Arriving in London for the Europe Marketing Trip has been so exciting. From the very first company visit at Design Bridge & Partners, it became clear that this program would expand the way I think about business, leadership, and cultural perspective. Our time exploring institutions like Lloyd’s and Chelsea Football Club, showed how deeply tradition and innovation are interwoven in UK business culture.
One of the things that has stood out the most about London is how much history there is. Seeing places like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London has made me realize just how deep the royal history runs here. It is really cool to see places I have heard about for so long in real life. Coming from the U.S., where our history feels pretty recent, it’s wild to see places that are hundreds of years old and still central to the country’s identity. There’s a real sense of pride in tradition that shapes everything from the architecture to the culture.
One of the biggest cultural differences I’ve noticed so far is how much more reserved and polite people tend to be here. In the U.S., especially in Texas, people are super friendly and talkative right away. Here, people are still kind, but in a more formal way. I’ve also noticed how much more common it is to walk places or take public transit, which makes the city feel super connected and easy to access.
Throughout this trip, I really hope to grow not just academically, but personally. I want to learn how to navigate different cultures, communicate better with people from different backgrounds, and just gain a better understanding of how business works on a global scale. It’s only been a few days, but I already feel like I’m learning so much!
