On May 11th, 38 Texas A&M students and I embarked on a two-week study abroad trip called the Europe Integration Trip, led by FINC 341 Professor Guyton. During our first five days, we’ve explored Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy, each offering an incredible blend of cultural immersion, historical richness, and business insight.
We began in Zurich, Switzerland, where we took a walking tour of the city. I was immediately struck by how clean and quiet the city was, as it had a calm, orderly atmosphere. During free time, some friends and I explored Grossmünster, a church tied to the Protestant Reformation, and climbed its tower for an incredible panoramic view. Our group dinner at Zeughauskeller introduced us to traditional Swiss cuisine, including asparagus soup and pork sausage, which was delicious.
The next day, we traveled to Lucerne. A gondola took us to the top of Mount Pilatus, offering breathtaking views of the Alps, and we cruised Lake Lucerne, where we observed the peaceful coexistence of natural beauty and residential areas. In the U.S., such serene landscapes are often far removed from city centers, but in Switzerland, the two seemed to blend effortlessly.
Our first business visit was to Education First (EF), the very organization coordinating our trip. It was eye-opening to learn how global education programs are developed and managed, and seeing EF’s corporate culture firsthand helped me appreciate the value of international collaboration in business.
From there, we made stops in Liechtenstein and Austria. In Innsbruck, we visited Swarovski’s Crystal Worlds and gained insights into their branding and innovation strategy. It was fascinating to see how a centuries-old European company combines tradition and modernity, (such as shifting to lab grown crystals) a concept I hope to explore more throughout this program.
On Friday, we left Innsbruck to head to Sirmione, a town on Lake Garda in Italy. We spent the few hours we had there exploring the town, enjoying Italian cuisine and gelato, and walking along the shore. All of the servers we interacted with had a great sense of humor and were very welcoming, whereas Swiss and Austrian waiters were more reserved. We then ventured on to Trieste, a coastal town along the Adriatic Sea. There, we enjoyed a walking tour and dinner alongside the shore.
My initial impression of this global experience is that it offers far more than sightseeing. It is a deep dive into the intersection of culture, business, and history. From trying new foods—like Austrian schnitzel or Italian gelato—to navigating unfamiliar cities, I’ve already gained a new appreciation for how people live and work differently across countries.
Compared to the U.S., I’ve noticed that European cities prioritize pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and community-centered living. For example, almost everyone in each city commutes via bus or by foot. Also, meals are longer, conversations richer, and there’s a stronger emphasis on work-life balance.
As we continue our travels, I hope to deepen my understanding of how international businesses operate and how cultural context influences decision-making. This trip is not just an academic experience, but a personal journey in becoming a more globally aware individual.
