Author: Gracie Jay | Major: Accounting and Finance | Semester: Summer 2024
Exploring Tuscany
This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in a month-long program called CIMBA. Early into my freshman year of college, I heard about this program and immediately knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I have always dreamed of traveling to Europe, but I never imagined I would get the opportunity to live and study in Italy for a month. Unlike other study abroad programs located in major cities, I studied in a small town located in Northern Italy called Paderno del Grappa. This unique experience gave me a glimpse into the everyday life of Italian locals. This program allowed us to travel independently each weekend, letting me explore larger tourist cities like Rome and Florence. After the excitement of the weekends, we returned to the calmness and beauty of the countryside, appreciating the serenity of the small town.
While abroad, I took an International Marketing course and a Global Consumer course. Through these courses, I enhanced my knowledge in marketing, international business, and my overall global awareness. I was given learning opportunities unlike any I’ve experienced in the U.S. We took several field trips, allowing me to witness business operations firsthand. I visited companies varying from La Ceramica, a family-owned business that handmakes ceramics, to Hausbrandt, one of the largest Italian coffee roasting companies, both of which sell to the U.S. It was fascinating to learn from these businesses and see how they compare to companies in the U.S.
When I started the program, I didn’t know many of the other participants, which made me a bit nervous. However, just one month later, I’m leaving Italy with lifelong friends I will cherish forever. During my last weekend as part of CIMBA, I decided to travel with a group of girls I hadn’t known before the program, and it turned out to be the best decision I made. We managed to visit both Rome and the Amalfi Coast in just one weekend. In Rome, we visited the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and more. We tried local foods such as Carbonara and visited a cute store where we handpicked charms to make our own necklaces. Next, we took a train to the Amalfi Coast, where we rented a boat for the day and explored the stunning coastline. This was one of the best weekends of my life, filled with memories I will cherish forever. This experience taught me to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends. I learned how to be independent and spontaneous. Not only did this experience foster professional growth, but it also led to significant personal growth. Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. I will always be grateful for this life-changing experience.