A Canal in Venice
Author: John Wilson | Majors: Economics and Psychology
My name is John Wilson, I am currently starting my senior year. I am double majoring respectively in Economics and Psychology through Walton and Fulbright. Earlier this summer, I studied at CIMBA in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. During my freshman year, I befriended Dr. Molly Rapert, who has become a mentor, both in my academic and personal pursuits. Through her I was introduced to the CIMBA program and made it my mission to attend. The experience, although unknown prior nor during, is an imperative and distinguishable feat I was able to participate in. The program has elevated my resume and academics, in that my abilities and experiences gained while there are easily recognizable to future employers or graduate institutions. During my time in Paderno, our coursework was relevant to on-going business issues in the world. Additionally, each course incorporated some capacity of Italian relevance as well. My instructors were very inspirational and always accessible regarding coursework or questions about travel or culture. My instructors, more than less, made my time abroad worthwhile. They provided in-depth educational material all while maintaining a professional but personal relationship with e8ach of their students. My time abroad, although unbeknownst to me at the time of studying, has separated me from my peers, both academically and professionally. The experiences, life lessons, constant adaptability and understanding while aboard will serve me greatly when attaining new feats, either academically or professionally. After my time abroad, I have already begun looking into opportunities, both academic and professional, to live abroad. The combination of being educated in an American university and being an American citizen also sets myself apart if I were to advance my career abroad, all while building my character and resume while there. As I have told numerous persons about my time abroad, I have reiterated the bottom line that it will change your life, give you a different perspective, and overall advance your aspirations and dreams to the next level of attainment.
CIMBA emphasizes and promotes their students’ freedom and time while studying. It is common for students to plan trips during the week and then live out those trips on the weekend. I was there for seven weeks but traveled the entire country of Italy, going to a different destination every weekend. I will highlight the two most influential aspects of my weekend travels. The first was food. Just as in the US, Italian food varies greatly by geographic bounds. The group I was with always would stick to dining at local and unknown restaurants while in different areas. Ordering the classically local dishes. Each meal was exceptional and never became redundant. The other aspect of my travels was the historical significance. Everywhere I traveled, walked, rode a train or boat, had some capacity of historical significance dating back as far as 3000 B.C. While in Rome, our group visited the Roman Forum, which is where the Senate presided, temples stood, and markets flourished during Rome’s reign. We happened to stumble upon Julius Caesar’s supposed burial place. One of the greatest and most historical influential leaders of all time had walked where I had walked and was laid to rest where I looked. It was humbling to see and amazing that the preservation had been maintained after almost 2,000 years.
Regarding advice, I strongly recommend anyone contemplating (even in the slightest degree) to study abroad. Do not worry with the financial aspect of such a journey, that will be a minimal issue once you look back on it. I have been recommending my younger peers to apply for CIMBA since I returned home, and I believe I know a few who will take my offer up. I do not think there is a wish to know anything prior to going. If you knew something, it defeats the purpose of studying abroad. To study abroad is to get yourself in situations you’ve never experienced so that you can learn and grow from such situations. Upon returning home, the greatest aspect of home-life I missed was driving. I immediately got off a plane and drove myself around Fayetteville.