Hello everyone! My name is Arun Chinnakaruppan, and I am from Allentown, Pennsylvania. I am currently a freshman in the College of Business Administration and Frederick Honors College, studying Supply Chain Management and Marketing with a certificate in Leadership and Ethics. As a freshman, I have tried my best to get involved with all the unique clubs Pitt has to offer. I am currently the Vice President of Community Service in Delta Sigma Pi (professional business fraternity), an active member in Pitt Club tennis, and Coporate Connections. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, I have a strong passion for traveling and exploring new cultures, which is why I am extremely grateful to be able to study abroad in Cyprus. I view this experience as a chance to gain a global perspective on business practices, whether it’s logistics, marketing strategies, or cross-cultural communication. I’m particularly excited to learn how businesses operate in an international setting, especially in a region like Cyprus that revolves around major global trade routes. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the local culture and gain insights that will shape my perspective as an aspiring business leader.  

I am thrilled to participate in the Plus3 Cyprus program because it offers a unique opportunity to explore global business practices and cultural diversity. Cyprus is considered a hub for industries such as shipping and energy, mainly because it is located between Europe, Asia, and Africa. I chose this particular location because it focuses on one of my intended majors, Supply Chain Management. Throughout this program, we will go through company tours, academic lectures, and executive Q&A sessions, which will provide me first-hand experiences into how businesses adapt in a global market. Additionally, working closely with a team of Pitt students in an unfamiliar setting will strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills. Although I know I’ll be sad to leave, I hope to walk away with a stronger understanding of international operations, a new level of cultural awareness, and a broader global mindset.