Meet Chris Zapata, a Class of 2026 student from Houston, TX, who is majoring in Canfield Business Honors and Finance, with a minor in International Business. This past summer, Chris embraced his passion for travel by studying abroad in Barcelona.
“I’ve always been curious about the world and eager to learn from different cultures,” Chris shares. “Every study abroad opportunity has taught me something new, and I’m excited to see even more places. If I can, I’d love to explore Asia or South America next.”
Chris’s journey has taken him not only to Barcelona but also to Copenhagen through the Canfield Business Honors program. In Copenhagen, he enrolled in MAN 336H, a course where Chis was able to focus on understanding how human behavior shapes organizational outcomes. “This class really opened my eyes to how personality and decision-making play out in various environments. We explored teamwork and leadership dynamics, emphasizing the importance of building strong teams,” he reflects.
Additionally, Chris participated in a course titled “Doing International Business the Scandinavian Way,” where he learned about developing effective strategies in international business. “I gained valuable insights into the collaborative nature of business in Scandinavia,” he explains. This class emphasized the understanding of how to develop and implement strategies for international businesses, focusing on the complexities of modern organizational dynamics and the fast-paced nature of real-world scenarios. Throughout this class, students were able to develop a deeper appreciation of the way business is conducted in the country. Chris noticed that there is a stronger emphasis on collaboration and holistic leadership.
In Barcelona, Chris took “Global Trade & Principles of Import/Export,” which provided a comprehensive look at the global economy. “This course deepened my understanding of how trade policies and cultural differences impact business. I learned about the nuances of cultural diversity and its influence on business interactions,” he says.
Reflecting on his study abroad experience, Chris describes it as both adventurous and enriching. “Being immersed in two distinct cultures was eye-opening. I traveled to other countries on weekends, which allowed me to experience various cultures and landscapes. From the efficient Danish lifestyle to the vibrant culture of Barcelona, I gained a broader perspective on the world.” One of the standout aspects of Chris’s experience was sharing it with classmates. “Navigating new cities and working on group projects brought us closer together, creating lasting friendships.”
Beyond academics, Chris learned invaluable life lessons, such as adapting to unfamiliar environments and stepping outside his comfort zone. “Exploring local history and culture is crucial to the study abroad experience. I visited castles in Denmark and Gaudí’s architectural wonders in Barcelona, which gave me a new global perspective,” he remarks.
When asked how studying abroad has impacted him, Chris states, “It has broadened my perspective and improved my adaptability—skills essential for the professional world. The real-life business cases I worked on in Copenhagen and the global trade dynamics I studied in Barcelona provided hands-on experience that has been invaluable in interviews.”
For students contemplating studying abroad, Chris offers this advice: “Do it! It’s one of the best decisions you can make during your college years. Be open to new experiences and step out of your comfort zone. Try to travel as much as you can, not just within your host country but to other nearby places as well. It’s a great way to see how different cultures live and work. Also, take the opportunity to bond with the people in your program—you’ll make some great friends and connections that will last beyond your time abroad.”
Learn more about the upcoming summer programs on McCombs BBA International Programs Website!