Hey future IBS participants! My name is Anna Liljas, and I am a student at California Lutheran University. I participated in the 2016 Summer Europe seminar, and it was one of the best trips of my life! I am double majoring in business administration with an emphasis in management and music. Washington State is my home, but I love to travel. CLU’s program traveled to Germany my freshman year, then right after the IBS tour, I traveled to Australia for the first semester of my junior year. Traveling provides the opportunity to grow in confidence and maturity. Plus, you get to see the world! If you are every given the opportunity to travel internationally: do it. International Business Seminars has so many different options when it comes to traveling, and all the trips are life-changing. I am so thankful to have traveled Europe with IBS, because we made new business connections and lasting friendships.
Hear more directly from Anna:
Why did you choose your IBS seminar vs any other option?
I chose the Summer Europe seminar because the trip lasted 23 days and traveled through 6 different countries. In each country, we met with one to two businesses and had plenty of free time to explore. No other program offered this kind of itinerary nor did any program count for university credit. IBS kept us feeling safe for the entire trip as well. The leaders and students are some of the best in the country and make the entire trip fantastic. When I signed up, studying abroad for an entire semester was out of the question for my double major, so IBS gave me the opportunity to travel the world while staying on track to graduate.
If you could go back to one place on your seminar, where would that be and why?
One day I will return to Innsbruck, Austria. The second stop on the tour was Austria, and it completely took my breath away. The weather was hot and sunny and the views from the top of the Alps were incredible. The city has athletic offerings year round, which attract tourists of all ages. We met with the Innsbruck Tourism Board, which explained target markets and expanding attractions for the city. Two free days in Austria allowed us to hike the Alps, go white water rafting, canyoning, and some students even went snowboarding. I experienced some of the most amazing views, people, and food while in Innsbruck.
Any packing tips for future students? What did you pack and wish you wouldn’t have?
When it comes to packing, do not over pack! Being in Europe, stores will have everything you need, right at your fingertips. Packing super light and bringing a little liquid laundry detergent does wonders! Packing light means more room for souvenirs, too! Make sure you bring the right adapters for every country you are in. Also, if you need a power converter, bring one as well. A good pair of walking shoes will save your feet by the end of the trip as well. Bring clothes for rain, wind, cold, and hot weather. I felt like I left all the unnecessary things behind, so I had plenty of room for all the mementos I brought home.
If you have any questions email me at: aliljas@callutheran.edu