CIMBA Study Abroad: Learnings and Reflections

Two years ago, I began my freshman year at the University of Arkansas. I distinctly remember a conversation with Sydney Kincaid about her study abroad experiences at CIMBA . After that conversation, even though I didn’t know much about the program, I knew I had to study abroad at CIMBA if it were possible. I remember constantly saying with friends, "Hopefully when we study abroad at CIMBA…" even as freshmen in college. Thinking back to those fun moments of freshman year and seeing my dream of studying abroad come true always makes me smile and reminds me of how grateful I am to be here.

Now that the program is ending, I’m in complete disbelief at how fast these four weeks have flown by. They might have felt short, but they have been some of the most meaningful weeks for me both personally and academically. Here are a few key takeaways I've learned that will stay with me:

New Perspectives

I didn’t know what to expect when I first walked into my Global Consumer class. I had heard great things about it—people told me I needed to take it, so I did. And I’m so grateful I did. It broadened my perspective on the world and showed me how different countries' actions affect my life in various ways. It sparked a curiosity in me and taught me to be aware of current events, not just in the United States, but around the world. My knowledge of how other countries' businesses, governments, lifestyles, and policies worked was limited. But through reading about and discussing the systems in China, Africa, and Italy, my eyes were opened. This class has changed the way I think, and now I can see how decisions made anywhere in the world can have a global impact.

?

Heeding the Advice of Others

My favorite day in Global Consumer was when Molly Rapert shared about her life and experiences. It was captivating. She talked about this idea of the “domino effect in life.” Her story made it clear that if one thing hadn’t happened, she wouldn’t have taken certain steps, met specific people, and might be in a completely different place today. It really showed how interconnected each decision is and how impactful they can be, whether you realize it right away or not. She also talked about the importance of reflecting. She said, “Define what success means to you personally.” It’s so easy to let others’ opinions dictate your actions, but truly defining success for yourself can help you focus on what matters most to you. This was easily the best day of class where we were able to heed her wisdom and experience.

?

Life Lessons

The CIMBA program is amazing, but it can also be stressful at times. Learning to adjust to the class schedule while balancing homework, day trips, friendships, etc., has really helped me grow in my time management abilities. Traveling on the weekends can be very stressful. You’re in an unfamiliar area, you don’t know the language, and things don’t always go as planned. Through missed bus rides, train delays, and the busyness of new cities, I’ve learned how to adapt. I’ve discovered how I respond to stressful situations and how to navigate them with others through clear communication. I’ve seen how one person’s attitude can affect the whole group’s dynamic.

?There are a million things I have learned that I could talk about in detail, but one of the biggest takeaways is that it’s the people you surround yourself with that make life so sweet. One of my favorite nights was getting dinner with Molly Rapert and some of my classmates during the last week. It was fun to reminisce about our weekends, share crazy stories, and cherish the amazing memories we’ve made together. Most of us go to the University of Arkansas , but I didn’t know most of them before this program. Now, after experiencing so much life with them in such a short amount of time, I’m excited that I can continue these friendships in Arkansas. Genuinely, I think my study abroad experience would not have been as impactful without the friends around me and the teachers who poured into me.