The Realities of Studying Abroad: Global Markets Class Trip to Italy
By Ashlynne Sage
Studying abroad has been one of the greatest opportunities I’ve had through Stephens. Now, the block schedule makes it even easier for all students. The block schedule has its ups and downs, but studying abroad through my Global Markets class was so much fun. A group of us got to go to Italy for two weeks; we visited Rome, Florence and Milan. I studied abroad this past spring in Barcelona as well, but this trip to Italy with my peers and professors was different and rewarding. I learned so much throughout our time there and we bonded like no other. This experience was one of a kind and I hope every Stephens student gets this opportunity.
Studying abroad in general is an amazing opportunity. It’s a time when you get to deep dive into another country and experience its culture firsthand. My time in Barcelona was a time of growing and evolving. I’ve never lived far from home and I’m very family-oriented so it was a huge change for me. It was hard at first but it was so eye-opening. I learned so much about myself and the person I want to be that slowly the fear of living alone in another country went away. I spent four months in Barcelona and two weeks in Italy. Both times I went abroad, I learned something new. I love learning about other cultures and it is so much more meaningful when you can actually go visit the country.
Studying abroad is also challenging in so many different ways. For one, free public restrooms and free water at restaurants are unheard of. You’re also not always going to like the food and your feet will be dead by the end of the day with all the walking. The culture in Europe is very different from the states but it is truly beautiful. I feel like once you go abroad, you don’t want to come back. This trip to Italy was no different. It was a busy two weeks full of business visits and sightseeing. We visited the US Embassy in Rome, the Vatican, the Accademia Gallery, Castello di Verrazzano, a Parmigiano Reggiano factory, Zero Lab, a balsamic vinegar factory and more.
Our short trip was packed with various activities to really deep dive into the global markets of Italy. We all learned so much and loved the trip. Alex Jockisch, a senior Apparel Studies major, wanted to share a few of her favorite moments and what she took away from this class trip.
Alex said, “My favorite part of the trip was seeing the famous artwork I’ve studied in person. I learned as much as I love Italy, I truly did miss Cheez-It’s, ranch and iced caramel lattes. Italy’s culture around work is very different than the U.S. The U.S. culture is so go go go, work is life, etc. In Italy, restaurants close after lunch, people sit to drink their hot coffee and people walk everywhere not in a rush. The best tip I have is to pack smart. I’d research what you need to bring, like adapters and portable fans. I’ll forever cherish sitting at the Piazza Michelangelo singing along to the live musicians with the whole group. It was beautiful to watch the sunset and sway along to the music. I love Florence! I bought a vintage Italian suede mini skirt for 25 euros! I’m proud of this purchase. In Rome, there was a little pizza shop that you paid by weight, I got a mushroom and truffle oil pizza slice for 4 euros.”