Calling the Hogs at the Colleseum
Author: Jenna Molleston | Major: Accounting | Semester: Summer 2025
Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine, and this summer, that dream became a reality. I spent five weeks living and learning in Italy through the Marketing in Rome program at the University of Arkansas Rome Center. With over 1,400 programs to choose from at the University of Arkansas, I was looking for something that would truly challenge me and prepare me for my future career in accounting and law. I found exactly that in this program.
I first learned about this program in my freshman year Data Analytics course. My professor, Heather Sprandel, was clearly passionate about studying abroad. She told us she takes a group of students to Rome each summer to take marketing courses. Even though I am an accounting student, I was drawn to the program not just by the idea of traveling to Italy, but by its specific focus on real-world application. As a student pursuing a CPA and planning to attend law school, the program’s emphasis on leadership, business communication, and strategy was a perfect fit. The hands-on consulting project in Tivoli, Italy was the main draw. It was a unique chance to apply my academic knowledge in a dynamic, international context.
This was not a typical study abroad experience. In my capacity as a group ambassador, I led a team of six students in researching and developing a marketing strategy for increasing tourism to Tivoli, a small town outside of Rome. I worked with Tivoli’s Destination Management Office and local businesses to develop three specific marketing recommendations that the office could implement. The experience was an incredible test of my ability to work as a team, navigate complex, real-world scenarios, and improve my communication skills. One moment that stood out was our final presentation to the head of the DMO and the mayor of Tivoli. All of our hard work culminated as everyone in the audience’s faces lit up. The Italian professionals were so interested in our ideas and excited to put them into place. In that moment, we were no longer students, but true consulting professionals. As marketing is inherently more creative than traditional accounting coursework, this education has made me a more well-rounded professional, giving me a competitive advantage in any field.
Outside of the valuable academic experiences, I also had many culturally enriching opportunities. One highlight was touring the Colosseum. Seeing pictures of the monuments in textbooks is one thing, but standing in the middle of it is completely different. It allows you to connect with the past and understand history like never before. While the famous sites were as incredible as they sound, some of my most cherished memories are from the day-to-day moments. Navigating the subway system with my classmates to find the best gelato, wandering through the ancient streets and stumbling upon a hidden piazza, and simply soaking in the history all around me were experiences that strengthened my resourcefulness and independence. I felt a sense of freedom and confidence I hadn’t experienced before. Being on campus in Arkansas, the world can often feel so far away. Gaining an international perspective made me realize how interconnected the world truly is and that I have the potential to make a global impact.
My advice to students considering studying abroad is to take the leap. Step out of your comfort zone. Study abroad for as long as you can. You will grow and learn more about yourself in five weeks abroad than you might in five years of staying within your familiar routines. I have found myself more willing to say yes to new experiences and less uncomfortable with the unknown. This personal growth and expanded comfort zone will be invaluable as I enter the global professional world.