Spain Blog #2 – Chloe Landefeld

I would say the most important aspect to Global Business that I have learned about so far is keeping an open mind and being flexible. Like we discussed in class, traveling and constantly staying current on other countries and their cultures is the most valuable action to take in order to understand international business. I think there is only so much you can learn by what other people tell you, and the rest you have to go out and experience for yourself. One thing I have been learning this summer through traveling is flexibility. I went to Switzerland last weekend, and on the way back, our flight got canceled. In those situations when there is nothing you can do about it, it’s important to stay adaptable. A month before this, I also had a canceled flight going from Kenya to New York. That was a tough situation, but because I had experienced this messed up flight situation, I was not really fazed by the canceled flight this time around. This is why it is important to gain new experiences, so you are ready for it the next time it happens. And things will inevitably go wrong at times because that is just life. You also encounter a lot of new people when you travel and find connections wherever you go. While we were in Switzerland, we met a guy named Brian and he ended up going on a hike with us that day. Meeting people from all over the place while traveling reminds me what a small world we live in. To work in the business world, being able to adapt to change and to connect with any person you meet is key to success. For example, the business visits we go on in Barcelona showcase how we may not have much in common with the people we are meeting with, but we are able to connect through the shared interest in business. Something else that I have realized is just how quickly a new place can start to take the place as your home. I have now been to Switzerland and Portugal over the weekends and each time, no matter how cool the place is, I get homesick for Barcelona and get excited to go back. You really realize over time how you become somewhat accustomed to where you are and the culture there. I also think the people you are with play a role in that, too. The longer I am away from home, the more I realize that it really is not about where you are, it is about who you are with. It really is all about perspective. For example, I would never buy Nutella biscuits while I am home, but for some reason I cannot stop eating them here. I have really enjoyed living in this city with our group and the new perspectives it is giving me.