My time abroad was spent in Athens, Greece. My program was with global business brigades where we helped consult migrant-owned businesses. Being able to consult migrant-owned businesses was very interesting and gave me a better understanding of how business operates in Greece. Going into this trip I didn’t have any specific expectations or assumptions about Greece; however, I noticed many differences and my perspective changed. On this trip, I learned that most migrants open businesses to have a safe workplace, but most lack the knowledge of how to run a business. We helped our client with creating a logo, and business cards, and having a way to track his finances. Another thing I didn’t realize was how heavily the business relies on tourism. Our client said the months that are high in tourism help keep his business running. In Athens, one cultural difference I noticed was when people went to dinner. Dinner time was later in the day around 8-9 which would be considered late for us. Everyone took their time at dinner as well; it seemed as if they had a more relaxed pace of life, especially around meals.
Overall, this experience was very wholesome getting to help migrant businesses and expand their knowledge. Working with clients that had limited resources available to them; however, you could see their passion and willingness to learn was very eye-opening. This experience made me more open-minded, adaptable, and better prepared for a global career. This trip has made me realize the importance of cultural intelligence in business settings. I am forever grateful for this trip that I got to experience. It challenged me, taught me valuable lessons, and showed me the impact of teaching. I now feel more prepared to navigate diverse workplaces. I hope to continue making meaningful contributions wherever I go. Getting to see our impact on these small businesses was an experience to remember.
