Embarking on a journey abroad to complete my information systems minor with the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business was an unforgettable experience that blended academic rigor with cultural immersion. While spending two months in Rome and one in Barcelona, I had the opportunity to travel every weekend and delve into the rich histories and vibrant cultures of these cities.

Academic and Cultural Blend
The program seamlessly integrated coursework with cultural exploration. Our academic itinerary included trips to Pompeii, Naples, Madrid, and Costa Brava. These excursions were not just about sightseeing; they provided context and depth to our experience, bringing our class together in fun and exciting ways. The hands-on activities — such as pasta-making classes in Italy and tapas in Spain — offered us a way to connect with local traditions and cuisines, enhancing our appreciation of European culture. We also had tours of significant landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and several works from Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí.

Practical Learning and Projects
Beyond cultural appreciation, the trip was important for offering opportunities to practice practical application of our studies. I was able to write code for and create a clothing brand’s website. The project encompassed myriad aspects of web development, including designing functional shopping pages, and managing carts and the checkout process — all integrated with a database to track inventory and other data. This hands-on experience was instrumental in honing my coding skills and understanding the intricacies of e-commerce platforms.

Meanwhile, a group project had us develop a business plan for an app designed to streamline travel through Europe. This proved particularly exciting, as it combined our coursework with the real-time experience of navigating different countries and cultures. It culminated in learning and utilizing a wide array of skills, such as case diagrams, entity relationship diagrams, data flow diagrams, mock user interfaces, and more. It was a perfect example of how theoretical knowledge could be applied to solve practical problems, making the learning process both relevant and engaging.

Reflecting on the Journey
My chance to study in Rome and Barcelona via the Eccles School was an invaluable experience, as it blended rigorous academics with cultural immersion. The coursework was dynamic, engaging, and practical. And the cultural experiences broadened my horizons. I was able to form friendships with fellow University of Utah students through the ups and downs of studying abroad, and am grateful that those forged bonds will now continue to grow back in Salt Lake City.

In short, this program was a perfect blend of education and exploration, providing me with skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

Marcella Fisher is a senior studying Accounting with a minor in Information Systems at the David Eccles School of Business.