Before this program, I thought I had a decent grasp on what international business looked like. However, being abroad, and visiting a variety of companies, gave that idea real depth. Each visit, from the Swiss Paraplegic Center to Bucherer to Design Bridge in London, showed how much local values, culture, and social systems influence how business gets done. It’s not just about the product or the pitch. It’s about who you’re talking to, what matters to them, and how you build long-term relationships that are grounded in trust.
In Switzerland, I saw how their healthcare and nonprofit systems prioritize efficiency and compassion, with a strong cultural commitment to equity and responsibility. That showed up in how the Swiss Paraplegic Center is funded; not just by donors, but through widespread membership that connects regular citizens to a bigger mission. In France, especially at Fragonard and Galeries Lafayette, I learned how much pride the French take in heritage and beauty. Business there feels more rooted in story and tradition than in the quick pace we’re used to in the U.S. And in Germany, especially in Munich, it was clear how seriously history is taken, even in modern corporate settings. Business is shaped by the culture, history, and values of the people behind it.
What surprised me most was how personal global business really is. Whether someone was selling watches, creating perfume, or mentoring spinal cord injury patients, they were passionate about people. And I think that’s the biggest takeaway: behind every brand or strategy is a person who cares deeply about what they do and who they do it for. It was cool to see this across Europe. People are passionate about what they do, how they live, and who they are. I am grateful to have gotten a small glimpse into this idea, and seeing so many different perspectives is something I’ll carry with me long after this trip.
