Author : Meg Barninger | Major: Accounting | Semester: Summer 2024
Paragliding!
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend four weeks in northern Italy in a charming town called Paderno Del Grappa through an external program called CIMBA. The CIMBA program is highly popular at the University of Arkansas, with over 75 Arkansas students participating among the three hundred total students in the program. Having never traveled to Europe before, I found its rich history and culture captivating. Many of my freshman-year friends had attended CIMBA in previous years and spoke very highly of it, which fueled my excitement.
The CIMBA program is structured to ensure student success. Most travel weekends start on Thursday afternoons, giving us Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for longer trips. This schedule struck a perfect balance, allowing us to gradually adjust to a new country and environment. The small-town campus made it easier to navigate and adapt compared to a bustling city. We could explore local towns and shops during the week and save our big adventures for the weekends. The program’s format was ideal, and the classes I took significantly expanded my perspectives on global business and current issues.
I took two classes: Introduction to Law and Contemporary Topics in Marketing. Both included field trips and guest speakers, giving us firsthand insights into business operations. One of the standout classes at CIMBA was Contemporary Topics in Marketing, taught by Molly Rapert, a professor at the University of Arkansas. This class covered business practices in Italy, Africa, and China. I realized how limited my knowledge was about these regions. Learning about China’s business operations, political systems, marketing strategies, and foreign relations was eye-opening. It sparked a curiosity in me to stay updated on global events. It was fascinating to see how seemingly small events in China could impact life in the United States.
Explored Milan
During the weekends, I visited Florence, Italy; Pula, Croatia; Lake Como, Milan, and Switzerland; and, after the program ended, Paris. Each trip taught me valuable lessons in planning and adapting to change. Navigating new cities and countries, often without knowing the language, was a growing experience that tested my adaptability and response to stressful situations. Whether it was missing a train connection due to a delay or dealing with a strike, these challenges taught me flexibility and problem-solving.
One of the lessons I will take back with me to the University of Arkansas is the importance of those you surround yourself with. I was able to meet so many amazing people and grow so many friendships. One week you meet someone new, and the next week, you are on a bus to another country with them. These friendships encouraged me, pushed me, and made me better. During the last week, a few of my friends had dinner with our professor, Molly Rapert. This was one of my favorite nights because we were able to reflect on our weekends, our favorite memories, and our crazy stories. I loved getting to explore new countries and experience things outside of my comfort zone, but I do not think my study abroad experience would have been as good as it was if it were not for the amazing people around me.
In summary, my four weeks in northern Italy were transformative. The combination of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and personal growth made it an unforgettable experience. I gained a deeper understanding of global business practices, formed lasting friendships, and developed skills that will serve me well in the future. The CIMBA program exceeded my expectations and left me with memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.