Arriving in Rome and the coming to Florence, Italy to study abroad under the Global Business Program, I was offered to experience a relatively new country and a foreign culture, which was a highly valuable and eye-opening experience itself. The historic aspect of the city such as the cobblestone roads, elements of renaissance buildings, and rich local culture makes the atmosphere special and inspiring, being absolutely unlike any city I have ever been to in the U.S. The first idea I have about the program is that it provides a complete balance of academic knowledge and cultural exposure. The European market, international trade, and relations with other countries are explained with regard to cross-cultural issues of conducting business and it all happens to be a part of such a historic and globally influential city that each lesson seems important and close to oneself. The pace of lifestyle is one of the most distinct differences between Italian and American culture. In the U.S. life is fast-paced and people put a value on efficiency, convenience, and productivity. On the contrary, Florence promotes a self-conscious slower lifestyle. Food is enjoyed, individuals do more actual walking as well to travel around the city. This has made me think of how cultural values affect both individual lives and business operations as well as customer demands. I would like to take this global experience by diversifying my knowledge about the business dynamics in different cultural environments and build on my current soft skills of adaptability, communication, and cultural sensitivity that are crucial in a modern-day interrelated world. I also would like to push myself to come out of my comfort zone and meet with people of other cultures and understand global problems. I hope that this study abroad in Florence is going to make me professional, personal, and give me good ground to start a future business in Italy.
