|
|
|
Undergraduate Study Abroad > Semester Program > Special Activities |
Extra-Curricular Activities |
 |
 |
|
Students on company tour. |
CIMBA believes in a total-learning environment, not just classroom education. The staff at both The University of Iowa and in Italy both work to make sure a student’s experience is well-rounded and supported at many levels. Below are some activities students can expect during the semester program.
Company Tours and Guest Speakers
During the semester, students will be required to participate in company tours. Students will visit leading Veneto businesses in a variety of fields such as food production, information technology, fashion, manufacturing, communications and sales. The tours provide students with exposure to real-world operations, and allow the professors to incorporate information learned into the classroom setting. Students also will learn and understand more about the importance of the Veneto region in relation to Italy and Western Europe. There also will be periodic guest speakers who visit campus to talk with students and lecture on relevant topics. Click here for a list of recent company tours.
Faculty Advisory Groups
One of the unique aspects of the undergraduate program is the close interaction between faculty, staff and students. Student comments reflect the strong, positive feelings associated with having access to faculty and staff on a daily basis. To further enhance this interaction, each professor will be assigned a small group of students. The groups help students to branch out and meet people from other states, other majors and other interests. Students with questions regarding school, travel and studying abroad are encouraged to seek out their faculty mentor. The CIMBA staff helps organize outings and activities for the groups.
Career-Development Seminars
As part of CIMBA's philosophy that students should have a complete learning experience while abroad, students can participate in the Career Development Seminar series during the semester programs. Attendance at these events is optional but encouraged. Guest speakers include members of the CIMBA staff, visiting professors and professionals from the community. The seminars vary from semester to semester but have included topics such as: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop, Finding a Job Overseas, Life in the Peace Corps, Starting Your Career Early: How to Get an Internship, Interviewing Skills Workshop, Beating the Case Interview, Getting an Advanced Degree, Getting an MBA, and Careers in Journalism and Communication.
Recreational Activities
Every semester there are organized sports matches including ultimate frisbee, ping pong, volleyball, soccer and basketball. Activities can vary depending on the level of student interest and participation. Tournaments include study abroad students and Italian students attending the boarding school. In addition to providing reminders of home and encouraging health and fitness, tournaments allow American students to interact with their Italian counterparts in the universal language of sports. More information is found in the surrounding area section of the website.
Language Exchanges
Students who take the Italian language classes will meet regularly with the Italian students to speak Italian either for their own practice or English to help the Italians practice their language studies. It is a terrific way for both groups of students to enhance their language skills in a relaxed setting while meeting new people and learning about different cultures. Students from both groups learn to appreciate new things, including different cultures.
Cultural Field Trips & Dinner Excursions
Throughout the semester, there will be field trips to various locations that have a cultural or historical focus. The trips provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the Veneto region and northern Italy. The trips are usually to smaller towns and unique places not found in most major guidebooks, thus allowing students to explore areas they would not normally find on their own. Excursions vary from semester to semester but are included in every program. Every semester includes three special dinner outings where students, professors and staff all dine at a formal Italian restaurant. Students practice the skills learned in etiquette presentations while enjoying a traditional Italian meal.
Students also participate in local cultural events. In the past, student highlights have ranged from olive picking on the Grappa Mountains and touring local wineries to learning to toss a pizza at a local pizzeria. The events allow students to have hands-on experience with traditions that make the Veneto region unique.
Phi Beta Delta
Phi Beta Delta is an international honors society with chapters at many of CIMBA's consortium member schools. CIMBA's Epsilon Tau Chapter's vision and goal is to continue the Phi Beta Delta traditions of recognizing those students striving for both international and academic experience. Phi Beta Delta members participate in many activities which may include cooking classes, a tour of a local vineyard, olive picking, and community outreach. To view the Phi Beta Delta Epsilon Tau Chapter's brochure please click here.
|
|
|
