Howdy! As I’m sitting at the JFK airport in New York for a layover, I am reflecting on this remarkable past week abroad. After spending an incredible week in Lisbon and Porto as part of the faculty-led supply chain business program to Portugal over winter break 2025, I’ve gained invaluable insights into conducting business and engaging with individuals in Portugal. My initial impressions of the country’s rich history, warm people, and unique culture were spot on, but my deeper immersion provided a more nuanced understanding of Portuguese values and practices, both in business and daily life.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the strong emphasis placed on building relationships in the professional sphere. Unlike the U.S., where business interactions often focus on efficiency and achieving results quickly, the Portuguese approach prioritizes trust and rapport. Seeing this difference made the Portuguese people seem constantly more at ease than Americans. Meetings with local companies revealed how crucial personal connections are for fostering long-term partnerships. Business is conducted with patience and a collaborative spirit, with an emphasis on mutual respect and understanding.
This cultural nuance extended to day-to-day interactions as well. The slower pace of life, focus on enjoying meals with others, and genuine interest in getting to know people. I tend to rush into things in fear of missing out on something. So, this experience has taught me the value of slowing down to build meaningful connections; something I hope to incorporate into my personal and professional life back in The States. Another observation I made was the different meal times. Usually in The States dinner is between 6-8 pm with an average dinner outing of 45 to 75 minutes. While abroad, dinner is between 8-10 pm with a roughly 2 hour dinner outing. I found that the European style of making dinner and experience made me remember the meal more and have more meaningful conversations. Quite frankly, I had two of the best dinner experiences I have ever had on this trip due to the great company, food, impeccable service, and the ability to relax rather than feeling impatient for the meal. Even though you still have the wait for your meals to be ordered, cooked, and served, the environment was a completely different feeling. More warm, welcoming, and relaxed.
Reflecting on my initial impressions of the country, I can see how my perspective has evolved. While I anticipated a more relaxed lifestyle, I underestimated how deeply it would influence every aspect of Portuguese society, including business practices. Additionally, I’ve come to appreciate the resilience and adaptability of the Portuguese people, particularly in their ability to balance tradition with modernization; something that is evident in their supply chain strategies.
This experience has profoundly shaped my worldview. It has taught me to approach international business with greater cultural sensitivity and to recognize the importance of adaptability in a global context. I leave Portugal not only with practical knowledge but also with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of diverse perspectives. I am grateful to Texas A&M for allowing me to branch out and explore this unique culture. Gig ‘em!