Author: Eleanor Linhardt | Major: Finance | Semester: Summer 2025
Standing in front of the government building of Bavaria with Ava Neumayer!
This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Paderno del Grappa, Italy through the CIMBA program. As a finance major at the University of Arkansas, I knew I wanted to learn more about global business, but also wanted a program that offered travel, culture, and adventure—and CIMBA checked all the boxes.
I’d always dreamed of going to Europe, and when I heard about CIMBA’s location at the base of the Dolomites in northern Italy, I was sold. It seemed like the perfect mix of academics and exploration. I spent four weeks there during Summer 2025, and in that short time, I learned so much both in and outside of the classroom.
CIMBA is a business-focused program, and the courses definitely pushed me. One class that stood out was Global Consumer in Marketing where we learned all about different aspects of China and other countries. Another course involved diving in deep to law and ethics. Both courses offered a chance to grow as a business student, and as a person. It was fast-paced, intense, and honestly, a lot of fun. I feel like I walked away not only with more knowledge about business, but also with stronger communication and leadership skills.
What made CIMBA even more special was the chance to travel on weekends. And I definitely made the most of it! I visited Venice, Florence, Madrid, Pula in Croatia, Molveno, Munich, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Every place had its own vibe and something new to offer. One weekend I was eating baby pig in Spain, and the next I was paragliding over Lake Molveno surrounded by the Dolomites. One of my favorite memories was just wandering through the streets of Florence at sunset—it felt like a movie.
Compared to life at the University of Arkansas, studying abroad was a big change. There were language barriers, train schedules to figure out, and moments of culture shock. But honestly, I think those challenges were part of what made the experience so valuable. I had to become more adaptable, more patient, and more confident navigating unfamiliar situations. Whether it was ordering food in Italian or figuring out how to get from point A to point B in a new city, I became more independent with every step.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing how connected the world really is. As someone studying finance, I’ve always focused on numbers—but seeing how different cultures approach work, money, and relationships gave me a much more human perspective. It made me realize that good business isn’t just about data; it’s also about understanding people and how they live and think.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, my advice is simple: go for it. Say yes to the opportunity, even if it feels a little scary. You’ll grow in ways you never expected. Be open to new experiences, try the local food (even if you can’t pronounce it), and don’t be afraid to get a little lost—it’s usually where the best memories are made.
Studying abroad through CIMBA changed me. It gave me confidence, broadened my worldview, and made me even more excited for my future in business. I’m so thankful for the experience, and I’ll carry the lessons I learned with me through the rest of college—and beyond.