Hailey Mishler
Eccles Global Learning Abroad – Information Systems Minor Spring 2022
Editor’s Note: This blog is a series written by students enrolled in the Eccles Global Learning Abroad Program, earning a minor in Information Systems in Italy and Spain. Read entries from Chanel Rydel, Hailey Mishler, and Hunter Smith about their experiences learning in Rome and Barcelona.
Learn more about earning an IS minor in Spain and Italy through Eccles Global.
Hi! My name is Hailey Mishler, I’m double majoring in Information Systems and Management and was lucky enough to take part in the Eccles Global Learning Abroad IS Minor program Spring 2022 in Rome and Barcelona!
What was your favorite part of learning abroad?
I loved the opportunity to experience a new culture while living and going to school! Learning abroad gave me the unique opportunity to see Italy and Spain in a way I never would have been able to by just visiting. In Rome, our apartment had a view of the St. Peter’s Basilica and in Barcelona our apartment had a view of the Sagrada Familia! Living in the same buildings that locals do and attending school at the CEA campus allowed us to meet so many new people while still taking University of Utah classes that are really valuable additions to your Eccles degree. There’s no other program like it and it was a very unique experience that allowed me to make lifelong friends and memories.
What were classes like?
Each class took approximately two weeks to complete. We took Database Fundamentals (IS 4420) then Web Based Applications (IS 4460) at the CEA Rome campus, which was a 20-minute walk from our apartment and easily accessible by metro, which was really close to our apartment as well. Classes were from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and each class started with Professor Ben Repak and Professor Chong Oh teaching remotely from Utah. Later in the semester, each Eccles School professor met us in Rome to teach in-person. In Barcelona, we took Networking and Servers (IS 4440) followed by Systems Analysis and Design (IS 4430) at the CEA Barcelona Campus, which, similarly to Rome, was a quick metro ride from our apartment. Classes in Barcelona were in the same format as the courses in Rome. We also took IS 3569 IT Certifications online throughout the semester. Overall, classes were quickly paced, as you are learning the same material as you would be learning if you took these classes at the U during a normal semester. But each professor was really helpful, and everyone in the class helped each other learn. We had a group project for each class that we spent a lot of time on, which was also a great way to get to know everyone on the trip. Overall, the skills we learned from these classes were really valuable, and they challenged us while still giving us the opportunity to experience Italy and Spain while abroad.
What was your favorite thing you ate?
I loved experiencing the different cuisines of both Italy and Spain! I really enjoyed the tapas in Spain, and it was so fun to experience so many different and unique flavors. The seafood in Italy and Spain was amazing and calamari was a favorite among our group when we went out to eat! I also ate gelato almost every day in Italy. There was a gelato shop across the street from the Rome CEA building, and every class break we would all go together and try a new flavor. It was one of my favorite memories! The fruit in Italy and Spain was also amazing! I also loved the croissants and coffee. And of course, the pasta and pizza. The street pizza was so good and pizza with french fries! You have to try it.
Did you get to explore the country?
Yes! I went to Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Naples, Pompeii, Positano, Girona, and other places during our learning abroad experience. After our classes ended, we traveled to Lisbon, Dublin, London, Prague, and Berlin! Other people on our trip went to many other places and overall we saw so much of Europe because it really is so easy to get cheap flights and trains from Rome and Barcelona!
Why did you choose Eccles Global Learning Abroad?
I chose the Eccles Global Learning Abroad program because I wanted to challenge myself and have the experience of learning and living in a new country! I wanted to meet new friends, immerse myself in a new culture, and overall come back as a better version of myself, and I think this trip did all that and more! I also chose this program because of the unique opportunity to earn an entire Information Systems minor in one semester, which in itself is an amazing opportunity. Learning abroad totally exceeded my expectations, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Did you know anyone prior to the trip?
My best friend Abbie and I decided to go together, but many of the other people on the trip didn’t know each other. Everyone in our group became really close, and I met lifelong friends from the trip. I am really grateful for the amazing people I got to go through this experience with!
What were some cultural differences that you didn’t expect?
There were many cultural differences in Italy and Spain that I didn’t expect. Things like mealtimes and eating, shopping, transportation and travel, laundry, etc. were just a few of the differences. It was interesting to adapt to cultural differences and overall it was an enriching and fun experience to learn about a new culture by immersing myself in it.
Was it worth it?
100% yes! I think that anyone who has the opportunity or desire to study abroad should go for it! This IS Minor Abroad program in Rome and Barcelona has been my favorite part of my college experience and has truly changed my life and I would absolutely do it again if I had the chance.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are planning on studying abroad?
Make the most of it! Say yes to new opportunities, travel and see as much as you can in your free time, and put in the effort to connect with others and make friends wherever you go. Also, document the experience and take lots of videos and pictures! The whole experience with school and living and traveling can be overwhelming at times, but always remember why you embarked on the journey! Also, pack light. Way lighter than you think. Traveling with tons of bags in Europe is a pain.
