Sept. 3, 2024
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Jackie Rasmussen is an assistant teaching professor of management and director of the International Trade Center in the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. This summer, she helped facilitate a study abroad program in Spain, accompanying students as they explored global markets and visited historic sites.
Read on for a Q&A with Rasmussen about her experience.
Tell us about your study abroad experience.
I spent four weeks this summer in Alicante, Spain, accompanying students participating in one of the Trulaske study abroad programs.
Students participated in business courses taught by Mizzou and University of Alicante Instructors. Classes were made up of a mix of Mizzou and University of Alicante students – providing everyone with a great opportunity to connect with and learn from students from different backgrounds and cultures.
My course focused on global business strategy, culminating in a country analysis project.
Students also visited several towns and historic sites, including Carmencita, a leading spice company, to hear first-hand about the business operations and international market expansion.
Why is this program important?
This program provides students with a safe and supported opportunity to travel internationally and to immerse themselves in a different culture.
The students are supported by their Mizzou peers, but they also have the opportunity either through class or venturing out on their own to connect with Spanish and other international students and community members. This provides an opportunity to develop new friendships, embark on new adventures and push the boundaries of their comfort zones as they learn and explore new cultures and communities.
Students traveling on the weekends developed their skills and savviness in coordinating travel plans and logistics.
What do you hope students gain from experiences such as this?
Students expand their knowledge and horizon of the world and their boundaries of what is possible. They make new friends and strengthen friendships. They often gain a new appreciation and perspective of what they have, and what they often take for granted. They make lifelong memories that will bring them joy and reflection opportunities long into the future. Finally, students gain confidence in themselves and in their ability to adapt and thrive in new and different environments.
What was your favorite moment from the trip?
One of my favorite moments was seeing the interaction and friendships develop between the MU students and their international peers. The conversation exchanges, new perspectives shared and opportunities to learn from one another were fantastic to observe and see blossom.
I also loved the beautiful weather, the beaches and the opportunities that access to the public transportation system afforded.
It was great to observe the sense of community that exists in Sant Vicente, where the University of Alicante is located, and the interaction in the streets that occurs in the early evening as people come out of their apartments to catch up with friends, let children play, etc.
What would you tell Mizzou students to encourage them to study abroad?
Follow Nike’s lead and “just do it.” Take the opportunity if you can, as it’s an opportunity that isn’t easily replicated. Be open to differences that exist and approach those differences with respect and curiosity to learn and seek understanding.
The benefits to be gained are multi-dimensional in terms of new learning, new perspectives, new confidence and an expansion of boundaries as to what the future may hold.
