Italy Pre-Departure
Dialogue Summer 1 2015
Italy: Family Business Studies
Hi everyone!
I’d like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Crystal and I have just completed my 3rd year here at Northeastern. I am in the D’Amore McKim School of Business and I am majoring in business with a concentration in Accounting. I was born and raised in New Jersey.
I haven’t been out of the country, other than to Nigeria, when I was very young, so I don’t remember it. I have always wanted to travel and experience different cultures other than my own. I chose this dialogue because I know that I will be able to learn about Italian culture while still learning entrepreneurship which will include concepts that are applicable to my degree and would help if I ever decide to start my own business.
I expect to return from this trip having a better sense of how people and businesses interact abroad. I know family businesses are very abundant in Italy, and here in the US, I am less aware of family businesses. Overall, I expect to grow more mature with this experience and have an opportunity to see other viewpoints and perspectives.
I would say I have three major goals. My first goal is to see the influences that family business plays in Italy and compare the difference of these operations between Northern and Southern Italy. My other goal is to gain some insight on the different perspectives of others in this diverse country. And my last goal is to have an answer to the question: what is your favorite Italian dessert?
I plan to achieve these goals through having an open mind and listening attentively. Our dialogue involves visiting many different business sites such as Ferrari Wines and Geox Sneakers. In order to gain the most out of these experiences, I am going to minimize the cell phone use and really listen to what everyone has to say. I plan to try new things, talk to locals, and of course talk to the diverse group of students on the dialogue with me. And last but not least, I assume the best way to find out my favorite Italian dessert, would be to try them all-or at least as many as I can without getting a stomach ache.
My biggest fear at the moment is packing. I wouldn’t say I am one to over pack, but I definitely don’t want to have to buy basic necessities abroad. Also, because this is a business dialogue, we need to pack business attire in addition to regular clothing, which adds a lot of extra items. They keep telling us to pack light, but a girl needs her wardrobe. I have no idea what 50 pounds feels like, but hopefully my luggage isn’t overweight at the airport!
I am most excited to explore Italy! I haven’t been to Europe and I am super excited to see the architecture, Juliet’s balcony in Verona, and to walk on the active volcano, Mt. Etna!
I am beyond excited to see all that Verona and Sicily have to offer. Wish me luck!
Ciao!
