Have you had any previous experience traveling or living outside the US? (*)

I have not lived outside the United States; however, I have traveled internationally. In 2010, I visited India for three weeks to visit my husband’s family. During this time, we lived in the homes of our family members in various villages and cities throughout the country including: Ahmedabad, Mount Abu, Pune, Delhi and Mumbai. Additionally, in 2007, my husband and I vacationed in Greece for two weeks staying in Athens and Greek Islands. Lastly, I have taken smaller vacations in several Caribbean countries and Mexico.

Through these vacations, I came to appreciate the unique cultures and values of the people that I met. Despite the contrasting lifestyles and material wealth I witnessed in each country compared to what is in the US, I also saw how similar my values and beliefs are to those I met. In each case, the people I met helped make me a more well rounded person. I only wish I could have stayed longer.

2. Do you have any foreign language skills, either reading or conversational? (*)
Currently, I would characterize my knowledge of Spanish as: Speaking = conversational, Listening = basic, Writing = conversational.

I studied Spanish in high school and was fortunate to have the opportunity to complement my studies with the knowledge that came from conversing with the Latin American employees of my father’s various farming operations in their native language.

After, moving away from home to attend college, I continued to study Spanish; however, I quickly realized that my knowledge and application of the language was deteriorating, as I was unable to use it in real-life situations everyday.

4. What activities have you pursued to familiarize yourself with the culture of the country? (*)

Prior to business school, I worked for a large packaging distributor based in Chicago, as a financial analyst. Though my role was not in global sourcing, I was very aware and intrigued by sourcing operations in emerging markets in both Eastern Europe and China, and how our company had to balance the financial risks in developing these supplier relationships.

For this reason, I was immediately excited about the opportunity to visit and learn in Czech Republic and Austria. My research in both countries has only increased my excitement at this opportunity.

First, my husband lived in the Czech Republic for three months in the city of Ostrava, to play soccer in high school. During this time he lived with a Czech family and had the opportunity to travel around the country. Though this was many years ago, it was an experience that he claims changed his life and though the country has changed greatly since then, the stories have left me very intrigued.

Due to this, he was able to connect me with several Czech friends who he has kept in touch with that now live in the US. Through several conversations with them, I was very fascinated by how their families grew up balancing the influence of a new westernized culture (democracy) with their Eastern European roots and history (communism). I was immediately impressed by their patriotism for their country and their pride for how their country has become a launching pad for many western companies seeking to grow their footprint in the many strong emerging economies in Eastern Europe and Russia. Of course, their strongest pride is without a doubt in their national soccer team and the invention of the pilsner beer!

In addition, I also performed my own secondary research on the country, primarily through travel magazines and tourist guides. This research has left me awed by the beauty of the Prague castle and its incredible history from the Bohemian Kings, to the Roman Empire to its continued usage for special political events. In addition, I am very excited to cross the Charles bridge and get a better sense of Czech culture by combing through the street vendors, musicians and artists (while of course avoiding the pick-pockets). Though I have seen pictures of both Prague and the Czech country side, I know that nothing could surpass seeing such a majestic city in person.

(5.) Please describe any independent living arrangements.
I have lived away from my family since I was 18 years old. I grew up in a very rural area of southern Missouri and chose to go to college at the University of Missouri, which is 5 hours away. I have lived away from my family since that time.

(6.) Please state the reasons for which you wish to study abroad, and why have you chosen this program. (*)
During my undergraduate studies I had always wanted to study abroad for a semester. I was never able to do so due to financial circumstances. Now that I am in a position to do so, I would love the opportunity to go to another country to see how different or similar businesses are run. I have been exposed to several business settings from my fathers Cotton Gin in rural Missouri to the multi million dollar packaging firm I most recently worked for here in Chicago. I am anxious to see the cultural differences that I can only assume take place in an Eastern European country. The Czech Republic is one of the most developed and industrialized countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Businesses looking to expand into Eastern Europe use the Czech as a hub. It's well developed infrastructure make it a

(7.) Please explain how this study abroad program and its coursework will impact your goals. (*)
Through the study abroad program, I hope to broaden my knowledge in international business. Since I have yet to take an international business course, this program will give me the initial exposure that I am seeking to gain a better understanding of how businesses in other countries function.

(8.) What difficulties, if any, did you encounter in making the decision to study abroad? (*)
The only difficulty I encountered regarding the study abroad program was which country I thought I would benefit the most out of traveling to. I looked at several countries and finally narrowed my interest down to 2 programs; China and the Czech Republic. After much thought and research, I decided on Czech Republic as I feel this would be a better experience for me in terms of companies we would most likely be visiting.