My initial thoughts were, what are you thinking? I can’t believe I am doing this! With a skosh of, can I do this alone and without truly knowing a sole. Before this trip, I had been feeling nothing but fear, fear, and a little extra topping of fear (I am laughing)!!! However, I knew I needed to peel back the layers of fear in order to conquer them and prove to myself that I am stronger and more capable than I give myself credit for. Since landing in Barcelona, Spain, my experience has been wonderful and enlightening. Within the first week, the Global Business Program has pushed me to connect with my fellow Aggies and get to know them by sharing experiences that will never leave me. For me, there is a vast difference between being in Aggieland, seeing my peers only in class and not really making the strong connections that I have heard so much about. Spending time with them doing non-class related things, such as having a meal together, talking about how we all feel about our day, shopping for clothes that make us feel good, taking in the sights to discover the rich culture of Spain and seeing the differences between their culture and ours, that we are so use to. It is also enlightening and a beautiful time of personal growth and education. This will develop us into more well-rounded individuals that will have respect for the differences and likenesses of those that live abroad. The people here are similar to us in that they know and understand that they need each other, community and belonging. They spend much time gathering at their local cafés and restaurants to eat, drink, visit and play cards. They are very comfortable in who they are. This is shown through their distinct individual way they dress and carry themselves. In the U.S., we tend to care more about ourselves and what people think of us rather than putting others first. This is not everyone, and surely not the Aggie way, but in our society, it has unfortunately been what I have seen and experienced. People at home do not gather on a regular basis to connect and reflect as much. It is sporadic, primarily left for holidays. When I think of this, it makes me sad and long to do better as an individual to connect with friends and family more. It is in this area that I see a great deal of growth within myself thus far. I am trying harder to build real relationships with no strings attached. Nurturing those relationships to grow from each other, but also to support one another in a deeper more meaningful way.
Center for International Business Studies Blog