Feb. 29, 2024
The study abroad journey of Kati Rod was a transformative experience. While studying at the Rome Center, she gained fresh insights into history’s impact on intercultural and international relationships.
The essence of graduate and international education lies in exploration—be it the exploration of knowledge, research endeavors that enhance lives, or the discovery of diverse countries, cultures, and individuals. The Graduate School and International Education proudly acknowledges the contributions of students, faculty, and staff in fostering these discoveries at the University of Arkansas.
Reflecting on her time in Rome, Kati Rod shared, “Studying abroad broadened my understanding of history and its profound influence on current intercultural and international dynamics. It enriched my academic journey by offering new perspectives on history, business, passion, and innovation.”
Hailing from Kennedale, Texas, Rod, a double major in international business management and agricultural business, harbored a deep curiosity to explore the world beyond American borders. The University of Arkansas stood out to her due to its extensive study abroad programs and the flexibility it offered in pursuing multiple degrees across various colleges.
Expressing her enthusiasm for diverse cultures and novel viewpoints, Rod emphasized, “The allure of learning about different cultures and exploring the wonders of the world captivates me. Studying abroad has always been a dream, and I chose the University of Arkansas for its exceptional study abroad opportunities and the unique cultural ethos surrounding international education.”
During her tenure at the Rome Center, Rod engaged in a spectrum of courses, including Global Changemakers, Principles of Finance, and Introduction to Marketing. As an international business student, she fulfilled the global studies component of her degree by enrolling in two specialized courses at the Rome Center. The off-campus campus setting of the Rome Center resonated with Rod, offering a distinctive academic environment.
Beyond the confines of traditional classroom learning, Rod partook in immersive educational escapades during her stay in Rome. A poignant experience was her visit to the Caserta region as part of the Global Changemakers course, where she explored repurposed Camorra lands now utilized for social initiatives. Additionally, she encountered businesses with altruistic missions such as bakeries, hostels, olive oil factories, and buffalo farms.
Inspired by these encounters, Rod sought to delve deeper into the local landscape by proposing an extended study project to her professor. This initiative led her to a cooperative enterprise collaborating with various social businesses, emphasizing community engagement, historical preservation, and societal inclusivity.
Her interactions with marginalized individuals within the cooperative left a lasting impact on Rod. She marveled at the sense of belonging and purpose instilled within the community-driven business model. This experience underscored the significance of mission-oriented enterprises and the pivotal role of relationships in achieving collective goals.
Furthermore, through engagements with local entrepreneurs facilitated by her finance professor, Rod broadened her horizons on entrepreneurial endeavors and the transformative power of passion in business ventures. Witnessing businesses prioritizing social impact over profits instilled in her a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to effect positive change through her future entrepreneurial pursuits.
Rod envisions a career centered on international business collaborations, emphasizing people-centric approaches to foster inclusive opportunities and drive societal change. Her aspirations encompass negotiating international contracts, supporting ranchers in global breeding programs, and spearheading marketing strategies for international ventures.
Despite her academic rigor, Rod and her peers seized the chance to explore Europe extensively, venturing to England, Ireland, France, and Spain. Fond memories of hiking in Howth, Ireland, exploring London, and admiring Italy’s architectural marvels remain etched in her mind.
Summing up her study abroad odyssey, Rod emphasized the profound lessons in community, history, business, and global relations she gleaned from her experiences. The challenges she encountered bolstered her resilience and instilled a newfound confidence in navigating uncertainties, a journey she cherishes alongside the academic learnings.
About The Rome Center Established in 1992, the Rome Center stands as a distinguished hub for immersive study abroad encounters for University of Arkansas students. Initially tailored for architecture students, the center expanded its offerings to encompass students from diverse academic backgrounds in 2016. With opportunities available during fall, spring, and summer semesters, the Rome Center hosts a wide array of courses spanning the university’s academic spectrum. For more details on the Rome Center, visit [link].