, and that mindset made my time in Italy even more meaningful.
Although being in a new environment can feel overwhelming, some of my best memories came from embracing new experiences. Traveling with people I had never met to cities I knew little about initially seemed intimidating. However, those moments became some of the highlights of my trip. Leaning into uncertainty and welcoming uncomfortable situations is a lesson I will carry with me long after returning home.
While my primary focus was academic, studying in Italy also allowed me to meet remarkable individuals. On the CIMBA campus, I was surrounded by over three hundred students from universities across the United States. It was fascinating to hear about different college cultures and to discover how diverse and yet how similar we all are. Beyond the campus, I enjoyed meeting local business owners in Bassano and kind bed and breakfast hosts in Venice. The people I encountered welcomed us warmly, offering advice, answering questions, and sharing their stories.
What surprised me most about studying abroad was how much it changed my understanding of global business and life in general. Before CIMBA, I viewed international economics primarily as policy decisions and statistics. Now, I see how deeply culture influences economic choices, marketing strategies, and even political relationships. The world feels both smaller and more connected, yet more complex, than it did before I left.
My advice to students considering studying abroad is not to dismiss a location simply because it was not part of your original plans. I was hesitant about choosing Italy, but CIMBA turned out to be exactly what I needed. Seek out programs that connect your academic interests to the real world and be open to the unexpected growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Choosing CIMBA was not merely a summer trip. It was an investment in my education and in how I see the world. I am grateful I chose to take this opportunity, and I am especially thankful to Dr. Molly Rapert, whose teaching and mentorship made this experience truly unforgettable.