Education Abroad in Italy

Name: Evan Grootenhuis

Type of Project: Education Abroad

1. My STEP Signature Project entailed taking a class in the spring to prepare to travel to five cities across northern Italy (Padua, Venice, Turin, Verona, and Milan) through a program called the Industry Immersion Program. In Italy, I participated in company tours at Safilo, Pettenon, Rossimoda, Pasqua, Fiat, and YNAP, learning how these various companies minimize costs and utilize their facilities efficiently. Also, I learned how these companies analyze the market and past figures to plan and strategize what to make and how much to make in the future.

2. My view of the world changed and was transformed while completing my STEP Signature Project because I was able to experience a different culture on the other side of the world and be immersed in to it. It was amazing to see the people and how they act differently in their simple day-to-day activities. We drove through the Italian countryside frequently and I was fortunate enough to see children playing. In this way, Italy is very similar to the USA, but in many other ways, they are different. I had amazing experiences that I will remember for a lifetime.

My understanding of myself was also transformed while completing my STEP Signature Project. This is because I went on this trip with people that I did not know prior to the class or trip. I had to go out of my comfort zone to experience everything I wanted to experience. Since the class was only second session, I didn’t get to know those going on the trip that well. But when in country, I got to know every single one of them and they are great people. I now have many new friends that I will continue to hang out with in the future thanks to this trip.

3. While in Padua, we toured the University of Padua and were able to talk to students and professors after. This was amazing to see the differences between the USA and Italy as far as education goes. I talked with one student, Marco, for the whole dinner and it was a great time. This affected me because it helped me to appreciate everything I have and how fortunate I am. Marco was in graduate school and working full-time while managing classes and I thought my schedule was busy. It was amazing to see the similarities and differences between me and him.

We were fortunate enough to tour a winery, Pasqua, while in Verona. This was amazing, it was awesome to see how the wine is made and put in to barrels and then put in to the bottles. The workers at the winery made sure we were happy with our wine while we taste tested and then we made our own wine after! This transformed me because it made me appreciate the simple things in life, and the atmosphere in the winery was so calm and enjoyable.

Another event is the fact that Italians don’t have water with meals, and there are no drinking fountains. If you want water, you have to pay for it and it is room temperature. This changed me because I never really appreciated the fact that I can get cold water for free anytime I want in the USA. This trip helped me to see how fortunate I am to have all the opportunities that I have in my life, and water is definitely included in that.

4. This change is significant to me because I am now more comfortable around strangers and people I just met. I now love meeting new people because I know how to give a good first impression. This matters and relates to my professional and personal goals because in a job interview, it is all about first impressions. I now know how to better interact with people I just met and to be somewhat reserved but to also tell them a good amount. Balance is the best way to give a good first impression and this will help me tremendously in my future.