The Colosseum

Author: Ellison Lewis | Major: Finance, Marketing | Semester: Summer 2023

Very early in my freshman year, I knew I wanted to do the CIMBA program because I had heard awesome things about it and after further research, it was the perfect fit for me. It is a program that differs from all others because of its strong sense of community, and focus on individual growth. This program creates a family of alumni and staff that provides a diverse network of people to aid us in our future endeavors. CIMBA has been a great opportunity to learn how to navigate challenges independently. After classes on Thursday, you get the whole weekend to travel wherever you want. Being responsible for travel plans and transportation on top of juggling class was stressful, and I had to learn the correct way to deal with that stress. Effectively managing my time, being adaptable, having a support system, and using my resources are all strategies that helped me through this process. I have more confidence in myself to be in any situation now that I have new valuable skills and perspectives. As a marketing major, there were many benefits in this specific program as it is geared towards business students. I took two upper-level marketing classes that not only count as credit toward my major but are unlike anything that is offered at Arkansas. You experience what you are learning about firsthand instead of out of a textbook. The learning environment created by my professors made students feel comfortable having discussions and exchanging ideas. Everyone was always engaged and involved because the topics were very intriguing. Outside the classroom, you get the opportunity to go on field trips to Italian companies and see how they work behind the scenes. Both International Marketing with Swinder Janda, and Global Consumer with Molly Rapert, broadened my perspectives on social, economic, and cultural topics. I feel more connected to the world and have more global knowledge overall. I would recommend these two classes paired together for anyone studying at CIMBA; they were more beneficial than I ever would’ve imagined. Truly, CIMBA is such a unique program with the best of the best professors.

One of my favorite things about studying through CIMBA is that you live in a tiny town. There are no tourists and very few people who speak English well in Paderno del Grappa. You are fully immersed in Italian culture. Walking around town, we would pass children who could immediately tell we were American and loved to come to talk to us. It was really fun to learn their customs, like how every restaurant closes in the middle of the day for “nap time”, or the laid-back mentality that the people in Italy have. One of the most confusing things for me was learning how to get around the country with public transportation. I often panicked about missing a train or getting lost at busy train stations. I spent hours on Rome to Rio scheduling trains and figuring out the quickest, cheapest ways to get around. This website saved me many times and I would recommend it to anyone traveling in Europe.

If you have even the slightest thought of applying for the summer session at CIMBA, do not hesitate. I can easily say it has been the most beneficial and transformative experience of my life, even though it only lasts four weeks. They guide you through the scariness of traveling in a foreign country but treat you like the adult that you are and let you make your own decisions. My advice to anyone studying abroad is to pack light. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not dragging a 50 lb suitcase up and down flights of stairs at the train station. It’s also smart to bring protein bars or your favorite snacks because it is no exaggeration that they only eat pasta, pizza, and sandwiches in Italy. Even the grocery store is not going to have American snack brands like you would expect it to have. The food in Italy was the best food I have ever had, but I am looking forward to going to my favorite Mexican restaurant with my family as soon as I get home. Lastly, The summer session studying abroad goes by so quickly. Do not waste a single moment doing something that you could easily do back home. It is so important in any international program to branch out, experience new things, and take advantage of your time there.