The biggest takeaway from my time abroad was the complexity of our world. Each experience challenged my worldview and expanded my understanding of global dynamics. Exposure to such a different way of life deepened my appreciation for international business. I now understand the complexities of operating globally—issues that may not arise in the United States. For example, until recently, it was a federal law in Qatar that a Qatari citizen must be the majority owner of any company in the country. I was also struck by Qatar’s rapid development over the past 50 years, driven by the discovery of oil and natural gas.
The discovery of oil-fueled an economic boom, attracting people from all over the world who saw Qatar as a land of opportunity. As a result, Qatar has become a highly diverse nation, with Qatari citizens now comprising a minority of the population. The country’s middle class is small, with most of the population either very wealthy or very poor. However, Qatar boasts a 0% poverty rate, thanks to legislation requiring residents to be employed and employers to provide housing for their workers.
The world is politically intricate. During my time abroad, I encountered political narratives quite different from those in the United States. I learned that every decision comes with an opportunity cost, including those made in global politics. I also saw the far-reaching effects of American tariffs on foreign countries—while these tariffs protect American industries, they can harm the economies of other nations.
Religious diversity was another significant aspect of my experience. Before this trip, I had never visited a country where Christianity was not the predominant religion. Qatar, deeply rooted in Islamic values, exemplifies how religion shapes nearly every aspect of daily life. I enjoyed learning about Islam and discovered many similarities with Christianity. However, I also recognized the differences between the two religions and observed how these differences have led to historical and ongoing conflicts. This experience helped deepen my understanding of my own Christian faith.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Qatar and look forward to applying the insights gained from this trip to make thoughtful, globally aware business decisions in the future.