Before embarking on my Beyond the Classroom experience in Florence, Italy, I expected an enriching academic opportunity paired with cultural immersion. I imagined learning primarily through lectures, readings, and guided excursions valuable, but structured. What I did not fully anticipate was how profoundly day today interactions, moments of discomfort, and real world observations would shape my learning. This experience not only met my expectations but expanded them, transforming how I understand global issues, leadership, and my role as a globally engaged student at the University of Montana. Before arriving in Florence, I believed I had a solid foundational understanding of Italy’s culture, economy, and history from coursework and prior research and past trips. I expected to observe global concepts from a distance. Instead, the experience demanded active participation navigating a new city, communicating across language barriers, and adapting to different academic and social norms. These challenges quickly shifted me from observer to participant. By the end of the experience, I realized how limited my preconceptions were. Classroom discussions became more meaningful when paired with lived experiences, such as understanding how local businesses operate within Italy’s economic framework or witnessing how historical preservation intersects with modern urban life. The experience exceeded my expectations by pushing me to think critically in real time and reflect more deeply on global interconnectedness. My Beyond the Classroom experience was centered on the Global Theme of Culture and Politics and the Global Challenge of balancing cultural preservation with political and economic decision making in an increasingly globalized world. Being immersed in Florence allowed me to see how these global challenges manifest locally. For example, observing tourism’s impact on local economies highlighted the tension between economic growth and cultural preservation. As a result of this experience, my perspective on my global theme evolved from abstract theory to tangible reality. I gained a stronger appreciation for the diverse viewpoints involved from local residents and business owners to international students and policymakers. Moving forward, I plan to leverage these insights by applying a more globally informed and culturally sensitive approach to my academic work and future career, particularly in finance and international business. Understanding the human impact behind economic decisions is essential to creating lasting, responsible change. One of the most significant outcomes of my experience was the growth of my cross-cultural understanding. Daily interactions whether ordering food, collaborating with peers, or navigating public transportation taught me the importance of patience, humility, and active listening. I became more aware of cultural norms around communication, time, and community, which often differed from my own assumptions. Over time, these interactions helped me move beyond stereotypes and develop a more nuanced understanding of Italian culture. I learned that cultural competence is not about mastering facts, but about remaining open, adaptable, and respectful. This shift will continue to influence how I engage with people from different backgrounds long after this experience. This Beyond the Classroom experience significantly shaped my leadership skills by pushing me outside my comfort zone. Navigating unfamiliar situations required initiative, problem-solving, and self-confidence. For example, coordinating group projects or managing travel logistics demanded clear communication and adaptability skills essential for effective leadership. A particularly memorable moment occurred when struggling to speak the language to the locals. This moment reinforced the importance of empathy and collaboration, reminding me that leadership is not about authority, but about understanding and supporting others. As a result, I will approach future interpersonal interactions with greater intentionality, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural awareness, and mutual respect. Overall, my Beyond the Classroom experience in Florence was transformative. It strengthened my academic interests, clarified my professional goals, and deepened my sense of global responsibility. I return with a renewed commitment to applying what I learned both in and beyond the classroom and to representing the GLI and the University of Montana as a thoughtful, engaged global citizen.

Hi! My name is Paulina Grigsby, and this past semester I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. I am currently a sophomore studying Integrative Physiology with a minor in Sports Psychology. My Global Theme is Public and Global Health, and my challenge is stopping the spread of infectious diseases and using technology to ensure that all people can access tools and knowledge to prevent disease. This experience has not only exposed me to different healthcare systems but has also deepened my understanding of how culture, accessibility, and policy shape public health outcomes.

Before my Beyond the Classroom Experience, I did not have very specific expectations, but I hoped to meet people from the United Kingdom and other countries, learn about their daily lives, and gain insight into healthcare and education outside the U.S. Overall, this experience met and, in many ways, exceeded my expectations. Through school, I was able to connect with Scottish and international students to learn firsthand how their healthcare system works and how citizens view it. I was struck by how healthcare is often taken for granted in countries around the UK and Europe because it is free. I also noticed the difference in education because classes were less frequent, but encouraged independence and personal time, which allowed for a balance between academics and personal time. 

This experience also shaped my leadership skills by fostering independence, resilience, and creative problem-solving. Navigating public transportation, managing daily tasks in a new environment, and quickly adapting to mistakes forced me to think on my feet and trust my own judgment. These experiences strengthened my ability to handle unexpected challenges—an essential skill for leadership. This allowed me to feel more confident in my ability to lead, make decisions under pressure, and quickly problem-solve when necessary

The experience of studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, was impactful on many levels. One of my favorite memories was visiting the Highland cows just outside of Edinburgh. Walking up to the cows with friends I had made during the semester was not only fun but also a reminder of the joy of shared experiences and cultural exploration. Moments like this helped me build lasting friendships, connect with the local environment, and reflect on the importance of community in personal and professional growth.

Overall, my experience studying abroad has given me many new perspectives and allowed me to think of ways I can inspire change within my community. I am grateful to the connections I made, the lessons I have learned and the opportunities I had.