The global business program has been a really good experience so far. I enjoyed our first few days in Rome. Being able to see the Colosseum and Saint Peter’s Basilica were the highlights of the two days. The Basilica was so big and beautiful. We also got to walk through the Holy Doors that only open every 25 years. My time in Florence has been very nice as well. I really like how walkable Florence is. There are so many shops, restaurants, and live street music around the city. My favorite cultural experience so far in Florence has been going on a hike to Piazzale Michelangelo and getting gelato. The gelato was very good and authentic—I had tiramisu. The hike was not too long, and the views were beautiful. The statue of Michelangelo was huge. Piazzale Michelangelo is a place I would like to climb again to watch the sunset. I also enjoyed taking an Italian cooking class at Florence Food Studio. We made two types of pasta: ravioli and tagliatelle. We also made filling for the ravioli and the sauces for the pasta. For dessert, we made strawberry tiramisu. The Duomo is also so much bigger and grander in person. I have also enjoyed the classes so far. The project we are working on in IBUS 310 has been very interesting, and I am excited to continue to work with the companies. The company my group and I are specifically working with is the Saint Regis Hotel. It is a beautiful and grand hotel on the Arno River. Another company that was neat to visit was ZeroLab, where we got to make our own card holders out of leather. In my other class, FINC 445, it has been fascinating to learn about exchange rates and international finance. There is definitely a slower pace of life in Italy than the US. People enjoy their time and put their personal lives before work. The food here is also way better quality and more affordable than it is in the US. Some of my favorites have been the espresso, pizza, and Florentine Steak. However, the grocery stores here are much smaller, but there are more restaurants and cafes. During my time here I want to explore as much of Italy as possible. I also hope to gain a better understanding of Italian culture during my time abroad. Additionally I hope to see and understand how people in Italy live!
