After spending 4 weeks in Strasbourg, France, and traveling extensively through Europe, my perspective on conducting business and engaging with individuals in a foreign country has significantly changed. This experience taught me how to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, a skill that is increasingly important in today’s world. I was able to travel to many countries throughout Europe in my time there. It was beautiful to see all of the different cultures, ideas, and lifestyles of the different countries within Europe. I also participated in many activities, including bank visits, castle tours, wine tastings, visits to the European Parliament, and so much more. These were very informative and so much fun. Additionally, engaging with students at EM Strasbourg was fantastic, as it allowed me to discuss their worldviews and daily lives in France.
My initial impressions about certain aspects of French culture, such as their work-life balance, were confirmed through these interactions. French workers absolutely take longer lunch breaks and generally place a higher value on leisure time compared to people in other countries. Something that I noticed was that coffee shops and cafes in Strasbourg do not open as early or stay open as long as those in other places. While this posed a challenge when trying to find a study spot during finals, it also proved the French commitment to prioritizing personal time over work.
Overall, my time in Strasbourg and Europe was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The experiences I had and the people I met opened my eyes and gave me an understanding of different cultures. A week after returning, I already find myself wanting to go back.