Halfway Through the 2025 Study Abroad in Italy: A Transformative Educational Journey
The 2025 Study Abroad in Italy Program has successfully reached its midpoint, marking an enriching experience for our students who have so far balanced engaging academic coursework with immersive cultural excursions across Rome.
The program commenced with a Welcome Dinner, where students were introduced to traditional Roman cuisine, with a particular emphasis on local fishery products. This event served as both a cultural and culinary introduction to life in Italy and set a warm, communal tone for the weeks ahead.
The first half of the academic program was led by Dr. Alessandro Braga, who provided students with foundational insights into the origins, purpose, and development of the European Union. Through a critical examination of key European landmarks and concepts, students explored the drivers and implications of European integration and the Europeanization of businesses. They also delved into the dynamics of the EU enlargement process and analyzed how the European political, economic, and business environments influence multinational enterprises.
A highlight of the first half of the program took place on Thursday, May 29th, when students visited the Italian Senate. During this visit, they learned about the history of the Italian Republic and the significance of Palazzo Madama, the historical seat of the Senate. The group had the unique opportunity to sit in the General Assembly Chamber and experience the perspective of Italian legislators. They were also honored to meet Senator Elena Murelli, who welcomed the group and spoke about her responsibilities both within the Italian government and in relation to the European Union.
As we transition into the second half of the program, students are now guided by Professor Robert Rambo, who is leading coursework on strategic business functions within the European context. The focus lies on understanding how businesses operate amid European harmonization and integration, and how they compete on an international scale.
Beyond the classroom, students recently spent a weekend in Tuscany, enjoying a blend of educational and cultural experiences, including wine tastings and guided tours of Siena and the surrounding countryside.
We look forward to the successful completion of the program and the return of our students. Their reflections and shared experiences will be essential in spreading awareness and understanding of international business, European integration, and global competitiveness. Through such transformative programs, we continue to cultivate globally-minded professionals equipped to navigate and contribute to the international business landscape.