Group of students participate in Italy faculty-led program

Thirteen-day trip 'opened the door to more knowledge and wisdom' for students

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 17^th, 2026

Eighteen California State University, Bakersfield students participated in a 13-day faculty-led program in Italy this past January.

Students learned international business and leadership through corporate visits, meetings with professionals, and exploration of small and family-own businesses, all while earning course credit for international business as part of the Short-Study in Italy program. Professor of Management Dr. David Olson and staff member Maria Diaz lead the program, which ran from Jan. 3-15, guiding students who are all earning degrees in the College of Business and Public Administration (BPA).

The group spent eight nights in Florence and five nights in Rome. The program focused on international business management, providing students with opportunities to engage with professionals in both cities and gain an in-depth understanding of international business operations in Italy.

“We learn so much more about people and their cultures when we meet them in person," said BPA Dean Dr. Deborah Cours. "Nothing can teach us as much about international and cross-cultural business than first-hand experience.”

Students visited the headquarters of international companies such as Antinori, Stefano Ricci and Ferragamo, as well as smaller local businesses , where they learned how Italian enterprises emphasize heritage, craftsmanship and community.

The group also observed the operations of the Leonardo Da Vinci School and participated in an introductory Italian class, reinforcing the role of communication in business, branding and cultural connection. Students also visited the U.S. Consulate General, where they learned about the work involved in promoting U.S. business interests and assisting U.S. citizens abroad.

In Florence, students attended private lectures and discussions at the Bank of Italy and Invest in Tuscany, where speakers provided macroeconomic and regional government perspectives on the Italian and Tuscan economies. Each student also gained hands-on experience at the artisanal Alicia’s Leather Studio, crafting their own leather belt while learning about supply chain and logistics management, production, finance, marketing, and sustainability.

“The belt-making process was transformative," said Alfredo Leon, a business major with a concentration in human resources. "It gave me a glimpse into the artisanal side of Florence, which was a meaningful contrast to the fast-paced production and consumption I’m accustomed to in the U.S.”

The program included day trips to Modena, Bologna and Siena. Recognizing food as a critical component of culture and commerce, one day focused on the food production process — from raw materials such as trees and cattle to barrel production, cheese aging and balsamic production — and a culminating meal. Students visited Bio Reggiani, a Parmesan producer; Acetatia Malagoli, an historic balsamic producer; and La Lumira, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant that uses locally-sourced ingredients.

Dr. Olson noted the most meaningful visit was to cooper (barrel maker) Renzi, where two brothers, Roberto and Matteo, opened their business to the group on a snowy holiday shortly after the death of their father.

“I have rarely been so moved as when these brothers expressed their sorrow and joy of just taking the reins of the 500-year-old family business, which has select forests and uses the woods to make the barrels for businesses," he said.

Dr. Olson partnered with colleagues from Temple University’s Rome campus for the trip. The students attended lectures on international cybersecurity and also on diversity, equity and inclusion in Ancient Rome. Temple University also hosted a pizza-cooking class, a student favorite. It was no surprise that everyone passed this class.

In addition to the business lessons, students were able to experience Italy’s cultural landmarks. In Florence, visits included museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace and the Academia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's statue of David. In Rome, students toured the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill and the Vatican. MPA student David Silva shared that one of his most remarkable experiences was attending the Papal Audience and seeing Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope.

Dr. Olson has organized study trips like this for many years, only interrupted by the pandemic.

“I learned so much about business, and I’m very grateful to Dr. Olson for organizing these educational trips," said Spanish major Silva Hall. "His passion and insights during this amazing trip, plus learning from so many experts in different industries opened the door to more knowledge and wisdom.”

Leon said he has decided to pursue another study abroad opportunity due to his experience on the Italy trip.

"These experiences enrich your perspective in a way that traditional travel cannot," he said. "They are especially valuable because they provide firsthand insight into how businesses operate across different countries, helping students gain a deeper understanding of how culture influences the global business world.”