Author: Molly Muschick | Major: Supply Chain Management & Marketing | Semester: Summer 2025
Swimming in the Croatian Ocean
I spent the majority of my summer of 2025 studying abroad in Paderno del Grappa, Italy, through the CIMBA program offered through the University of Iowa. I chose this program because it was about a month long, which was the perfect amount of time to be away from home, while allowing a short time to reset before the next academic year. I had always dreamed of studying abroad, and once I learned about all the options and resources available through the University of Arkansas, I knew I could make that dream a reality. I wanted this to be my first big travel experience, and I loved that it would be alongside peers my age who were equally eager to learn and travel.
Italy sparked my interest for several reasons. It’s very centralized in Europe, which meant there were various opportunities for weekend trips. With plenty of train stations and airports nearby, I could easily visit different countries on the weekends. Beyond convenience, I was drawn to Italy’s culture, with their rich history, the amazing food, and the slower pace of life that felt so different from what I was used to. It was the perfect place to experience both education and adventure in one trip. One of my favorite activities that I was able to do was parasailing through the Dolomite mountains at the end of my time abroad. It was incredible to see the entire small town of Paderno del Grappa beneath me, and the experience was unforgettable!
While abroad, I took two business courses: Global Economics and The Global Consumer. One was taught by a University of Arkansas professor I hadn’t taken before, and the other by a professor from another university, which gave me a new perspective that was different from my usual classroom experience. Both courses were grounded in real-world applications, and I loved how our professors tied in current news articles, global business cases, and hands-on discussions. It made learning feel alive and relevant. These classes pushed me to think beyond the U.S. and helped me develop a global mindset that I know will benefit me throughout my future career path. I walked away with a stronger understanding of how business principles can look entirely different in other parts of the world.
Outside of class, I learned so much about myself. Studying abroad was exciting, but it also challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. The days moved fast, with lectures, assignments, dinners, planning, weekend traveling, and so much more. I often had to remind myself to slow down and take everything in, which isn’t my usual mindset. It was surreal to live in a small Italian town and to realize how far I’d come from home, both physically and personally. Also, I never realized how much I’d truly miss the comforts and luxuries of America. It gave me a new appreciation for my old life, and I feel like I have a much better grasp of how people in other countries go about their normal lives.
If I could give advice to other students thinking about studying abroad, I would say to do your research extensively and find the program that fits you best. Talking to other students who had completed CIMBA helped me the most; they offered realistic advice and insight that made me feel more prepared. Once you’ve chosen your program, set a few goals for yourself before you leave. The time goes by incredibly fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and feel like you’re just moving from one thing to the next on autopilot. Having personal goals helped me stay grounded and reminded me of why I was there: to learn and to experience new parts of the world.
Another piece of advice is to remember that this is your personal experience. It’s easy to be influenced by other people’s decisions, especially when you’re traveling in a group and everyone has their own ideas of what to do and where to go. But the most meaningful parts of my trip came when I made choices that aligned with what I personally wanted out of the experience abroad. It’s important to balance being social and adventurous with staying true to yourself. One of my favorite weekend trips was Florence with five of my friends from the UofA. I loved the balance of delicious food, exciting events, assorted shopping, rich culture, and a safe, diverse environment. This location had been on my bucket list for many years, so I was satisfied to get the opportunity to take the train ride to Florence. The beautiful architecture was one of my favorite parts; the structures look so different then any American buildings I had seen! Another location I was grateful to have visited: Pula, Croatia. Before my experience abroad, I had another dream to visit a beautiful beach town, and my decision to travel to Croatia checked that box! This location took a little extra planning, since it was further away. But it was very worth it! The water was some of the bluest, clearest ocean water I’d ever seen, and I was in constant awe of the natural beauty of the city. This weekend trip was a great change of pace from the previous weekend’s bustling, populated city vibes. I am so grateful to have gone on this trip with my wonderful friends!
Looking back, my summer in Italy was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. Between exploring new cities, learning from qualified professors, and meeting students from different universities, I came home with a broadened view of the rest of the world and a clearer vision of how I will perceive our global economy in the future. Traveling and studying abroad challenged me, inspired me, and taught me more than any classroom alone could have. I would recommend anyone to study abroad, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will change how you see the world, and even more importantly, how you see yourself!