As I look back on my time abroad, I’m grateful for how much this experience has shifted my perspective on business, culture, and connection. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was working directly with a local entrepreneur who owned a small fashion shop. It wasn’t just about learning, with helping our client we were able to help him in practical, hands-on ways that made a real difference.
We started by rearranging his shop to create a more welcoming and organized layout, making it easier for customers to browse and interact with his products. He was open to our ideas, and we worked together to create a space that better reflected his brand. We also developed an Excel spreadsheet to help him track his daily sales and expenses—tools he didn’t have before. It was rewarding to give him something simple but effective that could help him run his business more smoothly.
One of the most fun and creative parts was helping him redesign his logo. We worked on a cleaner, more modern look that better matched his style and store vibe. Along with the logo, we made business cards he could start using right away to promote his shop more professionally.
What struck me most was how collaborative the process felt. Even with language and cultural differences, we connected through the shared goal of helping his business grow. My initial impression of this experience was that I’d be learning about international business in theory, but the reality was so much more personal.
This trip taught me that business isn’t just about strategy, it’s more about the people. It’s about listening, understanding, and working together to create something better. I’m leaving with not only a deeper understanding of global business, but also a renewed sense of how powerful small acts of support can be. I am so glad I was able to work with such amazing people. I plan to take this consulting experience and cherish it for the rest of my life!