BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Eleven Campbell Business students recently traveled and studied in Portugal and Spain as part of their course requirements for a Study Abroad class. The class, consisting of both undergraduate and MBA students, met with local businesses to study the impact of the circular economy in the industries of both countries. The trip was led by Campbell Business faculty members Dr. Katherine Lawrence and Dr. LeJon Poole.
“It was an incredible experience to not only see new and exciting cultures but to personally step outside your comfort zone in several different ways in order to become a more well-rounded and experienced person,” said Campbell Business student Madison Linxwiler. “The trips not only enlarge your understanding of the world but they most definitely expand your personal professional and personal growth.”
During the trip abroad Campbell Business students experienced daily life in Oporto and Lisbon Portugal, as well as Seville and Madrid, Spain. Students had plenty of exposure to important historical sites including royal palaces in Guimaraes, Portugal and Madrid, Spain. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was the sustainable pig farm that produces one of the top Spain hams, or jamones de bellota (cured ham from pigs that eat mostly acorns versus cereals). The proprietors of Eíriz explained to the students how the careful relationship between the pigs and the countryside served to produce an exceptionally unique and tasty ham unlike any other in the world without causing harm to the land. In addition to the pig farm, students also enjoyed a visit the Ferreira Porto company, originating 1751, where they learned about the relationship between the agriculture and geography of Oporto and the Port wine production.
“One main purpose of study abroad is to allow students to experience new cultures and doing business so that they may find within themselves new ways of approaching every aspect of their lives; from navigating public transportation to reconsidering previously held stereotypes,” said Dr. Lawrence. “Even though the study abroad trip is short at only 10 days, it plants a seed in young minds that will flourish and hopefully open students’ minds to lifelong learning and experiencing.”
“Absorbing the culture of each country allowed me to appreciate the traditions and sacred rites that goes on around the area or trying to understand on a more personal level,” said Campbell Business student Anthony Lamb. “Learning about the sustainable/eco-friendly business showed me that sustainability or being socially responsible is an important aspect to a business if it wants to impact the demographic positivity.”
Campbell University currently offers six total faculty-led study abroad programs, including other options to learn in Italy and Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Span, and Guatemala. You can learn more about each program by clicking this link.
“I think the best way to grow personally and professionally is to make yourself uncomfortable, which study abroad can do at times,” said Campbell Business student Lesley Rogers. “You can experience different ways of life and do things you never thought you would be able to do. Coming back the experience give you confidence as a young professional and makes you a more well-rounded individual.”
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The Campbell University Lundy-Fetterman School of Business strives to be recognized as a premier business school known for its free enterprise based curriculum, distinctive academic programs, practical work experiences, and values-based entrepreneurial emphasis. For more information, visit http://www.campbell.edu/business.
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