Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy. This was one of my favorite spots in the city because of its panoramic view of Florence.
Author: Katherine Erbach | Major: Biology | Semester: Summer 2023
My name is Katherine Erbach, and I am currently studying abroad in Paderno del Grappa Italy through the CIMBA program in the summer of 2023. I am a Biology Major in the Fulbright Honors College, and I am also minoring in Psychology and Medical Humanities.
“Learn something from every person you meet and every situation you are in.” As my time studying abroad at CIMBA comes to an end, I have found myself thinking about this quote from Molly Rapert’s class a lot. This past month has flown by, and I am very sad to soon be leaving this place that I now consider a second home. I have known since my freshman year of college that I wanted to study abroad, but I never fathomed the profound impact this program would have on my life. Through immersion in Italian culture, CIMBA’s outstanding curriculum, and adeptness in navigating unfamiliar locations, I am leaving this program a better person both personally and academically. I chose to attend CIMBA because I was intrigued by the small classes sizes and the ability to experience what it is like to live in a somewhat rural Italian town.
One of my main goals for this summer was to gain confidence in myself and my ability to problem solve under pressure. In my day-to-day life, I am a careful planner, but while studying abroad and traveling, these plans can change in an instant. This experience has helped me push myself far beyond my comfort zone and adapt to a variety of different situations.
During my time studying abroad, I have been compelled to explore new ideas in a fast-paced learning environment. Molly Rapert’s Global Consumer class brought many topics to light that I had previously very little knowledge of. Professor Rapert has pushed us to think about difficult topics and has fostered a platform for our class to freely discuss these issues in a safe, educational environment. We explored the impact global markets have on local communities and the inherent challenge for consumers to perceive the negative effects inflicted upon those communities. I also took an Introductory Italian course, and I think this class really helped me make the most of my time in Italy. Even learning just a little bit of the language made a world of difference in my interactions with locals and my appreciation of the culture.
In addition to the valuable personal development within the classroom, my encounter with Italian culture has profoundly shaped me. I have experienced the leisurely pace Italians embrace in many of their daily activities. Notably, their unhurried approach to meals, savoring both the food and the company, has left a lasting impression on me. On the weekends, I have had the opportunity to visit Florence, Cinque Terre, Rapallo, and Venice. Each of these cities were so incredibly beautiful and unique, filled with so much history and amazing architecture. Some of my favorite memories include visiting the Statue of David at the Academia Gallery in Florence, getting lost in the streets of Venice, and taking a boat tour to visit the five coastal towns that make up Cinque Terre. As I return to my home, I aspire to carry this facet of Italian culture within me. My aim is to cultivate a greater presence and embrace unhurried interactions with others. While I appreciate a busy lifestyle, I have learned the importance of slowing down and embracing my surroundings, allowing myself to truly absorb and appreciate them. I highly recommend the CIMBA program to any students looking to study abroad. The lessons I have learned and memories I have made during my time in Italy will last a lifetime.