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Blog Post #2 – Faith Emmitte

2025, Austria, Croatia, Europe Integration and Business, Faculty-led and Field Trip Programs, Switzerland / May 27, 2025 by Mays Abroad

On May 11th, 38 Texas A&M students and I embarked on a two-week study abroad trip called the Europe Integration Trip, led by FINC 341 Professor Guyton. During our first five days, we explored Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy, each offering an incredible blend of cultural immersion, historical richness, and business insight. The second half of our trip was spent in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, offering a beautiful array of coastal towns and mountainous views.
On Saturday, May 17th, we took a trip to Piran, Slovenia. There, we climbed a church tower and admired the coastal views. We spent our remaining time shopping before heading over to Rovinj, Croatia—another scenic town along the Adriatic Sea. There, we browsed through their outdoor markets and enjoyed the sea breeze. One thing that surprised me was how fresh and flavorful the fruit is—particularly the strawberries. It was a small but vivid reminder that local agriculture and shorter supply chains play a bigger role in European daily life than I initially realized.
On Sunday, we packed up in Trieste and traveled to Grado, a coastal town in Gorizia. After a relaxing morning along the beach and a lovely brunch, we headed to Venice. Experiencing transportation in Venice gave me a new understanding of urban design and how business and logistics operate in a boat-only city. We took a gondola ride and later had the chance to speak with a gondola craftsman during a business visit. What I found particularly fascinating was learning that gondolas are intentionally asymmetrical to account for rowing balance. This level of craftsmanship made me appreciate how deeply tradition and precision are embedded in Italian business practices, especially in legacy trades.
The next day, we explored more of Venice and traveled to Verona. At dinner, we encountered a cultural difference when our medium rare steaks arrived significantly rarer than expected. It was a small moment, but it made me reflect on how international business—and even something as seemingly simple as dining—requires awareness and adaptability.
Tuesday took us to Ferrara di Monte Baldo, where we visited a cathedral built along a mountain and learned about its global spiritual significance. That evening, we visited a winery, where we saw firsthand how regional businesses leverage natural resources and cultural pride to build unique customer experiences. These kinds of visits highlighted the importance of place-based business identity in Europe, something I hadn’t considered before the trip.
On Wednesday, we traveled to Cremona, a city known for its violin makers. During our business visit, we participated in part of the carving process and learned that a single violin can take up to six months to complete. I was struck by how much patience and pride went into their craft—values that seem to guide many European artisans in contrast to faster, efficiency-focused models often seen in the U.S.
On Thursday, we visited Fab Lab in Milan, a startup incubator supporting young entrepreneurs. This was one of the most eye-opening parts of the trip. I was impressed by the resourcefulness and community-driven spirit of the businesses we learned about, as well as the way Fab Lab supported innovation while still respecting Italy’s heritage of artisanal work. The blend of modern innovation and traditional values shifted how I view business success: it’s not always about scaling fast—it’s also about impact, sustainability, and identity.
Our last day was spent in Lake Como, where we enjoyed a boat tour and reflected on our experiences. From Venice’s waterways to Cremona’s violins to Milan’s startups, I was continuously struck by how business in Europe—especially in Italy—is deeply intertwined with history, craft, and community.
Before this trip, I expected business in Europe to be more formal and rigid compared to the U.S. Instead, I found it to be intentional, relationship-oriented, and driven by pride in quality over quantity. My initial impression was that cultural differences might be a barrier—but now I see them as an invitation to learn, adapt, and grow. This experience didn’t just change how I view international business—it gave me a deeper appreciation for cultural nuance and global connection.

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