After spending a month abroad, my perspective has changed a lot. In the UK, I noticed a lot of similarities between London and New York. Since the majority of the citizens spoke English, it made it feel comfortable and familiar. However, as we got further into the trip and I learned more about the history, culture, and business, my perspective continued to evolve.
On bike tours and walking tours, I always noticed the architecture and art surrounding us. The buildings and streets were so beautiful and held so much historical significance. We visited sites such as Pont du Guard, built in the 1st century AD, which made me think about the depth of European history. When I thought about the range of historical events that have taken place in the places we visited in comparison to the young country of America, I realized that there are parts of history that I have been closed off to because it felt insignificant or far away from my life.
Initially, I was worried about the perception of American tourists and travelling in such a large group. However, I found that in most of the countries that we visited, people were kind and respectful when we needed help. There were definitely times when it felt obnoxious to be travelling down the street in a group of 80, but when we were respectful to those around us, it was reciprocated. Even in countries where there was a language barrier, locals appreciated the effort of trying to adjust to communicate effectively with them.
One of the biggest takeaways from a business perspective was seeing how people abroad value having a good work-life balance. Based on conversations that I had with locals in different countries, the common theme was to work hard to support yourself and your family, but don’t let work consume your whole life. Most people felt that their basic needs had been met, and they didn’t have to work to try to survive. They had time to go get coffee with friends, try new restaurants, and sit in the park. While this mindset is seen in the United States, often it is countercultural to prioritize these memorable experiences over the hustle of working.
