Having this opportunity to study abroad in Strasbourg, France, has been something I have been looking forward to since I got accepted in the fall semester last year. I have never been to Europe, and I was super excited to have the opportunity to not only visit but also study abroad with other classmates in Mays. This experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I want to take full advantage of everything it has to offer, both academically and personally.
During this first week in Strasbourg, I love how the city is very walkable, and if I need to, I can walk just about anywhere to get it. Whether that is the grocery store, restaurants, the gym, and even a mall, everything feels accessible, making daily life much easier compared to the car-dependent lifestyle in the U.S.
As a business student, I couldn’t wait to learn more about global business and gain first hand exposure to European markets. Upon arriving, I realized that it was not a city solely based on French influences but also German as well. It is very different from the United States, as I expected, with the easy access to public transportation, the differences in architecture, and even the streets being mostly cobblestone. Even the way people interact feels distinct. For example, public spaces are often quieter, and the pace of life is more relaxed compared to the fast-moving culture back home. These are just a few of the differences I quickly noticed.
I hope to gain a better understanding of global business as a whole as well as increase my cultural intelligence, as I hope to one day work in a global business environment myself. Studying abroad gives me the opportunity to broaden my perspective, develop adaptability, and build connections that could be valuable for my future career. As for cultural differences, I’ve noticed that French culture has a very different approach to work-life balance compared to the one I’ve grown accustomed to in the United States. It’s evident that they place a great emphasis on enjoying life without work being the center focus of everything. They have longer lunch breaks, their workdays are shorter, and people seem to prioritize leisure and social interactions in a way that feels refreshing.
