Traveling throughout Europe was an eye-opening experience, as I realized many differences between each country. Visiting seven different countries in 4 weeks with 80 of my classmates is something that I will never forget! I was lucky enough to see companies such as Fragonard Parfumerie, LLoyds, DB&P, and L’Occitane, which broadened my scope of business knowledge. At Design Bridge and Partners, I learned the importance of understanding the cultural impact on advertising campaigns.At Fragonards, we learned about the delicate process of creating high-quality fragrances and the high cost of importing these materials. I found Lloyd’s of London insightful, as I was unfamiliar with the Insurance Market and how that works.
During my time abroad, I had numerous interactions with the locals, whether it was through buying food, asking for directions, or conducting an interview at a restaurant for a class assignment. I gained valuable insights from the interviews, enhancing my understanding of European culture and their perspective of the United States. One memorable conversation took place at a sunglasses store in Venice, Italy. The man I spoke with was very open and shared his thoughts, even recommending a great local Italian place in the area. In addition to these interactions, I learned a lot about European culture from our guides on walking and biking tours. Simply being in the different environments, like the cobblestone streets, the fresh food markets in Nice, and the local bakeries on every corner was a learning experience in itself. The people were much nicer than I had anticipated, and I adapted much better than I initially thought! This trip will always hold a special place in my heart. If you’re considering going abroad, go for it! You won’t regret it!