Sophomores in the First Ascent Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business have the opportunity to travel abroad each year. Eccles student Daniel Barrera Jimenez shares his experience from their recent trip to Spain.
Whether visiting the majestic Royal Palace or the famous Prado Museum or the bustling markets teeming with local flavors, each new excursion offered a glimpse into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Our group participated in a culinary workshop, enjoying every moment of the process as we made traditional Spanish dishes such as Paella and Gazpacho.
Of course, there were also several corporate outings, which offered unique insights into the business environment in Spain specifically and Europe more broadly. A visit to AYCE Laborytax Business Consulting provided a valuable view of the world of taxes in Spain, while a look at Laboratorios Farmaceuticos ROVI yielded intriguing information on the production of injectables.
The trip as a whole was filled with memorable moments. We learned about the history of the city of Toledo, and took in its breathtaking architecture as well. But the highlight of the trip, for me, was having the opportunity to attend the Champions League semifinal soccer game at the famed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The atmosphere was incredible, the crowd was amazing — everything about the game was an absolute 10 out of 10.
I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege to have had this experience, and I will forever treasure the memories I made with my First Ascent cohort.
The First Ascent Scholars Program cultivates, encourages, and enables academically focused students with significant financial need to attend the Eccles School and connect with the University of Utah community while reaching their full academic potential. For more information, visit Eccles.Link/first-ascent.