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Semester Abroad Experiences
The Lubin School of Business awards travel scholarships for semester abroad opportunities through grants received from the Figueroa Family Fund and the Philip and Marianne Bleser Semester Abroad Endowed Scholarship. These scholarships are available to Lubin School of Business majors who enroll in a semester-long study abroad experience. Those who are offered an award can expect to receive $3,000. Enjoy reading the testimonials below!
Italy 鈥 Natalie Ziajski 鈥25
Natalie Ziajski, an undergraduate Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications major, was awarded $3,500 for semester study abroad at Universit脿 Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy for Fall 2023.
Throughout my four months abroad, I experienced an exponential curve of personal growth and development. Thanks to the Figueroa Scholarship, I had the unique opportunity to explore a new city every weekend, visiting 8 countries and 15 cities in total, an experience that broadened my perspective. Problem-solving became a daily practice.
Studying abroad in Milan, Italy, was an integral part of my business education, blending cultural immersion with academic rigor that I'll never forget. My academic journey at the prestigious Universit脿 Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, went beyond enriching my educational experience; it profoundly transformed my worldview and set a high bar for my future endeavors. I enrolled in diverse courses such as Economics in the EU, Intercultural Competences, and From Strategy to Effective Presentations. Each course, provided a comprehensive view of the European business landscape. Observing the attire and greetings of locals enhanced my understanding of diverse European cultures. The diverse connections I made with classmates from around the world have become a cherished network, promising enduring relationships for many years.
Upon return to life in the US, I carry with me not just memories, but a wealth of knowledge and a new perspective that will forever shape my personal and professional life.
Switzerland 鈥 Lydia Lutchman 鈥25
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, was awarded $3,500 for semester study abroad at Zurich School of Management and Law in Zurich, Switzerland for Fall 2023.
I moved to Switzerland for almost five months. When I moved to Z眉rich, I was a complete wreck. The feeling of being homesick left me within the next few days as I quickly became accustomed to living in this new city. During the week of orientation, I met and befriended many people from countries all over the world, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, France and Hong Kong to name a few. These are the same people that I would go on many trips with to explore Switzerland.
I took a module on 鈥淲ealth Management and Compliance鈥, and despite not being in the finance section of business, I still found this helpful and beneficial to my future in cosmetics. Another, "Intercultural Management for Incomings," taught me about cultural differences in business and working with those who carry their own viewpoints on how a business should be run.
My favorite place in Switzerland is Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn Mountain; it is the same mountain that is on the packaging on the Toblerone chocolate! I'm proud of hiking to Oeschinensee and experiencing the Christmas markets; since I was away from my family during the beginning of the holiday season, I found much joy in visiting these areas and appreciated the warmth and comfort it brought me. Since Switzerland is surrounded by other countries nearby, I was able to visit others like Germany and Liechtenstein. The Lubin Scholarship greatly helped with finances and I appreciate that I was chosen for it.
My experience studying abroad forever altered my brain chemistry, and I will always remember my time abroad here in the land of chocolate, fondue, and Swiss army knives, and how it helped to shape both my personal and professional life.
Spain 鈥 Lilian Buckley 鈥24
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Lilian Buckley, an undergraduate Arts and Entertainment Management major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain for Spring 2023.
After spending last spring in Europe, I gained insights into the international business world and my preferred way of life. My program was at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain, where I took classes like International Business, Economics of the European Union, Human Resources Management, and Negotiation Techniques. These classes provided an immersive experience with other European students. The curriculum was challenging, but enhanced my education. In International Business, I learned about globalization and it was quickly obvious to me that the consideration of other countries and their cultures and way of life is the most important factor to ponder when expanding your franchise or company to a global scale. The negotiation techniques class boosted my confidence to speak up in professional conversations.
The scholarship made my time abroad stress-free and enjoyable, allowing me to explore Spain's history and terrain. I would suggest Madrid for its unique offerings and tight-knit community of students and friends.
Scotland 鈥 Mandy Mao 鈥24
Mandy Mao, an undergraduate Accounting major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at University of Stirling in Stirling, Scotland for Spring 2023.
In 2023, I embarked on my first trip abroad to Europe, first time living away from home, studying at the University of Stirling, Scotland. It seemed like a challenge to be alone in a foreign country, but living close to town allowed me to interact more with locals, and I made many Scottish friends. Scotland is a wonderful place. I traveled through most of Scotland during my time there. There鈥檚 no word that I can conjure up to explain just how beautiful this entire country is, not even the photographs I took will do it any justice. I always felt safe and like I belonged.
My time abroad made me realize that studying business doesn't limit me to traditional business careers. I've always enjoyed drawing, and I plan to pursue a career in art, leveraging the skills I've learned in business school. Dealing with art has always been much like building a business plan. An artist must know how to market themselves, how to price their products, and how to balance customer expectations and product worth. A piece of art goes through the steps of product development just like starting a business venture, from research and development to design and production to marketing and distribution. My experience enhanced my confidence in pursuing my passions, in voicing my wants and desires, and I plan to continue my education after graduation. I also traveled around Europe, and it is because the help of the scholarship covering the cost of my dormitory and transportation. And for that, I will always be grateful.
England 鈥 Nina Nacion 鈥24
Nina Nacion, an undergraduate International Management major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at University of Westminster in London, England for Spring 2023.
Looking into my 桃瘾社区 Path, I knew that after I graduated I wanted to do a work-study program in a foreign country. London is the city I wanted to study in the most which is why this trip was very important to me. Especially being an International Management major, strengthening my resume with international work experience was something I felt was necessary at the start of my career path.
When I think about how my business school education was enhanced by this experience, there are three areas I can organize my thoughts into: experiencing a different work-life-balance, adapting to a different learning structure, and obtaining curriculum towards my major. I started to compare and contrast what business would mean to me in both cities in the context of right after graduation. In New York City, the workforce, especially the financial sector, is very competitive. It鈥檚 very difficult for people to have an advantage in the hiring process when everyone is doing everything. Seeing the way people are accustomed to this work-life balance in London showed me how strong my Lubin education/桃瘾社区 degree would be, therefore in turn proving the work ethic that would make me a somewhat more attractive candidate in the hiring process.
I left London with a more enhanced business school education with, a) my adaptation to the culture shock of different work-life balance, b) a different approach to learning with a more 鈥渞eal life鈥 method of education that Westminster gave me, and c) the expansion of knowledge about my major. This trip wouldn鈥檛 have happened if I didn鈥檛 get this scholarship.
Spain - Kelsey Tulley '25
Kelsey Tulley, an undergraduate Human Resources Management major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain for Fall 2022.
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The Fall 2022 semester has led me on my best adventure so far: I studied abroad for four months at Comillas Pontifical University. This private university welcomes over 1,500 international students from over 600 universities and offers a close-knit community, very similar to 桃瘾社区, and has provided amazing professors and resources that are centric to an international education. For example, one professor teaches Negotiation Techniques where my assumptions of negotiating have changed. I had believed that the point of negotiations is to receive the best possible outcome for yourself or what you represent, when in fact I have been taught that the best negotiations create the most equitable outcome for all parties involved.
Beginning in high school, I knew study abroad would play a major factor in where I would attend college. Factors I looked for were a great business program, a Spanish language department, and extensive study abroad opportunities. 桃瘾社区 checked all these boxes three times over. When the Study Abroad office held their annual fair in the first few weeks of my freshman year, I made sure to attend every event. By the end of winter break, I was starting my application to the Madrid exchange program and meeting with advisors.
Attending school internationally has provided me with experiences and insights that have been so surreal. Through casual conversation or class discussions, I have heard the values of Europeans and other international students. I have been able to analyze these opinions that contrast to the commonly consumed media in the United States and uncover voices that I would likely never hear otherwise. Additionally, it is interesting to see how Americans are truly viewed in an international sense.
I have also grown so much as a person in Spain and befriended so many people from around the world and the US. I lived in an apartment with students from Chile, Austria, and North Carolina. These lifelong friendships are important and I am grateful for having these anchors -- constants during a time of such change and experimentalism. Throughout my four months in our shared flat, I received advice on applying for internships, growing my LinkedIn profile, and how to interview to the best of my ability. I have felt like a sponge absorbing the knowledge and experiences of the people I met from all over the world. Due to the generosity of the Figueroa Family and the Center for Global Business Program, my business school education has been incredibly enhanced by this opportunity.
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Alexandra Godown, a Marketing major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Lorenzo de' Medici Institute in Florence, Italy for Spring 2020.
Growing up in South Florida, I was born with the desire to live in different states and countries while traveling as much as I possibly could. My sophomore year I ventured to Florence, Italy where I had the experience of a lifetime.
I rented a beautiful loft in the fashion district of Florence and was living my dream. Each professor was able to open my mind to an entirely different perspective on their respective subject. Working with a professional from a different country was what truly made my experience in Italy impactful. Being a business major, it is crucial to have an understanding of not only the U.S. market, but the rest of the world as well.
My experience was formative and has given me an intended direction for my career path. I have recognized my interest in consumer behavior and am extremely excited for this pursuit. In all, I am very thankful for the Figueroa Scholarship, it has changed my life.
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Jamie Mathurin, a Finance and Economics major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad in Paris, France for Spring 2019.
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The past four months in Paris, France were amongst some of the most exciting in my life. I learned so much about the way the world works. Because I took several finance classes with many international students, they encouraged me to push myself to do things I normally wouldn't. I learned a lot about various financial training platforms available regardless of one's origins. After hearing about various financial simulations available, I signed up for classes which trained me in a variety of technical skills, such as financial modeling. As a result, I now feel more prepared.
I can say that I have 100% enhanced my business school education. The classes I took in France were unique, and I even feel comfortable speaking about the role of Financial Services in France. There were even a few concepts that my French professors clarified for me. I am really happy that I went to France and am so grateful for the opportunity.
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Brandon Morales, a Finance and Economics major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Hong Kong Baptist University in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong for Fall 2018.
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Studying abroad in Hong Kong has to be one of the best experiences in my life. I really appreciated how business-oriented my school was and it is an invaluable experience to learn as much as you can about another culture and what similarities it has with my own. Students in Hong Kong study with no rest until what they're working on is done; New York business students thrive under social ability and focus on keeping our connections while treating working hard on courses and jobs as a given, not letting it get in the way of our social interactions. Knowing these differences help when interacting with other students, professors and potential business colleagues.
While in Hong Kong, I was able to go to 4 different other countries--China, Singapore, Thailand, and Macau--to learn and experience even more cultures other than Hong Kong! There really is nothing like being able to compare so many different ways of life and being able to integrate it into my career and personal life. Not only did I make a considerable amount of friends and acquaintances, but I made business connections. I almost wanted to stay in the country instead of go back; it's connections like these that could make all the difference in my future.
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Geanina Riley, an Arts and Entertainment Management major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at CEFAM in Lyon, France for Spring 2019.
Studying at CEFAM, which is an esteemed business school, allowed me to begin practicing business with a global perspective. I studied in courses with students hailing from Azerbaijan to Russia. Each student possessed different perspectives and brought new elements to the courses that I would not have gotten studying in the United States. Organizational Behavior spends a large majority of the time discussing people; studying abroad is also all about the people one encounters. My time in Lyon enhanced my business education because of the people I was able to collaborate with.
Another way in which my business education was enhanced was through a change in practice. CEFAM educates students in smaller classrooms and my business classes had guest lecturers multiples times throughout the year. These lecturers were mandatory and the speakers were American, yet had global business experience. They spoke to all of the students, French, American, and other, and provided guidance and insight only attained through travel.
My time in Lyon was the most fulfilling happening I have ever had the opportunity to experience.
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Olivia Taylor, undergraduate Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications major, awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain in Spring 2017
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My favorite author Roald Dahl once wrote, "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." In my application for the Figueroa Scholarship, I discussed how by moving to New York, I had already taken his advice and found magic, and was ready to do so again in a different county, and boy did I find it. Two of the greatest things I have gained from my study abroad experience have been that I learned how to be more present, and to procrastinate less. I believe they will enhance my business education in the Lubin School of Business at 桃瘾社区. I am hoping to practice being more present by paying even more attention in my courses, and keeping updated on world events. Bringing these skills back to 桃瘾社区 will help me be a better Lubin student.
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Olena Hauser, an undergraduate International Business major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy for Spring 2018.
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Four countries, 24 cities and 116 days of everlasting spontaneity, adventurousness, friendships, memories, but most importantly the enriching self-growth and realization, is a tiny depiction of my semester abroad at John Cabot University. The minute I touched down, I felt strangely at home. I lived in an apartment with eight other girls, in a very safe, beautiful location. I immediately unpacked, and as predicted, rushed to grab my first slice of miraculous Italian pizza, followed by a quick stop to the Gelato Shop. Without the help of a map or navigation I stumbled upon some of the most famous landmarks of Rome, including Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi and the Colloseo. One of the highlights of my stay was attending a Holy Mass with Pope Francis for two consecutive Sundays at the Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican for both, Palm Sunday and Easter along with my family who were visiting me.
When in Rome, I quickly adopted to the local lifestyle. For many foreign students, traveling was an enormous component of the study abroad experience. However, I refused to travel to multiple places at one; rather, I chose one location at a time which I could truly explore and adore its beauty. I was in the midst of cultures that emphasized different values, history, art and development other than my own. I learned how to be a part of a diverse crowd, other than what I am used to.
I enrolled in five business courses that I very much enjoyed, which included Financial Accounting, International Business Law and Organizational Behavior, and eagerly attending my Italian class which allowed me to greatly excel in my language skills, comprehension and self-confidence when conversing. It was difficult, yet beautiful, to have to rely on a language that is not the one you are most comfortable with. I developed an extreme interest in International Business Law while at John Cabot and begun thinking about attending Law School after graduating from the Lubin School of Business. I am fascinated with Regulating Import Competition and Unfair Trade, Legal Issues in International Transportation and Bank Collections, Trade Finance, and Letters of Credits. I had a privilege of visiting the Supreme Court in Rome, the Palace of Justice and sitting in on a hearing of an open case. The professors at John Cabot University were very intelligent, accommodating and eager to teach. I want to assure you with the absolute delight and my deepest gratitude of the difference the Figueroa Family Fund Scholarship has made in my collegiate career.
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Kristina Noreikaite, an undergraduate Accounting and Quantitative Business Analytics major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at NOVA School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal for Spring 2018.
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I was lucky to get an opportunity to study abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. Having been working and studying a lot in New York, I was excited to have a change in scenery and explore new places. I can say that I've learned many things not only academically, but also culturally.
Academically, business courses at NOVA involved a lot of group work, which taught me to communicate and compromise more. A lot of work was done with students who were a mix of exchange students and locals; this gave me experience in adapting in a diverse environment, developing a new mindset, as well as new leadership skills that could be used when working with different cultures. Furthermore, the projects at NOVA were very professional: one of the projects included working with a real bank in Portugal. The assignment gave me real life practice, an opportunity to gain experience, and meet professionals who inspired me to look into various career options in business.
Culturally, during my five-month stay I learned more about how people interact in Portugal. While the locals are extremely warm people who will always greet with a kiss on each cheek, people are less punctual or straight forward. This means that a meeting at 3pm might actually mean it will start an hour later. Though it took me some time to adapt to such standards, I realized that this was not intentional at all. Not being punctual is not due to the fact that people are busy or that they don't want to meet; it simply shows that this society is a lot more relaxed about their schedules, whether it is professional or not.
It surprised me that a lot of students in the university were either international or coming for a study abroad semester. Students chose Lisbon as a perfect place to come study, but also have time to explore the beautiful nature. Also, every full-time student at NOVA is required to go on at least one semester of study abroad, which I found very different from most US schools. People were more culturally acknowledged about other places and were eager to go abroad. This presented a more open life outlook in the students. I trust that an exchange will open new opportunities and should be done by many more students globally.
"Exchange is not a year in a life, but life in a year." I am very grateful from the experience. The time spent in Portugal gave me a more global outlook in business. Such an experience is a fundamental tool to broadening one's knowledge and skills. I think it will be significant in my education in the upcoming year.
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Kaitlyn Jackson, undergraduate Arts and Entertainment Management major, awarded $3,000 for semester abroad study to University of Westminster in London, England in Fall 2017
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Throughout my time in New York and 桃瘾社区, I have struggled personally and financially but never have I regretted one moment because I have experienced more than I had ever imagined I would. I started by flying into Iceland and making a pit stop into Paris on my way to London. I saw gorgeous landscapes and experienced different cultures. I took more in depth courses in music marketing and events management and even wrote a 15-minute play at the end of it all. I would like to thank those who are behind the Figueroa Scholarship for letting me share my story, funding a portion of my education, and believing in my future.
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Brian Maxwell, a Finance and Economics major, was awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in Florianopolis, Brazil for Spring 2018.
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My name is Brian Maxwell, and over spring 2018 I completed a study abroad program conducted with the Universities Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). The USAC organization was phenomenal assisting me with the transition leading up to the study abroad, as well as the staff in Florian贸polis that was there to help during the semester. The semester abroad for me was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had in my life and something that I am incredibly grateful for. I was able to learn so much, and it is my privilege to share my experiences and how it has enhanced my business school education.
My main goals going into the study abroad in Brazil was to learn as much Portuguese as I could, and to learn more the culture and lifestyle. I was inspired to apply after participating in a finance field study course that took place in Brazil a year prior. I started learning Portuguese on my own by taking private classes in NYC. The semester in Brazil accelerated my learning, as I had no shortage of being able to practice my language skills. Learning a foreign language was certainly the most challenging thing for me during the semester. It became very frustrating at times for me to not always be able to effectively communicate to locals. It never felt on any particular day that I was making huge amounts of progress, but after months of living in Brazil I realized how much progress I was indeed making and how much I had learned.
Brazil is full of amazing people who are very much driven with energy and humor. The country has many scenic beaches and landscapes, as well as a big contrast in many customs from the U.S. I was able to see many of the most iconic landscapes such as Igua莽u Falls, which is on the border of Brazil and Argentina. I also participated in a four-day tour of Minas Gerais with some of my classmates, and some of the historic cities, such as Ouro Preto. We hiked and toured a historic gold mine, visited historic catholic churches, went horseback riding, and ate at some of the best-known places that serve authentic Brazilian cuisine.
Currently I am pursuing something in the Wealth/ Asset Management field either in New York or the Miami area. The knowledge and experience I have in Portuguese will help me going forward stand out and be competitive in this field as there are particularly a lot of Brazilians in the New York and South Florida areas. If given the opportunity in the future to work abroad in Brazil for a multinational firm, I would certainly be very open to pursuing this. Thank you so much again for the Figueroa Scholarship award.
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Cristina Nolasco, undergraduate Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications major, undergraduate International Management major, awarded $3,000 for semester study abroad at Universidad de Montevide, Uruguay in Spring 2017
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I remember that I began to get cold feet about leaving my home in NY. NY is known to have everything a person could ever ask for such as: fashion, variety in food, different kind of music, and just a variety of everything. I was nervous and really upset to leave my friends and family behind. To be honest, it was worth it all. There I was able to meet people from all over the world. I learned that even though we live in a modern era, not everyone thinks alike. There are people that are sensitive to certain ideas and situations. However, through this experience, I learned a lot to speak and listen to the person(s) I speak with (and not to). Before studying abroad, I began to have nervous breakdowns and a lot of paranoia. I felt uncomfortable when put under pressure and stress. I feel that my communication skills have significantly improved through my exchange because I began to be more tolerant and understanding of the different people I met. Through communication, I know that as a business person I can avoid confusions and enforce organization. A business that does well with communication has happy workers as well. Life is filled with unexpected realizations.
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Alexis Reed, undergraduate Arts and Entertainment Management major, awarded $3,000 for semester abroad study at Florence University of the Arts, Italy in Fall 2017
Upon arriving to Italy thoughts of cobble stone streets and ancient ruins filled my mind. I dreamed of gelato and pasta and could not wait for my first taste. I was excited to study in a historic city filled with rich culture and tradition. I am happy to say that my expectations were not only met, but also exceeded. I learned how different countries practice business and how to successfully establish rapport with different cultures; my teacher, fellow students, and I were all from different countries, so I got to hear first hand how things function in their societies and we all learned from one another. Not only did I grow as a student, but I also grew as an individual. Moving to a new country can be intimidating and overwhelming at times. However, I learned how to adapt and thrive. As a result, I've become more confident and independent. My study abroad experience is something I'll treasure for a lifetime. I am forever grateful.