As I reflect on my previous study abroad experience it was truly the trip and opportunity of a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to learn so many things but as I look upon all I learned in the business world it is amazing. While in Europe I learned that business is very similar compared to the United States but it also varies in ways. When going on company visits to places that felt so much bigger to us from an American’s point of view, in Europe it seemed just like any other everyday job. While visiting one of the places, Design Bridge and Partners in London, UK, we learned that they work with very large companies and do very big campaigns but collectively the company seems very collected and humble in all their accomplishments. Hearing about their company culture and how team-oriented they are felt so welcoming and awesome to hear. I feel like in America we have a perception that big important jobs are very serious but seeing how they work and learning more about it was just awesome. While abroad there are so many things my eyes were opened to. I had the perception of a similar world that we live in America minus the language barrier and the beautiful views, but while we were there it was so much more than that. Europe was more than I could ever ask for and everyone seemed very calm, collected, and independent. It was very seldom that we met loud, open people who wanted to get to know us unless they were originally from America. I cannot say if my initial impressions were accurate or not because I did not have many because I have never been to the other side of the world. I did think we would come across many non-welcoming people who have a bad perception of America, like loud people. While being abroad I also experienced warm hospitality and a genuine interest in cultural exchange that I had not anticipated. This trip was truly an amazing experience and I cannot wait to share my story and and the amazing opportunity with others!
