Student Comments
Read what former students have to stay. The program is very popular and fills quickly in the fall.
Steve Thomsen - 2003 - Currently traveling
"Bring as much as much money as you can, and then some more. The trip fueled my lust for travel so much that I've put off going into the real world for now so that I can travel all of Australia and New Zealand in the meantime. I'm convinced that there are very few Universities in the Nation who offer a study abroad program as unique and complete as this one. By the way, that's me with the flag on my back...and that is a two-hour hike up your backyard in Riva. If you're going to Amsterdam, stay there for your entire 4 day weekend...you won't regret it. Don't let GRod catch you wearing your hat either."
Jason Milliski - 2002 - Currently in the Peace Corp in Africa
"The Riva program is a great way to experience what it is like to live and work abroad. It gave me a better understanding of America and the rest of the world. I dont think I would be where I am today if i had not had this experience."
Trent Byerly- 1998 -Partner of Byerly Reisenweaver
"You're crazy not to go! Thinking back, I can't remember why I read the RIVA study abroad flyer in Pamplin hall but I can honestly say it was a defining moment in my life. RIVA is like The Apprentice , The Amazing Race , Survivor and Jim Cramer's Mad Money rolled into one. The RIVA experience prepares you for real life; you learn how to handle a demanding study schedule, a demanding party schedule, a demanding travel schedule, demanding colleagues, and demanding professors. Most of all, you will gain invaluable perspective and great friendships that will last forever!"
Erik Huff - 2003 - Currently Financial Auditor, Government Accountability Office
"Studying abroad in Switzerland taught me how to effectively manage my time, which allowed for a smooth transition into the business and working world. Living with 30 strangers also helped me to understand and learn the necessary skills to get along with all types of people in the workplace. The study abroad trip is an amazing experience that allows you to grow not only personally but also professionally. You'll develop long lasting friendships not only with your fellow students, but also with your professors."
Peter Bailey - 2002 - Currently with Smith Barney
"For the proactive business student who is looking for a challenging learning environment coupled with unparalleled travels through the beautiful countries of Europe. Riva was by far the best semester at VT!"
Mary Rose Tuba - 2003 -Currently with Kearney & Company
"The trip was one of the best experiences on my resume; it really caught the attention of my employer. My current job requires me to travel 80% of the time and that means being able to adapt. My company found my travel experience a definite plus. Being a young professional, I find myself having so much in common with or being able to relate to a wide range of people in this multi-cultural society. I have bonds with people from parts of the world that I never imagined I would see. I am a more rounded person. I love to travel because of the trip and have traveled back to Europe, Central America, and Africa since. I have friendships from the trip that will last a lifetime and memories that will never die. It was the best time of my life. (Advice: Keep up with your journal there; it makes for great reading as the years go on)."
Erin Vacca - 2003 - Currently in Virginia Tech's Graduate Program in Accounting
"Unforgettable experiences with some of the best food, wine, and beer you will ever have. If you have not acquired a taste for wine, yet, you will once you lived for 4 months in the Italian part of Switzerland . Your will learn to live the common expression: You work hard, you play hard! Completing 21 credits (and for some 24 credits) in one semester, while traveling to 7 or more countries, is definitely a challenge, but the amazing opportunities that come along with this challenge are a 100 times worthwhile!"
Holly La Mura - 2003
"Classes were intense but all of the professors were ready, willing, and able to lend a helping hand if you needed it. And this didn't stop once we got back home either. I made frequent stops to visit them on campus and even signed up for advanced finance with G-Rod senior year. Having a professor that truly knows you makes your grad school/job search so much easier because they are there to listen to your concerns about venturing out into the real world and offer great advice. I came home from Europe with 30 best friends, 21 course credits, and a lifetime of memories in 8 different countries that are unforgettable. I loved studying abroad so much that I went to South Africa the next summer for more credits. I guarantee you'll love Riva too!"
Ashby Daniels - 2003 - Currently with Lanigan, Ryan, Malcolm and Doyle, P.C.
"Definitely the most memorable experience of my life that I would relive in a second! You get to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world that no one our age(or maybe never) really gets to see through their own eyes. Classes are very involved and tough, but you will forget how hard it was each time you travel. You'll come back with pictures everyone will be jealous of and 31 new friends you'll never forget! The opportunity of a lifetime to live in another country for four months and travel all over Europe! Simply unbelievable!"
Bobby Rust - 1998 - Currently a student at London School of Economics
"The CESA opportunity is an incredible experience. During my time in Riva, I worked harder than I had during any previous semester. That being said, it was also the most fun I had in college. We would typically finish an exam and then jump on a train to Paris, Rome or Prague. Just living in Riva San Vitale is an experience in of itself. Being integrated into an Italian speaking village in the south of Switzerland is a rarity for any student. However, an international experience is even more important for business students as our economy becomes more globalized. In short, all VT Business majors should consider the CESA program."
