For Rose Baker, a business student in the dual bachelor’s degree program between the University of North Florida (UNF) and the University of València (UV), studying abroad wasn’t just a semester-long detour; she planned to fully immerse herself in Spanish culture. As part of the Transatlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA) consortium, Rose spent two years in Spain after completing her studies in Jacksonville, Florida. Now as she prepares for her final semester and a four-month Spanish-immersive internship, she reflects on how this journey has shaped not just her academic path but also her outlook on life and the world. “This experience pushed me in the best ways possible—both personally and professionally,” she shares. “Because if I can move across the world, learn a new language, and build a life for myself in an unfamiliar place—is there truly anything I can’t do?”
One of her most transformative courses was Cross-Cultural Management, where role-playing and real-world cultural analysis taught her to navigate the subtleties of international business etiquette. Concepts like Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and the values of collectivism versus individualism helped completely reframe her perspective on global collaboration.
But it was in Financial Statement Analysis, taught by the inspiring Professor Andreea Hancu Budui, that Rose discovered her true passion. “She inspired me both in and outside the classroom,” Rose said. “Now, I’m preparing to work with her on my thesis, where I’ll analyze financial statements and decode what they really reveal to investors.”
While her academic development has been impressive, Rose emphasizes the personal growth that came with building a life from scratch in a foreign country.
“I’ve had highs—seeing the world, exploring new foods and cultures—and lows, like facing a language barrier and missing home. But through it all, I kept reminding myself of what my mom always told me: ‘I can do hard things.”
Raised by a single mother who built an entrepreneurial career while raising Rose and her brothers, she credits her momma as the foundation of her persistence and drive. That inner strength helped Rose develop one of the most valuable skills of all: self-trust. “Every day I felt the weight of missing home, I reminded myself: I trust you to get back up and start again. That’s a mindset I’ll carry with me forever.”
She also honed new professional skills, especially communication and cross-cultural networking. By building relationships with people from around the world, Rose has become fluent not only in Spanish, but also in the language of global business, valuable skills to hone in her field. The opportunity to live abroad came with unforgettable experiences. Among her favorites? Las Fallas, the spectacular World Heritage event in València. “They build enormous cardboard sculptures called Ninots, which represent political and cultural moments from the year. And then—they burn them to the ground in a city-wide celebration of renewal. Watching these works of art go up in flames was beautiful and surreal. It’s a reminder that there’s beauty in impermanence.”
She also fondly recalls volunteering at Europe’s largest Buddhist temple in Málaga, describing it as a “spiritual and ethereal” experience. Thanks to Spain’s public transportation system and the scholarship’s support, she was able to travel widely and explore all corners of the country, from the Plaza de España in Sevilla to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences in València.
Looking ahead, Rose is now preparing for the final phase of her dual-degree journey: a Spanish-immersive internship that will sharpen her language skills and professional focus in real time. She’s excited to bring everything she’s learned into her future career in finance, and beyond.
“This scholarship turned a dream into a reality. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to grow into the person I am today.”
To learn more about the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship and ways to support our education programming, please click here.
