Dr. Olson has led several groups of students on trips to Italy over the years. He hopes these experiences give students more self-confidence and a greater sense of clarity when it comes to what they want to do with their career.
“I want for students to recognize that they have a choice in how you’re going to live your life and what you’re going to do with it,” he said. “I want for them to take a step back and think about what works for them, what their purpose and values are and how those apply to a career.”
Dr. Olson added, half-jokingly, “If I’m not changing people’s lives, I’m disappointed.”
Fisher has a dream of starting an import/export business and said the trip helped convince them that this is the next step they want to take in their career.
“I got to make actual business contacts and talk to people about importing their goods as a result of coming on this trip,” Fisher said. “I came out of this experience being like ‘I can actually do this. I can make this happen. I’ve made concrete steps toward being able to start a business.’ I have an opportunity to help these small businesses while also getting to experience the world. That’s the best thing I could imagine.”
Fisher said the trip gave them a more practical understanding of business that goes beyond what they have learned from their business classes.
“One thing I appreciated about Italy was the idea that work is so much a part of your life, that it should be beautiful and it should be connected to everything in your life,” they said. “The richness of the experience is something that is very special, and I’ll always keep that with me.”
Espanola said the experience reinforced the importance of taking pride in your work and helped him realize that it’s okay not to feel rushed.
“These Italian businesses make sure whatever they sell or whatever they make is truly for the customer and their experience,” he said. “One thing I really took from this experience is the importance of taking the time to produce something you love, because then others will love that work and support you.”
Espanola, who is set to graduate this spring, said he encourages all business students at CSUB to take advantage of study abroad opportunities because it will be a transformative experience.
“I’ve been telling everyone I know that if they have opportunity to do this, they should take it,” he said. “I’m so appreciative of CSUB for offering this because I know I wouldn’t have been able to get this kind of experience had I done it on my own. It’s been the highlight of the MBA program for me.”
Dr. Olson said he plans to lead another trip to Italy during the fall 2022 semester. Before that, however, he is set to lead a trip to the United Kingdom this May.
In addition, fellow CSUB professor Dr. Lena Taub Robles will be leading a study abroad course in France this June thanks to a donation from the Dennis and Anne Beaver Foundation.
For more information about study abroad opportunities, visit csub.edu/studyabroad.