Shradha Muktidoot
Florence, Italy: Summer 2008
“You want to what? Study abroad while your already abroad??!!”
That was the initial response I got from one of my friends when I first mentioned the prospect of studying abroad.
I’ve been in the US now for just over 2 years. Although I am an Indian, I grew up in Saudi Arabia. Bizarre? I know, but what can I say, the traveling bug bit me early in life! It amazes me and not to say in the least, others as well, the number of planes rides I take in any given year.
I recently realized an “inherent” problem with me: I can’t stay put in one place for too long. At the end of my sophomore year, there I was, with a passport in hand and zeal to explore a foreign culture, taking yet another plane to Florence, Italy.
The 6 weeks I spend in Italy were nothing short of bliss. Everyday was a new adventure. Even in Italy, I couldn’t remain in one place. Every weekend, we were discovering a different corner of the country: Rome, Venice, Pisa, Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii and Capri (just to name a few). Italy presented us with the prefect blend of culture, history, art and religion. No doubt we had fun as well but traveling and discovery were on top of my list.
Wait!! I almost forgot to mention a key element of my study abroad experience – the “study” part. Don’t get me wrong, the classes I took over there were two of the most interesting classes I have ever taken. One was a course on Management and production in Italian firms. This was a non-traditional class; we went on field trips every time we met. We visited firms that produced olive oil, wine, sculpted marble and manufactured automobiles. As a die hard car fan, I absolutely went crazy in the Lamborghini factory/showroom. It was just me and all the boys who were excited about the visit. The other girls didn’t care. How can you not be excited when such gorgeous cars are right in front of you!!?? How? Hopefully…maybe…perhaps I’ll have enough money to buy my own a Lamborghini Gallado one day.
Snapping back to reality, I am currently a junior at Penn State. I am a supply chain management major, minoring in economics and international business. As of now my future plans are not set in stone but I am currently searching for an internship. My email is ssm5047@psu.edu. If you need any help or want to just have coffee, let me know!
