When we arrived in Athens, Greece, the first thing I noticed was how the past and present coexist in the same city. Walking through Monastirki Square for example, it’s common to see centuries-old ruins next to busy cafes, shops, and busy streets. It’s shocking for me to even comprehend how old some of the structures in the city are! The Acropolis above the entire city almost serves as a reminder of Athens’ extensive history.
My initial impressions of the Greece GBB program are overwhelmingly positive. They provided us with great context about the refugee population in Athens and how that influences their businesses, especially in a country that has faced a long financial crisis. They have taken a hands-on approach to our learning, letting us see first-hand exactly what they have taught us. GBB has also carefully coordinated experiences in Athens, such as a city bike tour or tour of the Pantheon, they give the students an amazing understanding of the city.
Greek culture feels more personal than what I expected. People here take time for conversation, often staying after meals are finished to talk, seeing it as more of an experience rather than a quick necessity. There’s a strong emphasis on community and tradition. In contrast, American culture tends to value individualism and productivity, especially in business.
Through this experience, I hope to gain a better understanding of how the refugees and migrants remain resilient despite the challenges the face and overall build my cultural awareness. From what I’ve learned so far, a lot of people don’t understand what it means to be a refugee or migrant, especially one that owns a business. I hope to learn more about the importance of cultural sensitivity when it comes to international business interactions as well. As a returning member of GBB, l’m excited to see the differences between this program and my previous trip to Panama!
