Hi, my name is Lama, I’m from the Sultanate of Oman, and I’m currently double majoring in Business Analytics and Business Information Systems, with a minor in Economics.
Outside of academics, I love traveling, trying new food, exploring different cultures, and meeting new people. One of the reasons I enjoy studying abroad so much is because I feel like some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. I’ve always enjoyed putting myself in new environments and learning how people live, work, and think in different parts of the world.
My previous study abroad experience was Plus3 Ecuador, which was honestly one of the most random experiences I’ve had in college so far. During the trip, I got to learn about international business practices while also experiencing Ecuadorian culture firsthand. It pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way possible and made me much more independent and confident when traveling internationally. It also made me realize how much I enjoy learning through global experiences rather than only through textbooks and lectures.
This summer, I’ll be spending 8 weeks in Florence doing my internship and classes through the GBI Florence program, and I’m really excited for everything that comes with it. I chose this program because Florence combines so many things I love: history, culture, art, business, travel, and amazing food. I also wanted another opportunity to experience life abroad while continuing to grow academically and professionally. I’m especially excited to meet new people, travel around Italy, and experience what daily life is like in Florence rather than just visiting as a tourist.
By the end of this experience, I hope to grow both professionally and personally. My three main goals for this program are:
- Improve my cross-cultural communication skills by working and connecting with people from different backgrounds.
- Gain a better understanding of global business environments and how culture influences business practices.
- Become more independent, adaptable, and confident in unfamiliar situations, which I know will help me in future internships and career opportunities.
I’m looking forward to an unforgettable summer and can’t wait to see what these next 8 weeks bring!
