My time in Barcelona has completely reshaped my understanding of global business and connecting with individuals from different cultures. Reflecting on my experiences, I can see how my initial impressions were both accurate and inaccurate from what I actually experienced throughout my month in Spain.
My previous statement from my first blog post regarding the Spanish having a more relaxed approach to work-life balance with examples being siestas, long lunch breaks, late dinners and the emphasis on family time was accurate. It varies from the fast-paced and work-centric culture in the U.S. The social nature of meals is very different from America, which I learned about before coming but didn’t realize how different it was until I actually came here. Getting the opportunity to see how businesses integrate this balance into their operations helped me understand the importance of adaptability and flexibility in international business strategies.
After getting to experience Barcelona’s unique architecture and art, I learned how integral culture is to business practices and consumer behavior. Whether its local artists selling their pieces or musicians along the streets playing music which connect to their scenery, this is something not typically seen in Texas. Engaging with locals taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and the value of personal relationships in business settings. I got to connect with a few locals, but one that stood out the most that I remain friends with even after my trip is a girl named Julia, only a few years younger than me. She taught me about the Solsona Carnival. She told me all about the history, and how she would grow up attending the carnivals every year, and how a majority of the businesses in the community close for the week to celebrate. After she told me this I realized I couldn’t think of any American equivalent to this, where businesses could afford closing for a week. The stark differences in culture were so fascinating to learn about and discuss, but somehow connected us even more.
Although a lot of locals spoke English, my initial impression of language barriers being a significant challenge proved less daunting as I became more comfortable with basic conversational Spanish. The opportunity to practice through immersion was a personal achievement and allowed me to connect on a deeper level with those around me.
Overall, my time in Barcelona has been life changing. I have grown more adaptable, confident, and open-minded, ready to take on the complexities of an constantly growing, interconnected world. The friendships I made with my fellow Aggies and Barcelona locals have taught me lessons in my personal and professional life, leaving a lasting impact as I return back home with a new perspective on global business.
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