It has been a week since I left the U.S. to spend a month in Europe with Texas A\&M’s Marketing Program, and I have already learned a lot about other cultures while noticing both similarities and differences compared to life back home. During our time in London, one of the first things that stood out to me was how deeply Europe values tradition. This was especially clear during our tour of Oxford University, where the buildings and stories reflect a strong sense of history and culture. While the United States, particularly Texas, also takes pride in tradition, the expression of it here feels more longstanding and deeply embedded into daily life.
One cultural difference I noticed is the approach to hospitality. In Texas, service is very attentive, especially in restaurants where staff often check in throughout the meal. In contrast, European service tends to be more reserved. For example, waitstaff usually take your order and let you enjoy your experience without frequent interruptions. It was a small adjustment, but it really highlighted a shift in values around customer experience.
Outside of cultural insights, I have also had the opportunity to visit three very different businesses in London: Design Bridge and Partners, Chelsea Football Club, and Lloyd’s of London. Speaking with professionals at each organization gave me a better understanding of how career paths can evolve in unique ways across industries. I was also introduced to fields I previously knew little about, such as insurance brokerage at Lloyd’s of London, where I learned about their operations and longstanding workplace culture.
Overall, this first week in Europe has been incredibly enriching. Beyond everything I’ve learned, it’s also been a meaningful experience to connect more deeply with fellow Aggies who share the same love for travel! From business visits to cultural moments, I am excited to continue learning and plan to bring these insights back with me to inform both my education and perspective in the U.S. Attached in this email are a few pictures from my travel, along with company visits!
