My time in Europe, which included nights in the UK, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and France, was nothing short of transformative in terms of understanding business practices and cultural dynamics. After spending time in multiple different countries, I have come to appreciate the differences between how each culture conducts business and the unique challenges that come with that. While initial stereotypes may offer a glimpse into a culture, they overlook the many differences that can be found. For example, in Paris, it is very common to meet someone at a coffee shop or cafe about a business matter. Being adaptable and willing to leave the office for such things is part of conducting business in their culture. In Germany, it was evident that there was a priority placed on punctuality. Meetings typically adhered to a specific schedule and almost always began and ended on time. There are many differences when conducting business in different cultures, but there are also some aspects that remain the same. Two things that I believe are key for conducting business in any culture are being able to effectively communicate and show respect. There may be different ways to accomplish these goals in different cultures, but being able to do so will always help in building strong relationships. Another lesson I learned throughout the trip is how valuable curiosity can be. When people know that you are interested in what they have to say, they are more likely to be open with you and build a connection. While I learned many things that will help me professionally, I also grew as a person. With visits to sites such as Auschwitz and Normandy, I gained a more meaningful perspective on how fortunate I am to live in a country that values freedom and sacrifice. Reading words or numbers in a book can only do so much, but seeing something firsthand will completely change your perspective.
