One of my very first impressions of Dubrovnik, Croatia is that it is an absolutely stunning town. The natural beauty of nature and the sea are breathtaking. I simply cannot stop noting how beautiful this location is. Even just on the drive from the airport I was in awe. It is a quiet and simple city filled with charm and history and I am giddy at the fact that I have the opportunity to live here for the next four weeks. The people are friendly and kind, and seem to be excited to have us here for the next month. However, this culture seems to be very different from my own. Time moves slower as people seem to be in no haste, lacking a sense of urgency. The customer service is different as it is much slower and needs are not catered for like they are in the United States. Water and bread are not free and checks are not split. This has been disappointing but a very minor factor. Regarding the Europe Innovation program, I feel it will be very growing and educational. I am eager to have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in MKTG 321 to a real world situation by helping the University of Dubrovnik boost their marketing initiatives in attracting new students. This is a large undertaking, but our varying perspective and business acumen well equip our class to excel at the job. I enjoy both of our professors and our API directors and feel they will greatly enrich my education and experience abroad. I hope to gain a greater world view and bolster my international business knowledge while on this trip. I desire to get out of my comfort zone, try new things, and build my cultural awareness. Ultimately, I want to leave this trip with a deeper appreciation and understanding for this world and the people in it.
