After coming back from studying abroad, I can confidently say it was one of the best and most eye-opening experiences of my life. Over the past month, I had the chance to not only study marketing in a completely new environment but also to grow personally in ways I never expected.
Throughout the program, we visited 15 businesses across 7 different European countries. Each company offered a unique perspective on how marketing is approached in different parts of the world—whether it was branding, customer engagement, or adapting to cultural norms. It was fascinating to see how strategies that work in one country might not translate the same way in another.
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was interviewing locals in each city we visited. These conversations gave me a deeper understanding of the culture, values, and consumer behavior in each place. From talking with small shop owners to everyday people on the street, I learned so much about how people think, shop, and connect with brands in their own communities. It helped me see marketing not just as a business function, but as something rooted deeply in human behavior and local culture.
This experience gave me new tools, perspectives, and ideas that I know I’ll carry with me moving forward in my career. But even more than that, it gave me a greater appreciation for cultural diversity, adaptability, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.
I’m so grateful for this opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned in both school and future roles.
