My time abroad has already been a wonderful culmination of educational experiences! We began our trip in London, visiting the Chelsea Football Club, Design Bridge and Partners, and Parliament. During the Chelsea tour, we learned about revenue streams, fan culture, and how marketing for soccer is conducted abroad. It was interesting to learn about the rich history of the club and how another culture values their “football.” Design Bridge and Partners was the highlight of my London trip. As a marketing major who hopes to pursue a career in specialty brand remodeling, the company’s portfolio was beyond inspirational. Their work with Coca-Cola, NASA, and Guinness showed what is possible within the marketing field when you have a dream. Parliament was fascinating as well, seeing how long-standing traditions still impact congressional decisions was very interesting, especially compared to the voter-centric democracy of the US. Yesterday began our adventures in Paris. I’ve already loved seeing the different architecture and language of the French. The pride they have in their country is beyond admirable. Today we visited Versailles, where I got to admire many gorgeous buildings, paintings, and sculptures that predate our entire country. I especially enjoyed the gardens, where we got to see Marie Antoinette’s estate and “fake village.” The plants themselves were also fascinating, with foliage imported from every corner of the globe. Getting to see how business is conducted abroad has already been such a fascinating experience, and I look forward to continuing to expand my knowledge of the business world. Tomorrow we will attend a fashion show in Paris, along with the Louver- which is home to an astounding collection of artwork. This trip has been the absolute highlight of my college experience, and words cannot express the lasting impact that I’m sure it will have on my future.
