Do you want to make the absolute most out of your study abroad summer? No one can really blame you there. While you will find that your studies are sufficient in providing you cultural insight, you may also want to supplement them with excursions during your free time.
The beauty of Europe is that nothing is ever extremely far away – compared to the United States, at least. So when you have a window of time when you have nothing going on, why not take off to somewhere nearby for a day trip?
Let's say that you are strolling the streets of Milan, Italy. You have already seen the Duomo and eaten your fair share of gelato and then some. Although you could enjoy yourself just by sitting out on the steps of some piazza, you could also jump on a train and be in a nearby city in a matter of hours.
Is international business your passion? Then you should make stop by Turin, Italy, before making your way to other European destinations.
Today, Turin is one of the most booming industrial cities on the continent. Throw in the charming accents of the past and you have a real treat of a trip.
Roman roots make way for industrial progress
The municipal website of Turin explained that this city was constructed about two thousand years ago by the first Roman emperor, Augustus. It was first meant to be a station for Roman soldiers, acting as a strategic military base that enabled the Emperor to defend the northern border.
For centuries, despite various occupiers like the Franks and the Lombards, the city remained nearly intact. However, that all changed when the Piedmont state was formed under the Savoy dukedom in the 15th century.
Turin was almost lost to the French during the Franco-Austrian war, being occupied by these foreigners for over 20 years in the early to mid-1500s. That said, you may notice that this city is not francophone. That's because Duke Emanuele Filiberto managed to take back Turin, helping it to become the capital of the Savoy state and later a part of Italy when all of the states united during the Risorgimento.
Thankfully, Italy is able to call Turin its own. These days, the city serves as an economic powerhouse for the country. Taking a spin around Turin, you would be surprised to see that some of the most noteworthy brands are rooted there, making everything from cars to clothes.
What's Turin about these days?
World 66 stated the buzzword circulating Turin is "product diversification." Being in such a centralized location with easy access to other nations, this city is a hub of research and development.
Did you hear about the American car industry buyout that happened following the Great Recession? That was done by FIAT, whose center is located in Turin. If you are a fan of espresso, then you're probably drinking some Turin-produced beans, as Lavazza also calls this city its home.
There are many more businesses that you can tour, seeing them in action as you walk around Turin. By viewing the city that contributes 20 percent to Italy's total revenue, you can add even more value to your summer abroad in Europe.