My initial impression of the Greece/Italy Global Leadership Program was that it was going to be an amazing opportunity to develop cross-cultural leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the historical impact that these host countries had on modern day society. I believe that this program will strengthen my ability to communicate across cultural boundaries, step outside of my cultural comfort zone, and prepare myself to become a member of the global business community. Currently I am in Athens, Greece and this is my first time ever abroad. My initial impression of Athens was that everyone was extremely welcoming. I was amazed at the hospitality and generosity of the local citizens which has put my nerves at ease. Whether it was trying to find a museum, or the closest route to the Acropolis, the locals were excited to share their culture with us. We have had the opportunity to be shown around the city by two amazing guides, Maria and Marianna, where we have visited many historical sites such as the Plaka Cathedral Square, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the Acropolis. These historical sites have played a crucial role in our modern development economically, politically, and philosophically. Some of the differences between Greece’s culture and American culture include their nationalism, lifestyles, and leadership. Since I have been in Athens, you can see Greek flags perched upon almost every home/shop which shows their strong sense of nationalism. I believe this is due to their rich history which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC with America only being founded in 1776. I also found that their lifestyles are very different. In America, we have large SUVs and trucks as forms of transportation, but here almost everyone drives mopeds, small vehicles, or walks. Also, many of the shops open up much later in the morning and stay open very late with rush hour happening much later in the morning than in America. Also in regards to their lifestyles, there are not any massive high rise buildings that you would find in big U.S. cities because no building can be higher than the Acropolis which ties back to their strong sense of nationalism. In the sense of leadership, Greece has both a President and a Prime minister. Unlike the U.S, the Prime Minister holds the highest authority. Currently, Greece has their first ever female President which the U.S. has yet to do. In conclusion, there are many similarities and differences between Greece and the U.S., but this makes it so wonderful to get to experience another country and that there are great people and experiences to be made and lots to learn.
