Ciao a tutti! They say all roads lead to Rome, however mine took a beautiful detour to Florence, Italy last summer, and I have never been more grateful. I’m Sloane Shock, an incoming fourth-year Industrial and Systems Engineering student at Ohio State University. The summer of 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to do an eight-week internship in Florence, Italy thanks to CEA CAPA.  

As I reflect on my time at Ohio State, I can say confidently that this experience allowed me to grow in ways I didn't know were possible. I can’t wait to tell you all about it! 

Here is me with the Arno in the background! I know the water looks very murky - but I promise you it is normally not! 

My Journey to Florence  

Coming into college, I never thought I’d study abroad, let alone do an internship overseas. Being a STEM major, it felt like an impossible dream. But CEA CAPA showed me otherwise. 

From the moment I was accepted, I was impressed by their personalized support. Their process involved questionnaires, rankings, statements of intent, and interviews, all designed to find an internship that fit my goals. It quickly became clear that CEA CAPA didn’t just send students abroad, they crafted meaningful experiences tailored to each individual. They made what I thought was impossible an unforgettable reality. 

The Internship Experience 

I interned at a small, sustainable shop called Bottega Biologica. My responsibilities included market and operations research, managing finances, organization, and planning. It was rewarding to apply what I learned in school to help make a difference.  

As I began to adapt to my new environment and culture, my supervisor and I were able to build a strong bond based on mutual respect and trust. Every thought and opinion that I had did not go unnoticed or unappreciated, and I am glad that my first internship experience was such a positive one.  

One of the most meaningful projects I worked on at the shop was organizing a site visit for CEA CAPA students and faculty. A site visit is when a group visits a business or organization to learn firsthand about its operations, environment, and mission. It’s an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world practices, and in this case, to showcase Bottega Biologica’s values and impact. Over my time abroad, CEA CAPA set up multiple site visits for us to attend to learn more about global businesses, and get to experience it all firsthand! They were always something I enjoyed, so I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to plan my own.  

Although organizing the visit came with challenges, like navigating a language barrier and working under a tight timeline, it’s something I will always be proud of. Through the help of my supervisor, we arranged a private tour of Manifattura Tabacchi, an old tobacco factory transformed into a vibrant creative hub that now houses Bottega Biologica. Afterward, we gathered at the shop for aperitivo, where guests heard directly from my supervisor about his journey and mission. 

Seeing everything come to life was incredibly rewarding. What I’ll never forget is the joy on my supervisor’s face as he watched everyone engage with his shop and story. His passion brought people together, and I was so grateful to play a part in it. This was an experience I truly could not have had in the U.S., and one I’ll carry with me always. 

Here is an aerial view of where I worked each week! It was such a beautiful area, and a lively environment.  

La Dolce Vita 

Doing an internship allowed me to feel like a local. Thanks to the help of the staff at CEA CAPA, I quickly learned how to navigate public transportation and memorized my travel to work. Something that still does not feel real, is that every single day I walked over the Ponte Vecchio to get there, who else can say that?? I saw vendors setting up shop, musicians playing on the street, aristics working, and much more! Even on my walk to work I felt immersed in the culture.  

One of the biggest lessons I learned was to take everything slower, and savor the now. Overtime, I realized I began walking slower, taking longer to eat, and overall was more patient. I was able to truly enjoy my surroundings, and I really do believe this was due to the culture in Florence.  

I could go on forever about my love for this city, and I hope you all are able to experience it yourself.  

One afternoon, my roommate and I stumbled upon a free polo match outside the Church of Santa Croce while walking home from a CEA CAPA meeting. An unforgettable surprise! 

Takeaways & Growth 

Traveling abroad teaches you a lot about the world, and even more about yourself. Adapting to a new work culture was a challenge, and adapting to a global one was even more so. I learned how to communicate effectively despite language barriers. 

Back in the States, I felt more confident, largely because of the resilience I built abroad. 

Taking initiative is another skill I grew in. Planning the site visit started from an idea I pitched to my supervisor and became a successful event. Without that initiative, I wouldn’t have had this accomplishment to look back on. CEA CAPA documented the visit with photos, videos, and an interview with me, constant reminders of why believing in yourself matters. 

The night before my birthday, my roommate and I rode the square’s carousel. A simple, childlike moment that became a meaningful reflection on my time abroad. 

Grazie e Arrivederci 

Looking back, my internship in Florence was so much more than a professional experience, it was a chapter of growth. I grew not only in my career, but personally as well. I now navigate the world with more curiosity, confidence, and compassion. I am forever grateful to Florence for allowing me to see the world, and myself, in this new light.  

To anyone wondering if studying or interning abroad is “for them,” especially those in STEM or on a non-traditional path, I hope my story shows you that it absolutely can be. You just have to be willing to take the first step, and make the “impossible,” possible.  

Grazie mille, Florence. Until we meet again.  

Ciao,  

Sloane 

A pinch me moment that everyone has is seeing the Duomo, especially at night. I could not believe it was real until I saw it in person.