Rousemary Estrada
UF in Rome: Business, Language & Culture
During the summer of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy, through St. John’s University’s Peter J. Tobin College of Business. This immersive experience, supported by the Learning without Borders and SAPA scholarships, allowed me to engage in an international academic setting while pursuing my Bachelor's in Business Administration. Living and studying in the heart of Rome, I gained firsthand exposure to Italian culture, history, and business practices, enriching my global perspective and deepening my appreciation for cross-cultural communication and international collaboration. I interacted with my Italian professors and some students from the university. This experience further solidified my passion for exploring diverse cultures and incorporating global insights into my academic and professional pursuits.
From Florence to Milan, I had the incredible opportunity to explore over seven cities in Italy, immersing myself in the local culture through group excursions, guided tours, and food-tasting adventures. Of all the places I visited, Naples (Napoli) stood out as my favorite. One of the most memorable experiences was exploring the underground tunnels that once served as bomb shelters during wartime. The abandoned passageways, along with the wartime artifacts, painted a vivid picture of the past. The tour culminated with a fascinating visit to the ancient Teatro di Nerone, an underground theater that left me in awe. It was truly a trip to remember.
In addition, I had the opportunity to learn more about Italy through my international business course abroad. I discovered that Italy's three largest exports are: food, fashion, and furniture. Fashion is the second-largest sector contributing to Italy's trade balance, with an impressive export propensity—75% of turnover comes from exports.
Italy ranks as the second-largest exporter in the Textiles, Fashion, and Accessories (TMA) sector, trailing only behind China, with an export value of 66.6 billion euros. Remarkably, over a quarter of TMA employees in Europe are Italian, representing 26.3% of the workforce.
In the furniture sector, Italy holds a strong position, ranking second in both the number of companies—over 15,000, the highest among major economies—and turnover, with an estimated 24 billion euros. Italian furniture products are globally recognized for their exceptional ability to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, making them highly sought after across the world.
Source: Eurostat (2022).
Source: Confindustria Moda on Eurostat, Istat, and ITC-Trade Map data (2022).
