I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the Europe Marketing Program this summer. We visited not just one country, but seven! I was able to engage with a variety of businesses in each of the countries and meet people from many different backgrounds, which gave me a broader perspective on how cultures and professional environments vary across the world.
Something I took away from the businesses we visited was that many of them have tradition and culture deeply embedded in them. European business practices build on cultural history and tradition is not as common in the United States. Many businesses in the U.S. come and go, and business practices typically revolve around current trends and market expectations.
One thing I noticed was that many people I met in Europe spoke some form of English. It made me realize that if, for example, someone from Germany were to visit the United States, most Americans likely wouldn’t know how to speak German in return. In my experience, some of the Germans and French I encountered came across as a bit rude. But from a cultural perspective, this was likely just the way they are accustomed to interacting with people. Studying abroad helped me realize just how big and diverse the world truly is. Some people I spoke with had never been to the United States, which reminded me how different each person’s worldview can be from another’s. Initially, I assumed that things in Europe would be cheaper, but I quickly learned that isn’t necessarily the case. The euro dollar can be misleading. It often looks like something costs a smaller amount than it would be in U.S. dollars, but after conversion, it is likely more expensive. Another cultural difference I observed was the way meals are treated. In many European countries, dining is not just about eating—it’s a time to pause, converse, and enjoy company. Waiters won’t typically bring the check unless asked, as it’s considered polite not to rush the customer. Tipping also varies: in some places, it’s common to simply round up the bill instead of leaving a separate tip. I also found it interesting that in many hotels, you have to insert your room key into a slot on the wall for the lights, outlets, and air conditioning to function—something I had never encountered before in the United States. There’s also a noticeable trend in Europe toward sustainability. I saw more frequent use of wooden or biodegradable utensils, which contrasts with the heavy use of plastic in the United States. Overall, my time abroad was full of eye-opening and memorable experiences that gave me a new appreciation for both the similarities and differences in how people live and do business around the world.
