My experience abroad has truly given me a shift in mindset not only from a business level but a personal level as well. First and foremost, I am so grateful for the opportunity to go abroad and to expand my horizons! I think I really went into it with an open mind and it gave me the space to learn and be a sponge which was such a privilege. I learned through all of our business visits that there are so many facets of business that are under our noses and we don’t even know it. From visiting the Metaverse, to visiting an avocado and lemon farm, to going to a tuna factory, and seeing a sandal making store- I understood that there is so much opportunity to be successful and room to do something you are passionate about. Each of these businesses had unique success stories and it was so cool to hear about how each owner found their niche realm of business and took off with it. Their stories of financial persistence as well as the creativity in which they had to use as a business owner to cultivate their success was inspiring and extremely unique to each business owner we listened to speak. My personal favorite had to be the Avocado and Lemon Farm owner, he really did not know where he was going to land when it came to making a living, and eventually he got into farming avocados and lemons. He was able to grow his business and his product lines through making things like avocado oil for example and making sure he evolves as an owner alongside his products. He never thought this is where he would have success in life, but he worked hard and found himself thriving in this sector.
Through my time abroad as I mentioned, I found myself expanding my mindset from a business standpoint, but also a personal growth standpoint. I think that it is one thing to know that there is so much world out there for us to see, however it is another thing to immerse yourself in those other worlds and really grasp the concept of how much there is to be learned and experienced. I think that my initial impressions of Malta and Italy were very correct. I initially thought they valued their religious foundation, work life balance, and the importance of taking your time- and I believe that this was reflected in my entire experience in Malta and Italy. These two specific cultures have strong values and belief systems that guide their culture and I think that there is something to be said about that. As an individual it inspires me to make that my priority as well in my own life! Overall, I loved my time abroad and thank you CIBS for making it happen!
