Briggs Engelmann, Bassano, Italy

Author: Briggs Engelmann | Major: Accounting | Semester: Summer 2025

This summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Northern Italy in the small town of Paderno del Grappa at the Flippin Institute, a private school for primary students located at the base of the Dolomites. The beautiful and peaceful setting provided an ideal environment for both learning and exploring the culture and landscape of Italy. I chose this program based on strong recommendations from my professors and fellow students, many of whom had participated in the CIMBA program themselves. They
consistently praised CIMBA for its ability to connect students with local businesses and provide insight into both large companies and small, family-run enterprises, particularly in the Tuscany region. As an
accounting major focused on tax law, I was especially interested in learning about foreign tax systems and
their effects on businesses. This program offered the unique opportunity to speak directly with business
owners and hear their perspectives on how Italian taxation influences their operations. I attended CIMBA
during the summer term of 2025, spending four weeks abroad from the middle of May to the middle of
June. During that time, I completed six credit hours by taking Global Economics and The Global
Consumer. Both courses encouraged thoughtful discussions about global issues and helped students
consider economic and social challenges from international points of view. In The Global Consumer, we
read and analyzed articles each day and discussed them in class the following morning. These articles
were carefully selected by a team of industry leaders who track major global trends, which added depth
and relevance to our conversations. These discussions often went beyond surface-level observations and
introduced us to cultural norms and market behaviors that were unfamiliar to me. Global Economics
provided a strong foundation in topics such as international trade, the effects of tariffs on businesses and
consumers, and how future trade policies might evolve if the United States continues moving toward a
more isolationist approach. We explored real-world examples such as Liberation Day and the impact of
recent tariff policies. Through the use of economic models and theories, we were encouraged to evaluate
both sides of each issue and form well-supported opinions. A key highlight of the program was the
integration of academic content with real-world business experiences. We visited several local companies
to see how the concepts we learned in class applied in practice. Our first visit was to La Ceramica, a
small, family-owned business that handcrafts ceramics for major brands like Tiffany and Banana
Republic. The visit offered a close look at traditional craftsmanship, with each piece being carefully made
by hand. In contrast, our next visit was to Hausbrandt, a large company known for producing coffee,
wine, and beer. Their facility showcased a highly automated production process where machines handled
most of the work, and human workers focused primarily on quality control. Despite their vastly different
production styles, both businesses have found success in global markets. I found it fascinating to see how
both models could be equally effective in serving large supply chains. Beyond the academic and
professional value, one of the most important lessons I learned during this experience was the power of
saying “yes.” Throughout my time in Italy, there were many opportunities I was unsure about at first, but I
am incredibly grateful I chose to take part in them. Evenings spent in the nearby towns of Bassano and
Asolo helped me form lasting connections and created some of my most meaningful memories. These
experiences reminded me that saying “yes” to something unfamiliar can lead to unexpected and rewarding
outcomes. I plan to bring this mindset back with me to the University of Arkansas. Whether it is applying
for leadership roles in student organizations, signing up for volunteer opportunities, or meeting with
professors to talk about career goals, I now see each of these choices as an opportunity for growth. Saying
“yes” more often has taught me that taking chances and stepping outside of my comfort zone can lead to
valuable experiences and help shape my future in meaningful ways.