As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in an Indonesian cafe in downtown Auckland, eating a Wok dish and watching people pass by. I’ve been in Auckland for about 36 hours, and my initial impressions of both the city and the abroad program have already been eye opening. One of the first things I noticed is how slow paced and relaxed business life feels compared to the United States. People don’t seem rushed, stressed, or overly consumed by work. Instead, there is a strong emphasis on balance, personal well-being, and enjoying everyday life and holidays.
Auckland itself has a strong Asian cultural presence here, which is reflected in the food, languages, and businesses throughout the city. From Indonesian cafes to Japanese restaurants and Korean grocery stores, it’s clear that Auckland is deeply influenced by a mixing pot of global cultures (especially Asian due to proximity). This diversity makes the city feel very connected to the global economy, which aligns perfectly with my goals of understanding global business as a whole.
On the business side, I learned that New Zealand operates in a largely free trade environment and relies heavily on trade with China. I was able to relate to this because living in the United States during periods of increased tariffs made me realize how much influence the U.S.A. has on other countries’ economies. For example, Mike Hearn, an executive director at American Chamber of Commerce, explained that New Zealand has been trying to ease conflict between the U.S.A. and China over tariffs, as maintaining strong relationships is essential for economic stability. He also emphasized that New Zealand values its partnership with the United States not only for trade, but for the economic and strategic protection it provides.
Through this global experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how businesses operate in different cultural environments and how global markets are interconnected. Additionally, I hope this program will help me grow personally by becoming more adaptable, open-minded, and confident navigating unfamiliar environments.
Overall, my first impressions of Auckland and the global business program are very positive. Being immersed in a new culture has already challenged my assumptions about work, lifestyle, and success, and I’m excited to continue learning both inside and outside the classroom throughout this experience.
