Opinions Editor Natalie Dripchak reflects on spending her summer in Florence instead of having a typical internship noting, “As we get older, summer becomes more about working, interning, and staying plugged in, however, this summer looked a little different for me.”
As we get older, summer becomes more about working, interning and staying plugged in — however, this summer looked a little different for me.
I had the privilege of spending three weeks in Florence, Italy, for a study abroad program, and it is safe to say that it was the best decision I ever made. Having an internship is something most college students strive for to strengthen their chances of getting a good job after graduation, but studying abroad in a foreign country also has its pros.
I took a food and wine pairing course at the Florence University of the Arts, fully immersing myself in Italian culture. During the course, we had field trips to various restaurants and wineries that helped with the transition into a different way of life. I found that there are numerous benefits to going abroad that can help students enhance their resumes in ways an internship cannot — for example, experiencing life in a different country with different customs and traditions.
Not only are there so many other amazing things about studying abroad, like traveling to different countries or doing adventurous excursions, but you can also keep your mind sharp with the one or two courses you take. Personally, I think that going abroad in the summer can be more beneficial than the school year because you are entirely able to relax and not have to worry about balancing your GPA, extracurriculars, or social life.
You get to be “unplugged” while also learning something new (and usually enjoyable), which is the best of both worlds.
Although many people travel abroad to experience new countries, I had a lot of fun learning about Florence and its wine-making history.
Visiting the Tuscan regions and their local wineries was truly an unforgettable experience. You would taste four to five wines paired with various cheeses, crackers and bread, along with a tour of the property. You were shown the rooms where the grapes are pressed and were able to learn about the intense process of wine-making. If I were to give one recommendation to someone traveling in Italy, visiting the Tuscan wine region would be my top pick.
Being able to travel to a different country is an incredible experience and such a privilege, and it has changed me as a person.
I am more appreciative of various things (especially air conditioning and ice) and can fully understand what it is like to live in a different country. Even though it was a great experience, there can be some setbacks at first. One thing I had to adjust to was eating dinner at 8 or 9 p.m., instead of 6 or 7, like most of us do in America. And because I tend to be anxious in unfamiliar places, I was discombobulated at first and took some time to adjust to my new surroundings. It can be frustrating with the language barrier and the different customs, but studying abroad is truly an unforgettable and unique experience that everyone should be able to partake in.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush to secure summer internships and post on LinkedIn, and even I am guilty of this. Still, it is essential to remember that every experience is unique and beneficial in its own way.
Yes, having an internship and gathering more knowledge for your future career is important, but there are other things that companies look for. For instance, some jobs heavily rely on foreign markets and how products or messages are received in different countries. Having a study abroad program on your resume demonstrates your understanding of diverse cultures and their values, which can bring valuable insights to the table.
Another way to think of it is this: You have your whole life to work and build your career, but you will not always be young and able to travel, take classes in different countries and learn things you never would have learned otherwise. It also feels as though everyone is caught up in grades, resumes and jobs, which again, I am guilty of. It is essential to put things in perspective and to give yourself grace through a very stressful time in your life, and to pursue the things you have always wanted to do. In my case, this was studying abroad.
For those who are still undecided about studying abroad, UTK’s fantastic study abroad center on campus can help you navigate the daunting questions and tasks. They offer a wide variety of programs across several countries, allowing you to choose something specific. They even have internship opportunities abroad, which is a great two-for-one option. Their website and Instagram also provide testimonials from UTK students and their genuine opinions on studying abroad, and it really shows that every single person has truly loved the experience.
UTK’s Programs Abroad, part of the Center for Global Engagement, is there to ease the anxieties many people have before going abroad. It is such a helpful tool that the university provides for all of its students, and I highly recommend checking it out.
As I reflect on my summer ending, I remember one of my favorite trips during my stay in Italy, when I went to the Amalfi Coast. Words cannot describe how beautiful it was. The picturesque views are truly breathtaking and are something everyone should experience once in their life, but would you believe me if I said I missed Knoxville when I was there?
Italy was genuinely fantastic, but there is no place like the University of Tennessee. I am grateful for the experiences I had over the summer, but I am ecstatic to be back at school with my friends and to be back on campus, enjoying football games, tailgates and all the other amazing things this school has to offer.
I thank Tennessee for providing me with that opportunity.
Welcome back to school, and as always, go Vols!
