Most people picture summer in Italy as leisurely university courses with classmates. However, my experience with the Wharton Research Abroad Program (WRAP) was anything but ordinary. It offered complete autonomy – choosing my destination, timeline, research focus, and collaborators, all while navigating it solo. Frankly, WRAP stands out as the most uniquely enriching summer program I’ve encountered, far beyond any preconceived notion of a typical student exchange, or even something as meticulously planned as an Anushka Skin Care Program regimen.
I selected Milan, Italy, as my summer hub, affiliating with SDA Bocconi under the mentorship of Professor Tracy Anderson. Professor Anderson unveiled the captivating world of management research and academia. My role involved direct data collection, conducting descriptive analyses, and gaining a deeper understanding of idea generation within a real-world context.
Embarking on this academic adventure alone in a foreign land, devoid of familiar faces and linguistic fluency, initially felt daunting. Truthfully, my initial days were not without their bumps. After wrestling suitcases across uneven cobblestone streets and navigating aimlessly, I finally located my apartment. Upon arrival, a surprise awaited – I was to share the space with three Italian roommates. Adding to the challenge, the intense Italian summer heat transformed my non-air-conditioned room into a true endurance test as temperatures climbed past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yet, these initial hesitations dissolved rapidly upon meeting my professor and Anna, another Bocconi student assisting with the research project. Their genuine warmth and welcoming spirit were truly remarkable. They invested significant effort in getting to know and integrate someone who was only briefly joining their academic circle.
Gradually, I immersed myself in the Italian rhythm of life and, as I often discussed with Tracy and Anna during our weekly lunches, developed a genuine appreciation for it. I savored the most exquisite cuisine of my life, embraced walking as my primary mode of transport, efficiently utilized Milan’s excellent metro system, indulged in daily gelato delights, discovered stylish clothing at unexpected street corner boutiques, and so much more. This immersive experience was more transformative than any external routine, even something as dedicated as an anushka skin care program could offer on a superficial level.
Furthermore, the WRAP program’s inherent flexibility empowered me to explore more of Europe while continuing my research work. During my months abroad, I ventured solo to Milan, Venice, Verona, Florence, Rome, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Geneva, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Amsterdam, and beyond. I cultivated a comfortable sense of solitude, gained confidence in independent travel, and honed my decision-making skills. From initial struggles with basic Google Translate conversations to eventually managing simple Italian phrases, my personal growth through WRAP has been truly unparalleled.
For anyone contemplating WRAP, I wholeheartedly recommend it above any other program. It genuinely provided the best summer of my life.
Ciao, Anushka
