CIS in Europe
News
SUMMARY: Six CIS students traveled to Spain for one month in the CoB’s CIS in Europe program.
To kick off the summer, a group of six computer information systems students traveled to Spain with professor Carey Cole. Each student was a CIS minor or major and took on six credit hours with two courses: Database Design and International Consulting.
For one month, students stayed in apartments in Valencia and took classes at Euroace. Euroace provided classroom space, Spanish classes and immersive activities into Valencian culture. Spanish classes were great practice for the regular interactions students faced, from asking for the check at a restaurant to asking for directions in the city.
Outside of the classroom, Euroace led day trips to Peñíscola, a beautiful coastal city where students explored a historic castle, and Albufera, a national park where they took a boat tour of Spain’s largest lake.
Students also had the opportunity to meet with various alumni and managers at Deloitte along with the KPMG Madrid office. At Deloitte, students worked in teams of three to prepare a presentation for a simulated scenario of what their responsibility as consultants looks like. The KPMG Madrid office provided insight for working and transitioning to life abroad. Both experiences were valuable to students’ professional development and provided connections to JMU alum and recruiters working in industry.
On weekends, students traveled to Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Porto and the group stuck together for a weekend in Barcelona. In Madrid, students enjoyed a sold-out Real Madrid game. Palma de Mallorca, Porto and Barcelona offered unique cuisine, historic relics and beaches that offered their own story with every trip. These weekends offered great bonding, relaxation and exposure to new cultures outside of Valencia.
Every student agrees that the CIS in Europe trip in Valencia, Spain was a very rewarding experience. We established new relationships and developed great professional insight and connections that influence our desires for the future.
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