Finding Community Abroad: Clubs, Class Projects, and More!
Semester Abroad: Universita Bocconi
Marilyn, one of the Fall 2025 Global Correspondents, shares her experience here abroad during the Fall 2025 semester. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.
As my semester studying abroad at Bocconi comes to a close, I’m reflecting on all the incredible friendships I’ve made this semester. I can truly say that it is thanks to the incredible extracurricular environment, collaborative classes, and meaningful events that the school offers that I was able to meet new people from all walks of life.
Since coming to Italy, I have had the opportunity to explore my interest in art more deeply. As a member of the Trophy Assets club, I was able to attend a speaker event dedicated to Club Deals in the Art World, featuring the Head of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s, as well as the Head of Italy at Matis Club Deal. Partaking in this group discussion opened my eyes to the intersection of art and finance, two fields I am incredibly interested in. Some nuggets I took away included how shared investment structures democratize access, how the secondary art market operates, and how tools like blockchain and digital archives are reshaping transparency in this exclusive industry. Furthermore, contributing to weekly reports spanning topics from the 2026 Milan–Cortina Olympics, hotel openings, retail trends, and fashion designers, have allowed me to sharpen my voice and research skills while exploring new topics with fellow club members.
Another highlight of my experience was at the Real Estate club’s event on M&A transactions in the real estate industry. Diving into the chance to hear experts break down the mechanics behind major deals brought classroom theory to life. Meeting other students interested in the real estate sector, helping plan events, and brainstorming research report ideas have been my favorite memories since joining the club.
My academic life also reflected this spirit of collaboration. In my Business Management in China class, I worked with a team of undergraduates and MBA students to analyze a Chinese digital company. Each teammate brought a different lens, whether it was creative storytelling, analysis, or research. Presenting and winning a class award for our project was incredibly rewarding as well. Similarly, in my Management of Fashion Companies course, my group developed an accessory strategy for the brand Stone Island. Brainstorming together made the challenge a lot of fun and the creative process taught me invaluable lessons about reaching compromises, research, and thinking outside of the box.
Looking back, these experiences and the community I found along the way defined my exchange semester. They taught me to say “yes” to events, new projects, and dive into my curiosities. Beyond providing me with a playground of diverse classes and clubs, Bocconi gave me a community and memories I’ll carry long after my semester comes to a close.