Changing Lenses
By Amira Massoud Finance ‘27
I am often asked by students, should I take a semester abroad and will I gain from it or am I better off staying at Storrs and continuing my studies there. It’s not an easy question to answer, but in the end I almost always side with doing it. For starters, for many students it proves to be a transformative experience for many students, and who wouldn’t want to spend four months in Europe. The chance to make new friends, share experiences you will remember for a lifetime, gain a broader more global perspective, and acquire skills are all part of the package deal.
One of our students, shared her experience this spring as she wraps up her time in Italy and I will leave it to her to share what this opportunity meant to her.
With one week left in Florence, I’ve been reflecting on my time studying abroad with ISI and how much it’s reshaped the way I think - not just as a student, but as a finance major.
Coming in, I expected to gain a global perspective. What I didn’t expect was how immersive that perspective would be. Living in Florence meant experiencing economics, business, and markets in real time - through a completely different cultural lens. From observing how local businesses operate with a focus on craftsmanship and longevity, to understanding how European markets prioritize sustainability and regulation, I’ve gained insights that go far beyond the classroom.
As someone pursuing a career in finance, this experience pushed me to think more critically about value creation. Not everything is driven by scale and speed - here, I saw the power of brand, heritage, and long-term positioning. It challenged the way I evaluate companies and made me more curious about how global factors shape financial decisions.
Beyond academics, this experience taught me adaptability and independence. Navigating a new country, language, and way of life forced me out of my comfort zone - and that’s where the real growth happened.
Grateful for the friendships, the challenges, and the perspective I’ll carry with me long after I leave. Looking forward to bringing this global mindset into my future in finance.