Each year, the Kolodzik Business Scholars are offered a study abroad trip ranging from Montreal to Costa Rica, Paris, Brussels and London. We are also encouraged to create our own study abroad opportunities. As freshmen in the program, we are given the opportunity to quickly study in Montreal, Canada. The reflection of this study abroad is featured below.
Reflection
The summer between high school and college, I took the opportunity of a life time and traveled with forty classmates to Europe. In an eager, exciting and overwhelming trip, we toured a whopping 14 countries in 12 days. It's needless to say that this was no where near an emergence into a culture, but an extremely fast paced highlight of tourist stops. Compared to the trip to Montreal, Canada- the two register on very different frequencies of the traveling world.
Kolodzik Business Scholars is a program found in the Carl H. Linder College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. We are much larger than a scholarship program, incorporating an Association, Executive council, Board of Trustees, separate classes, etc. we have grown to become an elite organization of leaders within the UC Community. KBS offers three study abroad sessions and one service trip each year. For the freshmen, they are welcomed and encouraged to attend the end of the year Montreal trip. This is a main aspect to the bonding of our community and growth in experience globally. It plants the seed for our students to continue traveling. To prepare us for the trip, we are required to take two courses pre-departure. The first is International Business. This gives us a taste of what to expect outside of the country when entering companies based outside of the US. We look into different economic structures, government policies and trading laws. It's a vast overview of international workings, but it opens students minds to what will lie ahead. The second course is taught by the Professor leading the trip. Dean Lewis, with the help of Jenn Wiswell and Lee Armstrong prepared us for what to anticipate and how the trip will flow. We met a few times prior to the trip and once after to recap and reflect on what we had experienced.
We had learned before leaving that Montreal was very much like America in the sense that it accumulated a vast array of cultures over its founding. The largest difference between our country and Montreal is that we are considered a Melting Pot, every walk of life is incorporated to every aspect of our culture. In Montreal, we were told to expect a mosaic. While all of the different cultures are there, they have kept themselves separated into Little Italy and China Town throughout the entire city. It didn't hit me what they were saying until I witnessed it for myself. We stayed and studied at McGill University while the majority of their students enjoyed summer break. This part of the city felt very similar to any city within the US. Major shopping, bars and clubs, restaurants, and family operated businesses lined the streets while students and families roamed them. To the north, a large park made up the scenery and was home to the highest point in Montreal with a view as stunning as a setting sun. It was a part of town that I could very much see myself living in one day, but as we traveled to different areas, I saw the separation was beyond what I had imagined. You could literally see the line dividing one part of town to the next. Mosaic really was the best term to use. Each area was as beautiful and different as the last with a different set of foods, a different style of shops and a different way of completing business, but that was what made Montreal so special. To bring this to life, let me show you an example. In China Town, an area that we never fully navigated, we could barter for items. I bought a Harry Potter poster for the equivalent of $1 US Dollar, but when we ventured to the Jewish area for Bagels, prices were set for everything, there was no bartering of any kind. Can I just add how delicious those bagels were? Yum.
Another lesson we were taught before leaving was their indifference to US citizens. After visiting so many tourist sites, I have never felt so welcomed or so unnoticed. Citizens went about their day as if we were a part of it all. They paid no attention to whether or not we were there on vacation or there to study for years, it was a humbling feeling that definitely made me open up the culture and city more than I was ever able to while in Europe. The only time our stuents ever stood out was during the nightlife. It appears that the US is a lot more lax about outfits worn while enjoying the night scene, and many of our young men found it challenging to enjoy the experience on that front.
A completely astounding fact that we learned about the government and schooling system was that their school was paid for through taxes. Students were paying little to nothing to attend college! Citizens were encouraged to gain their degrees in fields they found most interesting. It appeared to be a completely opposite experience compared to University life in the states. It's one that I would have appreciated to be a part of. One of the Professors that we met at McGill was the one to tell us this. He explained that it opened up the door of opportunity to students in Quebec who would not have it without college being paid for. His words hit me deeply. I have opened many doors of opportunity for myself in order to assure that the University of Cincinnati was my future. Where would I have ended up if the roles in our taxes were switched? Would I be so driven if I knew college would be paid for regardless of how hard I studied? I don't think I would have. It's a shattering thought, but one that I've pondered frequently since our return. We may not have the best system here, but we do have one that pushes students to be their best, to compete for what they want and fight for what they need.
As for our actual experience, it was a once in a lifetime. never again will I travel with such a large group of my close friends experiencing a different world. My favorite part, and I'm sure many who joined me would agree, was our tour of Cirque Due Soleil. While it was at the end of the trip, and we are all mentally and physically drained, we had the opportunity to tour the Headquarters of this magical corporation. We saw the business angel, their plans and growth rates, we learned of their history and expectations. We met trainers and watched as acrobats practiced. It was breathtaking and awe inspiring. It reminded me of a DAAP workshop taken to the highest level possible. The costumes were one of a kind, and they were protected so tightly that we weren't allowed to touch. A company based on imagination and dreams is one that cannot be compared. I can only dream that one day I build a company so inspiring. I think the reason I enjoyed this company visit so much was because it opened my eyes to the possibilities. I've never been one for a full suit, and I've always worried that I may not be choosing the right path for myself, but everything I took from this company brought me hope and taught me to value what I dreamed for myself to build years ago.
When reflecting on this trip, it's simple to look at the main points. We were only gone for a long weekend. Long enough to get a taste for studying abroad, but far too short to completely immerse ourselves. We took away the lessons that we felt the closest to, each of us demonstrating that while we are all in the College of Business, we are all passionate for drastically different goals. Knowing that we'd have the opportunity two more times to study together outside of the US, we respected our differences and valued each others opinions. All of us came home with a sense of understanding. The students of McGill enjoyed us and we welcomed them to visit us in return. As soon as the next group of KBS freshmen arrived, we took no time to encourage them with every breath to attend Montreal and to grow as a class together. KBS was what made the study abroad an experience unlike any others. There is no doubt in my mind that, that is the difference.
Studying abroad is not something to look at lightly. It's a large investment, and if you put in the time, it is an experience that brings life altering lessons and builds unbreakable friendships. It changed my view of entrepreneurship and instilled an undying hope for my future plans. This trip my have been short, but it brought an understanding and awareness of global differences that I had never experienced.
Kolodzik Business Scholars is a program found in the Carl H. Linder College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. We are much larger than a scholarship program, incorporating an Association, Executive council, Board of Trustees, separate classes, etc. we have grown to become an elite organization of leaders within the UC Community. KBS offers three study abroad sessions and one service trip each year. For the freshmen, they are welcomed and encouraged to attend the end of the year Montreal trip. This is a main aspect to the bonding of our community and growth in experience globally. It plants the seed for our students to continue traveling. To prepare us for the trip, we are required to take two courses pre-departure. The first is International Business. This gives us a taste of what to expect outside of the country when entering companies based outside of the US. We look into different economic structures, government policies and trading laws. It's a vast overview of international workings, but it opens students minds to what will lie ahead. The second course is taught by the Professor leading the trip. Dean Lewis, with the help of Jenn Wiswell and Lee Armstrong prepared us for what to anticipate and how the trip will flow. We met a few times prior to the trip and once after to recap and reflect on what we had experienced.
We had learned before leaving that Montreal was very much like America in the sense that it accumulated a vast array of cultures over its founding. The largest difference between our country and Montreal is that we are considered a Melting Pot, every walk of life is incorporated to every aspect of our culture. In Montreal, we were told to expect a mosaic. While all of the different cultures are there, they have kept themselves separated into Little Italy and China Town throughout the entire city. It didn't hit me what they were saying until I witnessed it for myself. We stayed and studied at McGill University while the majority of their students enjoyed summer break. This part of the city felt very similar to any city within the US. Major shopping, bars and clubs, restaurants, and family operated businesses lined the streets while students and families roamed them. To the north, a large park made up the scenery and was home to the highest point in Montreal with a view as stunning as a setting sun. It was a part of town that I could very much see myself living in one day, but as we traveled to different areas, I saw the separation was beyond what I had imagined. You could literally see the line dividing one part of town to the next. Mosaic really was the best term to use. Each area was as beautiful and different as the last with a different set of foods, a different style of shops and a different way of completing business, but that was what made Montreal so special. To bring this to life, let me show you an example. In China Town, an area that we never fully navigated, we could barter for items. I bought a Harry Potter poster for the equivalent of $1 US Dollar, but when we ventured to the Jewish area for Bagels, prices were set for everything, there was no bartering of any kind. Can I just add how delicious those bagels were? Yum.
Another lesson we were taught before leaving was their indifference to US citizens. After visiting so many tourist sites, I have never felt so welcomed or so unnoticed. Citizens went about their day as if we were a part of it all. They paid no attention to whether or not we were there on vacation or there to study for years, it was a humbling feeling that definitely made me open up the culture and city more than I was ever able to while in Europe. The only time our stuents ever stood out was during the nightlife. It appears that the US is a lot more lax about outfits worn while enjoying the night scene, and many of our young men found it challenging to enjoy the experience on that front.
A completely astounding fact that we learned about the government and schooling system was that their school was paid for through taxes. Students were paying little to nothing to attend college! Citizens were encouraged to gain their degrees in fields they found most interesting. It appeared to be a completely opposite experience compared to University life in the states. It's one that I would have appreciated to be a part of. One of the Professors that we met at McGill was the one to tell us this. He explained that it opened up the door of opportunity to students in Quebec who would not have it without college being paid for. His words hit me deeply. I have opened many doors of opportunity for myself in order to assure that the University of Cincinnati was my future. Where would I have ended up if the roles in our taxes were switched? Would I be so driven if I knew college would be paid for regardless of how hard I studied? I don't think I would have. It's a shattering thought, but one that I've pondered frequently since our return. We may not have the best system here, but we do have one that pushes students to be their best, to compete for what they want and fight for what they need.
As for our actual experience, it was a once in a lifetime. never again will I travel with such a large group of my close friends experiencing a different world. My favorite part, and I'm sure many who joined me would agree, was our tour of Cirque Due Soleil. While it was at the end of the trip, and we are all mentally and physically drained, we had the opportunity to tour the Headquarters of this magical corporation. We saw the business angel, their plans and growth rates, we learned of their history and expectations. We met trainers and watched as acrobats practiced. It was breathtaking and awe inspiring. It reminded me of a DAAP workshop taken to the highest level possible. The costumes were one of a kind, and they were protected so tightly that we weren't allowed to touch. A company based on imagination and dreams is one that cannot be compared. I can only dream that one day I build a company so inspiring. I think the reason I enjoyed this company visit so much was because it opened my eyes to the possibilities. I've never been one for a full suit, and I've always worried that I may not be choosing the right path for myself, but everything I took from this company brought me hope and taught me to value what I dreamed for myself to build years ago.
When reflecting on this trip, it's simple to look at the main points. We were only gone for a long weekend. Long enough to get a taste for studying abroad, but far too short to completely immerse ourselves. We took away the lessons that we felt the closest to, each of us demonstrating that while we are all in the College of Business, we are all passionate for drastically different goals. Knowing that we'd have the opportunity two more times to study together outside of the US, we respected our differences and valued each others opinions. All of us came home with a sense of understanding. The students of McGill enjoyed us and we welcomed them to visit us in return. As soon as the next group of KBS freshmen arrived, we took no time to encourage them with every breath to attend Montreal and to grow as a class together. KBS was what made the study abroad an experience unlike any others. There is no doubt in my mind that, that is the difference.
Studying abroad is not something to look at lightly. It's a large investment, and if you put in the time, it is an experience that brings life altering lessons and builds unbreakable friendships. It changed my view of entrepreneurship and instilled an undying hope for my future plans. This trip my have been short, but it brought an understanding and awareness of global differences that I had never experienced.