The summer brought me the unique chance to explore Europe with my peers on a marketing program which visited eight remarkable cities which included: London, Paris, Verona, Nice, Innsbruck, Munich and Lucerne. Each stop was extraordinary and beautiful in its own way, yet the most valuable aspect emerged from my deeper comprehension of international business and cultural discovery that emerged alongside personal growth. Our program studied global marketing and we observed how brands modify their strategies over international borders. I gained extensive knowledge about business strategy adaptations through observing consumer behaviors while visiting international companies all across Europe and saw what their distinct cultural norms and market trends were and how it affected their marketing. The most memorable part of my experience involved conducting local interviews which revealed personal insights about worldwide thinking patterns as well as shopping habits and daily life. This opportunity to be able to step into the shoes of locals and really get to grasp their perspective was invaluable and allowed me to make friends across the world! During our trip we also had the chance to take part in the Sound of Music tour which took place in Salzburg. We found our confidence in the rain while experiencing the musical hills firsthand (and introducing Salzburg to the Aggie War Hymn of course).
This experience gained deeper significance because of the amazing group members I spent the journey with. Our university provides both extraordinary global learning experiences and dedicated faculty members who actively support students during their studies. Their guidance and support elevated my entire experience. I feel deeply thankful for the various cities we visited together with the important lessons we acquired along the way. These relationships not only with faculty but also my peers, are ones that I will treasure forever. Studying abroad taught me about the importance of adapting to new situations while developing both empathy and curiosity skills which will definitely benefit business operations and personal growth. I will carry the lessons and memories I have gained on this trip for the rest of my life and I feel incredibly blessed to do so.
