Venice, Italy
Author: Anna Kay Olson | Major: Supply Chain Management | Semester: Summer 2023
Deciding to study abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was able to travel to Venice, Florence, Cinquee Terre, and Paris all in one month while staying primarily in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. My travels ranged from seeing the Mona Lisa to wine tasting in Tuscany. I saw an array of beautiful basilicas all throughout Europe and ate some of the tastiest pasta I have ever had. I met tons of new people from the Universities of KU, Iowa, and many more. I made an immense amount of memories and learned so much from my time abroad.
When choosing what courses I wanted to study abroad I was anxious about having professors without any prior knowledge of what they were like. The two teachers I was given, however, have surpassed all of my expectations. Global Consumer and Global Economics have been two of the most eye-opening, enticing and valuable courses I have ever taken. Eric Olson, my Econ professor, has expanded my knowledge of economics all throughout the world. I have learned how to adjust to today’s economy and how economics impacts industries all across the globe. Not only is Professor Olson an amazing teacher but he has also made the class interesting, and equipped me to make the best financial decisions possible.
My Global Consumer professor, Molly Rapert, has quickly become one of my biggest role models. I have never met a human who is so blissfully unaware of the positive impact she has on all of her students and the people around her. I feel not only more knowledgeable because of her course but also influenced to be a better human because of the way she carries herself as a person. Yes, I have expanded my knowledge as a student here at CIMBA, however, more importantly, I have grown as a human being because of the staff I have been heavily influenced by.
In Global Consumer we have learned about the difference between China A & China B, the Uyghur population, China’s Belt Road Initiative, child soldiers in Africa, and so many more important topics. As a class, we traveled to La Ceramica, a local business in the area, where I found appreciation for the local businesses that work so hard to export to the United States. Whenever it came to our weekly readings, I began to feel guilty about the extent of ignorance I have towards issues like child soldiers and the Uyghur population. There are so many causes that need more voices attached to them and I am thankful that our Global Consumer class now has the power to carry this information to the United States.
“Patience is a virtue” is a saying that I have found myself using quite often during this last month. Patience with friends in groups of travel, patience with the difference in language, and patience with myself when things don’t go exactly as planned. I have learned to embrace change and how I best fit in a team whenever it comes to quick decision-making. I am a strong believer that the mind grows only when it is placed outside of its comfort zone and CIMBA has done exactly that. Growth is not found in comfort, although, CIMBA has done an outstanding job at providing me peace throughout this past month of craziness. I will always be thankful for the people it has given me, experiences I will always cherish, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Advice I have for students deciding whether to study abroad or not would be to say yes! Say yes to every opportunity that falls in your lap and don’t be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone! Pack lightly and be prepared to come back with a lot more than what you came with. I would also say to trust your gut while traveling whenever it comes to making last minute decisions. Safe travels!