Faculty-Led Study Abroad
The College of Business travel study program allows students to immerse themselves in a different cultural, academic, and social environment while pursuing their education. These programs are designed to immerse students in an intensive, short-term group study abroad experience designed and led by two professors in the College of Business with a maximum of 20 of their fellow students per trip. During the Faculty-led trips, students visit different international businesses, learn about culture and history in the business study abroad classes, and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of cross-cultural interactions and succeed in a globalized business environment.
Each business visit brought forth the community lifestyle associated with Spain. Within the business visits alone, an emphasis on quality of life was prevalent; unlike many American businesses, the pride in which each historical location is preserved and their pride in their history is prevalent. I learned that their lifestyle is heavily focused on community, and that completely changes business practices.
We visited many small businesses and learned about their beliefs, keys to success, and inside a day in their life. I thought it was so cool that many of these places were a staple for locals in Florence. The owners had one thing in common: the people came to their businesses to see and learn from them.
I believe that study abroad cultivates language skills, adaptability, and self-confidence through cultural immersion and new challenges. Students and faculty also form lasting friendships and create cherished memories, making studying abroad a transformative and invaluable educational experience.
Studying abroad allows you to gain a new perspective through firsthand experience of culture, develop openness to new ideas and dexterity in different environments, and provides opportunities to suspend judgment and look for commonality and understanding between people with differences. Personal growth often must be achieved by spending time out of your comfort zone.
It is a great way to learn about another culture because you are completely immersed in the country which expands your international knowledge. It is also a great way to meet new people within the College of Business and provides personal growth in so many ways!
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