We just got back from the second formal dinner here at CIMBA and all I can think about is how awesome it is to have smaller class sizes where we can all build relationships with the professors. They attended the dinner with us, and it truly was incredible to share meals and conversations with them. They are all extremely helpful with travel recommendations and safety tips. Not to mention they really want the best for all of us. It makes me more motivated to try harder in class as well.

For travel week, my parents, siblings, and grandparents all came to visit me, and we traveled around Italy! We started on the Amalfi Coast, then we went to Rome, then Tuscany, then Florence, and we ended in Milan! All of it was absolutely beautiful! However, the main two places that I have tips for are the Amalfi Coast and Rome!!

Back to CIMBA after a successful travel break! I met with my mother to visit Venice, Siena, Florence, and Cinque Terre. I then did a little solo adventure to Bologna! While I was in Venice I went to see Doge’s Palace, the Basilica, a gondola ride, Murano, and Burano. My favorites were my tour of Doge’s Palace and the gelato I had while in Burano. My mother kept describing Venice as “magical”, which I think is a great way to put it. This was my second time in Venice, and it continues to be my favorite destination in Italy.

One of the many things I heard before coming to Italy was how good all the food was and how I must try everything and anything. I have an open mind when it comes to trying food and have always been told to try everything at least once before you decide if you don’t like it, so this experience was going to be fun. As for the food on campus, I was not sure what to think. I was not sure if it was going to be like in elementary or middle school where the food was never quite cooked all the way, or it was overcooked. Where we going to have to grab a tray and get our food, was the tables were going to be hard plastic with attached round seats; I was about to find out. Sitting in my room on week 8 and looking back at the first night here and what we had to eat, I don’t know if it was from being so exhausted or just having to have two meals on the plane, but it was the best meal I had in what seemed like days. I cannot even remember what it was, but it was pasta of some kind, and we had a vegetable and water.

We now have two days left of class before being on travel break! It has been super fun hearing about all of the fun places everybody will be going this weekend. I will be traveling with my mom for the first week of fall break and am in the process of planning my final weekend in Bologna.

Being a student at CIMBA has many benefits from being in Italy for three months to the planned outings. Our second outing as a group was to the small town of Asolo. Asolo is an 11-minute drive south of campus. When you pull up on the bus to the city center you are greeted with a beautiful fountain. Off to the right of the fountain is a Bar (café) that has amazing gelato and if you go to the left just up the street there is a family-owned and operated pizzeria. We had the pleasure of coming in on a Monday when they are closed, and having a first-hand look at how pizza is made. He told us the ingredients they use and what makes a good dough. Then it was time to put us to work. Three at a time, we went down and spread open the dough, put on the sauce and toppings, and let the wood-fired oven do its magic. I will say it was the BEST pizza I have ever had!

Suffice to say, this weekend has been the craziest weekend yet abroad. Personally, it feels as though each weekend seems to top the last in terms of adventure. The weeks are a great time to slow down and relax and focus on schoolwork, and then the second Friday rolls around, it is go-time.

Calling all my ladies and gents who love fashion and gorgeous architecture, Milan is the place to go!

I know packing for a 12-week trip is scary, but do not fret! After being here for a few weeks, I have figured out some things that I wish I had packed. So here are some things that I did not think about until being here:

I had the opportunity to go to Warsaw and Milan this past weekend for our first extended break. The two cities were completely different, and I would do the weekend all over again if I could! I remember when discussing traveling plans with everybody for the long weekend, my friend and I decided to go to Warsaw, and we were met with blank stares. From that, I inferred that not many people at CIMBA (or at home) have been to Poland before and that excited me even more. I have zero regrets about choosing Warsaw.

Now that it has been a couple more weeks since my last blog, I want to write about all of the memories I have made so far. After being here for a while it really has set in that I am in a different country, and with that, has come a huge amount of learning experiences that have taught me a lot about life. It may sound cliche, but I really have learned a lot through my travels so far.

My time in Italy has been rewarding. The people of this small town are so kind and warm to the funny American students, and some of the local shop owners will even ask what state you are from and then point it out on the map they have. I found this true at the little bar (we call them coffee shops) around the corner from the school, which I like to go to on the weekends. I particularly enjoyed it on Saturday before the start of the second week. I knew it would be a long week ahead with starting Genesis or Experiential Leadership Training on Wednesday morning and running until late Friday afternoon. I do not think the twenty-seven of us here were expecting what was going to happen in the coming days.

So far, the CIMBA experience has been absolutely electric. I wanted to write specifically about the program so far and then highlight how easy it is to travel on the weekends to all the cool sights and scenes that Paderno Del Grappa has to offer.

It is Friday night, of the first week at CIMBA, and as I sit at my desk, listening to everyone getting ready for their first weekend way, I cannot be happier to just be staying on campus and exploring the area. I know they will come back on Sunday with amazing stories to tell but for me, it is more important to make my physical and mental health a priority over travel

My very first travel weekend was to Florence, and I have to say I recommend it! Florence is known for their leather market, amazing food, and amazing views. Let's start with the best way to get to Florence!

Ciao from flight number LX55! Today was finally the day for my trip to Italy. September 15th feels like a late start date compared to what I am used to at my home university, but it makes me more eager to explore, as I am craving academic and social connection I am used to during the early fall months. I am excited for the three months ahead and all that I will learn.

Ciao! Or should I say “hi!” now that I am officially back in the States? Since being home, I have missed lots of things from my time in Italy: my daily (sometimes multiple times a day) cappuccino, the drawn-out dinners filled with endless stories and laughs, waking up to the beautiful Dolomites right outside of my window, the cheap but delicious pizza and pasta. The list could go on. However, I’ve also been cherishing the time I now have to reflect on my study abroad experience–the memories, lessons learned, growth, and everything in between. In honor of the past week and a half of reflection time that I have had, I decided to share with you three things that I learned from my five weeks spent studying in and traveling around Italy. Let’s dive in:

A scenic train ride took us away to the coastal town of Sorrento. The views looked like something out of a movie- the serene blue of the Mediterranean against the vibrant lemon grove left me in awe. As we arrived, the scent of the seas mingled with the fragrance of lemon groves, setting the stage for a memorable weekend ahead.

Before traveling to Italy, I did some research on the ways American and European cultures vary. For example, I knew that we generally talked louder, ate faster, and dressed differently. I also knew that the food portion sizes would be smaller yet more nutrient dense. In fact, I wrote a research paper for my college English class, detailing the contrasting food policies of both nations. However, there were still many aspects unknown to me before my arrival. This blog will explain the things I found shocking and now do not take for granted being back home in the US.

As I concluded my journey at CIMBA, I was and am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. Studying abroad in Paderno del Grappa, Italy, has been a transformative experience that extended beyond academics and travel. It has been a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that has fundamentally reshaped my perspective on life. In this article, I want to delve into the internal changes, the lessons learned, and the newfound appreciation for the world around me that I gained through my time at CIMBA.

I stood teetering over the waterfall’s edge, petrified by the enormous distance between me and the water below. After a long time confronting my fear of heights, I suddenly had a surge of bravery and took the plunge into the freezing water. As the current rushed over my face, I realized this was where I was supposed to be. I almost didn’t go abroad; the U.S. provided a sense of familiarity that I was anxious to give up. I clung to this fear for the first few days in Italy, struggling to adjust to the new normal. It wasn’t until this moment of achievement that I recognized how much I had already grown. Flash forward, and it’s been about a week since the conclusion of the CIMBA summer program. Although it felt like only days, my time in Italy has proven to be one of the most profound experiences of my life. It has reshaped my outlook on life and led to significant academic, cultural, and personal growth.

Participating in the CIMBA summer study abroad program in Italy was an enriching and life-changing experience. This reflection captures the essence of my journey, highlighting the academic, cultural, and personal growth that I experienced during my time abroad.

I have to be honest. During my last week abroad with CIMBA I was craving a butter burger from Culver’s.

While spending a month in Europe eating loads of pasta, pizza, and other carb-heavy foods, you may be wondering why you don’t feel extremely full or bloated after every meal. How can we dine out several times a day on our travel weekends and not grow sick of it? For me, I can feel full for several hours after going to a restaurant simply because the dishes are dense and of a large portion size. In reference to the dining hall food, we were served pasta twice a day accompanied by bread and sometimes even pizza. In American diet culture, that many carbohydrates is a big no simply because of how unhealthy it is. To rephrase, in America, the food is seen as unhealthy. Yet these same dishes are very prevalent in Italian culture and pose very few problems for digestive health. The following paragraphs will detail why Italian cuisine affects us differently.

Venice is just as gorgeous as portrayed in the movies! With its winding alleyways dividing the rows of shops and restaurants, you can get lost for hours on the island. The city is also accompanied by neighboring islands, such as Murano and Burano, accessible by a water taxi. Venice was my favorite trip, even compared to my stay in Rome and Florence! This blog will detail how I got to Venice, where I stayed, and what I did.

Nestled in the foothills of the Venetian Prealps, Bassano del Grappa is a charming town in the Veneto region of Italy. Bassano del Grappa roughly translates to “base of Mount Grappa.” The old town is located roughly thirty minutes away from the CIMBA campus by bus. The CIMBA program offers multiple dates throughout the summer to visit Bassano by night. Renowned for its historic architecture, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Bassano del Grappa offers multiple unique experiences that cater to all interests.

Today marks the final week of my journey at CIMBA. I chose to study abroad to step outside my comfort zone, and CIMBA offered an incredible balance of academic rigor and travel opportunities that I couldn't resist. As I look back on my time in Italy, it feels like it flew by, yet it has profoundly shaped who I am. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything and am deeply grateful for everything I’ve encountered here. In this article, I want to reflect on my experience and break it down into three key areas: Academics, Culture, and Personal Growth. Let's dive in.

“We’ll take chicken and fries, please!” Sometimes familiarity and simplicity are needed amidst so much change.

It has officially been a little over a month since I arrived back in the United States and boy do I miss my time in Italy. Arriving back in the US I was expecting to deal with the reverse culture shock and the adjustment to going back to work and not being able to walk everywhere and thankfully I adjusted back quickly. However, now that I have been back for a while I have had time to reflect on my time spent in Italy and I have come to appreciate the memories I have made as well as some of the important lessons I learned along the way.

Ciao! As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in my semi-roomy train seat, gazing out of the giant window to my left as fields of grapevines pass by. Noah Kahan is playing in my freshly charged earbuds, and the excitement of arriving at our weekend destination, Cinque Terre, fills my mind. Time here in Italy has flown by as fast as the fields outside my window are passing by. How is it that we are already embarking on our last travel weekend at Cimba?! Venice, Florence, and Vienna feel like months ago with all that has been packed into these past three weeks, and yet the memories are as fresh in my mind as if I had just experienced them yesterday. And what better way to keep them fresh than to write about them and share them with you!

I am not a well-traveled person. My family or school planned, booked, and paid for all the trips I've been on. And, growing up, my family mostly opted to travel by car so I can count how many times I’ve been on a plane with my hands. It’s safe to say that planning for the weekend trips during CIMBA was way out of my comfort zone.

Coming into a summer session at CIMBA out of a very busy semester, I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to delve into the culture and the language that I would be experiencing in Italy. Fortunately for me, when I sent in my list of preferred classes, I put down Italy Live. And I am so, so glad that I did. Even barely a week in, I feel that I’m among the luckiest on campus to be a part of this class- here are my top 5 reasons why:

Nestled on the Istrian Peninsula, Pula, Croatia, is a hidden gem with ancient history, a beautiful coastline, and vibrant culture. Whether you love history, are a nature enthusiast, or are a beach lover, Pula offers an array of unique experiences and day trips that cater to everyone.

“If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?” This is one of my favorite ice-breaker questions because it not only opens the door for endless conversations, as it did a few nights ago around the dinner table in Florence, but also gives me an excuse to talk about three of my passions in life: food, travel, and writing. If I could have any job in the world, I would want to be a food and travel blogger, so it’s exciting that I’m living out that dream during my time at CIMBA.

As my first-weekend trip has come to a close, I look back with thoughts of amazement and happiness. With a 3-hour train ride to the heart of Tuscany, Florence awaited with open arms for us 8 girls. Amidst the cobblestone streets and the Renaissance architecture, we indulged in the quintessential Italian experience. Each day was a new adventure, from scouring the local boutiques, to walking through the leather markets and twirling forks into the flavorful pasta that is the soul of Italian cuisine. We wandered through the streets where modern beats met ancient heartbeats, and every corner whispered its unique tale. We were followed by laughter, smiles, and eyes the size of our stomachs.

Before coming to CIMBA, I was eager to find out how I could maintain my fitness and health while studying abroad in Paderno del Grappa. Like many students experiencing Europe for the first time, I was determined to stay active and healthy. In just under a week here at CIMBA, I've discovered that I feel healthier than I ever did at home or university. Let's explore the different aspects of health and wellness here through two key categories: the gym and the café.

Even in my hometown, I sometimes still get lost. Seriously, friends and family have a running joke about my lack of direction. Understandably, many were worried when I confidently told them I would be traveling solo on my way to Italy. With little experience in airports and three flights to manage, I was also feeling a sense of anxiety. However, I soon realized that navigating the airport solo, while intimidating, isn’t as scary as many think. Following these preparation tips, it can be a seamless transition to your CIMBA adventure.

When I think of an organized person, the first character that comes to mind is definitely not myself. One thing I knew, however, when I first applied and was accepted to the CIMBA Study Abroad Program, was that I wanted to be prepared for the trip as best as I could.

I’ve never cared for the saying “All good things must come to an end”. While it may be entirely true, I have always had difficulty accepting that amazing experiences must end. This is exactly how I feel now that my semester abroad has been officially over for an entire month.

On Christmas Day, I always get a little bit sad that the season is ending. I adore all the music, decorations, food, and festivities Christmastime brings, and I am one of those people who never want it to end.

Finishing off this semester has been a whirlwind of emotions from stress about final exams to the sadness of leaving my new friends and Europe. This experience through the CIMBA program has been worthwhile and I am really dreading leaving Europe.

Last week, my friends and I went to Bassano a couple of days ago and asked for a table at a restaurant. “We can get you a table,” the hostess responded. “But only for three hours. Is that okay?”

The phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” has never been more applicable in my life than it is regarding my semester abroad. With the semester winding down, each passing day is just a reminder that this whirlwind experience is almost over. It’s honestly difficult for me to fathom how much time I’ve already spent here, but upon further reflection, I realize that I have done and seen so many things, made so many friends, and changed in so many ways.

I am going to miss so many things about Europe when I leave to go back to the States. I will be reminiscing on the memories I have made here for years to come, constantly picturing the sights, the cities, the art, and the nature I have gotten to experience.

Traveling to four countries in ten days may sound crazy but I made it work and loved every second of it. Where did I go? What did I do? What was my favorite place? All are great questions, and I am delighted to let you know about my amazing experience from spring break!

When I was little, I was a bit of a hoarder. I took great pride in my button and quarter collections and would quickly grow quite attached to birthday cards, bracelets I had overgrown, and Happy Meal toys.

I think there are likely a lot of people out there who have once dreamed of one day getting to visit one of Italy’s most famous cities. Of walking by the Colosseum and wandering through the Roman Forum. Of sitting by the Trevi Fountain in the morning when the air is warm and the sun is shining.

Time flies when you’re having fun! This statement is truer than it seems, and I cannot believe I have been in Italy for half the semester already. Needless to say, as we reach the height of the semester, these recent weeks have been very fun for everyone with spring break planning and new friendships developed during the Open Minds Project.

The past three weeks here in Italy have been a whirlwind of excitement, stress, and a whole lot of chaos. These three words can accurately describe studying abroad as a whole, but they are particularly precise when it comes to describing midterms and spring break.

Time has been flying by here in Paderno! Other than being in class, the past two weeks have been filled with studying for midterms, planning spring break travels, writing a couple of essays, and spending time with friends either at one of the local cafés or at the local pizzeria Al Sole.

Ciao! I am pleased to say that my first big travel weekend was a success. I went to London, and I can confidently say I loved the city. Everything was breathtaking from the food to the history and architecture. As much as I loved traveling to London, it was not all smooth sailing and needless to say I learned a few important lessons.

It has been almost one month to the day since I first arrived in Italy. It is hard to believe that we are 1 ⁄ 3 of the way through this experience, as it feels like I have been here forever, but somehow not very long at all. I have already learned so many things, one of them being that I was not entirely prepared for the things to come.

The first travel weekend has come and gone here at CIMBA, and I spent my four-day break in Austria. After a one-hour plane ride with magnificent views over the Swiss Alps (at least, that’s what my friends claim…I unfortunately slept through the entire flight), a group of us landed in Vienna, Austria.

This weekend is our first travel weekend, and we have four days to go wherever we desire! Some friends and I chose to split our days evenly between Rome and Florence, which turned out to be a great decision.

Ciao! The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. Thankfully, all my luggage arrived in Venice safe and sound. The hour-long ride from the airport to campus was surreal. It felt like I was back in the Texas hill country for a few minutes. Then we drove by vineyards, through some quaint villages, and the Italian countryside until we arrived at CIMBA. It is simply beautiful here!

Arriving in Paderno Del Grappa two weeks ago a lot was going through my mind. I was excited to meet new people, exhausted from the plane ride over, and in awe of the world around me.

A little over a week ago, I climbed down the charter bus’s steps and onto CIMBA’s campus, dragging my jam-packed suitcases across the cobblestone street of Paderno del Grappa. It’s good I didn’t fall on my face as I entered the classroom building because my gaze was set on the breathtaking mountains towering above the town, kissing the clouds that littered the baby-blue sky.

It has been nearly two weeks since I arrived in Italy, and it is still sometimes hard to believe that I am actually here. Every morning, I wake up to the breathtaking views of the mountains right outside my window and am still in awe of this place. With two weeks under my belt, here is what I can tell you: travel is as challenging as it is spectacular.

Ciao! My name is Caroline Potts, and I am a sophomore studying English and Business Management at the University of Iowa. College at Iowa has been the best experience I could have asked for, but I am really looking forward to studying abroad in Italy this coming semester and being a blog ambassador for CIMBA!

Howdy! My name is Jayne Claire Vincent. I’m one of the CIMBA blog ambassadors for the Spring 2024 semester! I’m super excited to be able to document all that this upcoming semester has to offer, but first things first, a little intro to start us off. I am a junior at Berry College studying International Business with a focus in Management. I have been passionate about learning about different cultures since I was little. Houston, Texas is where I call home. Known for being a melting pot of diverse cultures, I feel as though Houston has ignited a passion for exploring new and exciting things.

Hi everyone! My name is Julia Bernstein, and I wanted to start by introducing myself. I am a sophomore at Berry College, and I am majoring in international business and finance. Traveling abroad for a semester has been something I have wanted to do since high school and I am so excited that I am getting the chance to go abroad this semester through the CIMBA program.

Ciao ragazzi! My name is Jessica Boucher, and this semester I will be one of a few blog ambassadors for CIMBA.

When I think of the term studying abroad, I think about exciting travels – visiting new, exotic places every week. And while you do get the chance to do just that on the weekends, what does a normal day look like as a student in the CIMBA study abroad program?

Being a Formula 1 fan in Italy is extra special because of the rich history of racing here. Being able to go to iconic tracks and experience them is extremely exciting. Having gotten into Formula 1 just a couple of months before coming to CIMBA was great, as while I watched the races, I got to see places that I could potentially visit in my time abroad.

Studying abroad was such a life-changing experience. It was filled with new adventures, people, challenges, rewards, and experiences. If I could travel back in time to before studying abroad, here is a list of things I would tell myself in order to maximize my time at CIMBA…

It has been exactly 123 days since I had to say goodbye to the beautiful CIMBA campus in Italy and all the amazing friends and people I met there. Although I have been away for quite some time, CIMBA has remained ever present in my life…I think I have successfully managed to bring up CIMBA and my wonderful experience there nearly every single day since.

Having your parents visit you during your study abroad is an interesting experience. As a student, it’s highly recommended not to rent a motor vehicle during your stay in Europe. After navigating the winding roads and high speeds on narrow mountain roads in places like Bassano Del Grappa and Padova, I can attest to this.

A saying you will hear a lot after traveling is “all good things must come to an end” or “nothing great lasts forever”. The trip is over, and I will never see the CIMBA campus and its staff again. I will never eat in the cafeteria (with the amazing rolls and local made butter), drink the vending machine coffee, or dance with my friends after the formal dinner with multiple courses. While I agree with this statement to an extent, I am also here to refute it.

As sad as I am to write this final blog post, I am even more grateful to be able to share my CIMBA experience with my friends, family, and anyone that has been reading these blogs. Although my current writing location, in Iowa, is not as captivating as a café in Paderno del Grappa or on the train coming home from Rome, I am still enjoying the opportunity to reminisce on the four weeks I spent in the program.

If I ask you what makes humans similar or different, what would your answer be? Your answer could be scientific through the use of water, shelter, and good rest. It could also be answered in a less fact-based way like how we all have our own versions of right and wrong. Through this program, I have had the privilege to experience the raw moments of joy traveling brings to newcomers.

Ciao! As I begin my last week at CIMBA, I am blown away by how quickly this experience has gone by. I have felt so much love, gratitude, and wonder during my time abroad. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredible people and create relationships that I will have for the rest of my life. The past 2 weeks have been some of my favorite memories I’ve made all year, so in this post, I wanted to do a little recap of my summer semester.

I cannot believe that it’s almost over. As I entered this last week, I am amazed at how quickly it has flown by. Before I came, I was so nervous and scared at what lay ahead for me. The last month has been the most surreal experience I have ever had.

I do believe that everything comes to an end but I never really think the journey is over. I do however believe all experiences come to an end and I am never good at goodbyes so this was a hard one. I spent months preparing for this trip and it just is over as quickly as it came. I had the best month of my life with experiences I will never forget. It was the best time and I can not wait to tell these stories to all that listen.

As I enter the last week of this program, I am in shock of how quickly it has gone by. I’ve been fortunate enough to make many friends on this trip that I am dreading saying goodbye to at the end of the week. However, I am extremely grateful to have everlasting memories with them that I look forward to sharing.

Ciao! Bonjour! Hello! My name is Kelsey Harper and I am from the University of Arkansas and have made the quaint, Paderno del Grappa, Italy my new home for the last week. After finishing my last final, I closed my laptop, and rushed off a few hours later to a new start of a life changing experience that would change my perspective in all areas of my life.

Ciao! It’s hard to believe that less than a week ago, I arrived at the beautiful CIMBA campus for the first time. This first week on campus has been an exciting, fun, and welcoming experience. I’ve met people from all over 18 different universities and instantly made so many new friends. My first week of classes went great and I have already learned so much about business and life around the globe.

Ciao! My name is Ashley Jennings, and we have one week of living in Italy under our belts. Living in Italy has been such a surreal experience that I don’t think I will be able to fully grasp until it is gone. The food, people, and culture are making me realize what Italy is all about and why people never want to leave!

Ciao! It was exactly one week ago when I touched down on Italian soil! It was the craziest experience. It all went by very fast, but the first day was most exhausting. After being jet lagged, and getting little to no sleep in days, it was a lot to take in at first. As soon as we got to the CIMBA campus, it was only just beginning! You got your keys to find your room, you had orientation and then had to get up by 8 AM to start your first day of classes the very next day! It was so exciting to get started!

The first week of CIMBA is officially over! Exactly a week ago today, I was arriving to the campus and locating my room to unpack. This first week was nothing short of an amazing time, as I met so many new people, tried new foods and drinks, and got to see beautiful views from weekday and weekend traveling.

Ciao!! My name is Ashley Jennings, and I just finished my sophomore year at the University of Arkansas. I am a Speech Pathology major with a Human Development and Family Sciences minor. I have always wanted to travel abroad, and I am so excited to be sharing my experiences with you. I have never been out of the country before, so I am delighted to be sharing with you my raw and honest experience with something I’ve never done before!

First things first, I think introductions are important so you know more about the person you’re talking to, or better yet reading from. My name is Danielle (Dani) Cann and I am a junior studying Business Marketing at West Virginia University. I don’t want to bore you with things like what to pack while studying abroad in Italy or places to go visit because for me personally, those just depend on what type of person you are.

Ciao!! My name is Mackenzie Dyer and I just finished my sophomore year at the University of Arkansas. I am a Marketing Major with Minors in Supply Chain and Entrepreneurship. Studying abroad in college has always been a dream of mine, so I am so excited to share my journey abroad with all of you. In this first post, I wanted to share why I chose CIMBA and provide some details on my pre-departure.

Hi! My name is Ceely Patramanis, and I wanted to start off by briefly introducing myself. I am going into my third year at the University of Iowa as a Marketing and Management major. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, reading, cooking, and traveling. I wanted to share why I decided to study abroad with CIMBA and some of the expectations I have for this experience prior to my departure.

A little more than halfway through the CIMBA semester, we get a week-long spring break. This was such a nice time to relax before the workload increased leading up to finals.

For our first extended travel weekend, a large group of us decided to travel to Vienna, Austria. This was our first time traveling by plane in our time at CIMBA. We were able to rent a bus to take us all to the airport which was very convenient. Our flight was in the early afternoon, but we allowed plenty of time to get to the airport and relax before our flight.

For our first weekend after LIFE, many of the CIMBA students decided to spend the weekend in Florence. Not knowing much about Florence aside from the Statue of David, I was looking forward to the unexpected. We were all able to find Airbnbs at relatively low prices; most likely because it is the off season.

My name is Kristin Kelly and I am a sophomore studying at West Virginia University. I always knew that I wanted to study abroad. I thought being immersed in a new world be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When I first heard about CIMBA, I was intrigued. Once I did more research, I had my eyes set on studying abroad through this program.

I ought to summarize my three-month furlough with sappy how to lists or what I notice the absence of after my return to the United States with long eloquence. But people who use big words only use them to sound smart.

The 12 weeks of our semester abroad are sadly up and us students have said “arrivederci” to Paderno Del Grappa and “ciao” to our family and friends at home in America. After having some time to relax and reflect on the experience of this past semester, I wanted to use my last blog to offer some advice on how students can make the most of their CIMBA experience as well as provide my final reflection and thanks to the program.

Destinations don’t always align with others’ desires. Therefore you must explore them yourself. Here’s how to make the most of traveling alone.

When people ask me what major culture shocks I’ve experienced since coming to Europe, I struggle to come up with answers. However, one major difference between the United States and many European countries (especially Italy), is the genuine appreciation and care dedicated toward food.

On the surface, one the primary benefits of studying abroad is having the opportunity to travel the world and explore new places with similarly minded friends. However, I’ve personally received just as much, if not more, satisfaction from being able to learn international topics in a foreign setting.

If you’ve found the CIMBA Blogs, then you’ve read about the Aggiungi un Posta a Tavola (Add a Seat to the Table) program. Life and food at the Istituto Filippin are grand, but the newness wears off after a few weeks. Comfort and love in home cooked food doesn’t find its way to the spice cabinet of the cafeteria chefs.

The schedule at CIMBA allots two travel weekends and a travel week during the semester program. For the first of these travel weekends, my friends and I decided to go to Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano and explore the Amalfi Coast.

This past weekend, us CIMBA students had an extended travel weekend to explore Europe and while some students headed south for exotic weather and natural beauty, I chose to spend my time in London (which is known for none of that). However, what London lacks in sunny, 80 degree days and ocean side views, it makes up for in things like international food culture, royal history, and most importantly (to me at least), a uniquely diverse sporting culture.

Ciao! It’s been just over one week since our student cohort arrived here in Paderno del Grappa and I still can’t get over how gorgeous this campus is…we’ve all stayed extremely busy, as our time’s been filled with fun teambuilding activities, interactive problem solving/decision making classes, and late-night trip planning sessions where the craziest ideas get thrown out there.

Venice. The city on the lagoon. Since its settlement in the seventh century, the city has been enthralled in countless mysteries, happenings, and strange occurrences. Millions upon millions venture to this city each year to explore the labyrinth of canals, bridges, and alleyways. I, along with six other CIMBA students, chose Venice as our first destination to visit over the first weekend.

March 12th, 2020 – My Introduction to Marketing Strategy discussion section was wrapping up in the early afternoon and I gathered my things to head down the hall to my academic advisor’s office. I was approaching the dreaded midterms season of my fourth semester at the University of Iowa but always looked forward to planning out potential schedules for upcoming semesters, and this meeting was different.

Ciao! If you’re like me, you sometimes procrastinate when given projects, reading, research, or other assignments. You may put off learning Italian until three weeks before you spend three months in the country itself.

When I first decided to study abroad, I had many questions and nerves. I remember getting on the plane to Italy, feeling like I had no idea what the next month had in store. Looking back now, I had nothing to worry about. My past month spent in Italy at CIMBA was so amazing.