Reflecting on My Time Abroad

It is hard to articulate how life-changing and special the past month has been while studying abroad through the CIMBA business development program in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. From conquering initial obstacles such as language barriers, learning transportation systems, and understanding differences in culture, to tackling travel weekends and integrating a school/life balance, I was immediately thrown into a series of uncomfortable events. Although difficult to manage at first, these challenges ultimately have pushed me to grow, problem-solve, and enhance my self-awareness.?

If someone had told me one month ago that I would be a completely changed person through just four short weeks, I never would have believed them. My experience abroad, however, has taught me more about myself and about the world than any course I have taken thus far in my academic career. I have taken the time to reflect on my time here with the CIMBA Italy program, and want to document some of the major takeaways that I have learned through my experiences abroad.?

I have always struggled with accepting change. I love having structure in my life and a general plan as to how my day will pan out. Traveling abroad, however, has taught me the importance of adaptability and problem-solving when plans change. Whether it’s hopping on the wrong train, getting lost with no phone battery left, or having your airbnb host double-book your apartment, embracing change has been a key element to my success while abroad. I believe that this newfound love for change and adaptability will serve me well in the business world and in life, for I now understand how I react under high-stress situations, how to manage the stress, and how to successfully communicate with others while solving the problem or adapting to a new plan.?

Furthermore, this experience has given me immense clarity on the role that I bring to a team and has provided me with the enhanced self-awareness that I will need when responding to these stressful situations. Due to my natural love for structure, I took on the role of the planner and instigator with the peers that I traveled with. This role, although fun, brought about its own set of challenges such as miscommunications, transparency issues, and compromises. Navigating these obstacles pushed me to refine my leadership and negotiation skills, in the end resulting in amazing memories with new friendships that will last a lifetime.?

Moreover, studying abroad has illustrated key differences in culture, businesses, marketplaces, and behavioral norms from the United States. My professors, Dr. Molly Rapert and Heather Nelson, provided us with the opportunity to tour multiple companies such as La Ceramica, Hausbrandt/Theresainer, and Garmont. Doing so allowed us the chance to see both family owned businesses and global companies. We also had an abundance of opportunities to explore neighboring towns such as Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Castelfranco, and Nove. When going through these towns, we were able to have inquisitive discussions with local business owners about entrepreneurship and challenges they may face. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of utilizing relationship-oriented business styles over transactional ones. I admire this style of business and cannot wait to implement it into my professional career, for it cultivates deeper connections between businesses and the consumer.?

Lastly, and potentially the most crucial thing that I have learned through this experience, is the importance of obtaining and utilizing a global perspective in all aspects of life. Professors Molly Rapert and Heather Nelson have been captivating and engaging to listen to in their seminars, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to learn about the world from them. To say that I have learned a significant amount from their classes would be an understatement, for their teachings have given me an entirely new perspective on how I interact with others, communicate, and how I view the world.?

Ultimately, CIMBA has been an incredible experience filled with many ups and downs. I am eager to share my newfound knowledge of the world with my peers at the University of Kansas, and cannot wait to implement said knowledge into all aspects of my life. I am so grateful to be a part of the 6% of Americans that study abroad, and I am excited to continue to embrace change, learn about different cultures, and lean into discomfort as I move forward in my academic and professional career.?