Entry #1: Initial Impressions of the business school, city, and country. What differences do you see between host and U.S. culture? (Due within first 15 days of being in your host country) – Jessie Bowie

I was on the Europe Marketing Trip. Therefore, I had the opportunity to see seven different countries! While there were some overarching similarities between the countries, there were also notable differences between them. Below, I will highlight some of the key differences between the United States and the countries we visited. In the United Kingdom, I noticed that there is much less small talk. The locals are straight to the point and find other small talk unusual. In addition, the service is very different when dining at a restaurant. Waiters take a long time to come to the table, and when they do, they expect you to be ready to place your entire order.
In France, I noticed that there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Most companies only require employees to go into the office for 3 days. Additionally, many places are closed on the weekends. In Monaco, there does not seem to be one Monaco culture, rather it is a melting pot of many different cultures. In Italy, there is an engrained cultural importance placed on Italian cuisine. The Italians are very proud of their wines and food.
In Austria, the locals prioritize spending time outdoors. Skiing, biking, paragliding, and more are all things that locals are involved in. Fitness is something that is very highly valued. In Germany, the locals are very loud and lively. Celebration seems to be a large part of their cultural identity. Lastly, in Switzerland, everything is very expensive. A McDonald’s meal was 17 Swiss Francs. Each of these countries had components that made them unique.