This past month has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, both personally and professionally. This trip has been one of the most memorable months ever! Not only have I made some of the best friendships, but I was also able to learn more about the Italian business culture. Before I arrived, my understanding of business interactions was rooted in American norms, fast-paced, direct, and quick responses, and efficiency was often prioritized above all else. One of the most striking differences I encountered was the importance Italians place on building genuine relationships before doing business. In the U.S., it’s common to jump straight into the agenda and focus heavily on immediate results. Throughout our consulting project, I was really able to see how Italians value building a personal relationship before a professional one. Meetings often began with small talk that felt personal, discussing family, local events, or even meals. Although sometimes it felt like we we not able to get started straight away, it made me take a step back and learn more about the person I was talking to and less about the end goal. This not only helped in professional settings but also deepened my personal relationships and made me more aware of how culture shapes human interaction. Another memorable thing was the longer meals that we were not normally used to. Although we would sometimes have to plan around having a two-hour lunch or dinner, I had some of the best times just talking and learning about everyone else who was on my trip! I loved being able to enjoy the meal and not feel like we were being rushed out of any place. It made the dining experience so much more enjoyable. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you did have to go out of your way to ask for certain things because waiters were a little less attentive compared to the US, but that was fine once I got over the first initial times. I enjoyed meeting other study abroad students and learning about their experiences as well, and bonding with them over the fact that we were in a different country together! I think the weekend trips that we planned also added to the experience because we got to explore other parts of Italy and Europe! This experience has not only expanded my global awareness but also humbled me. I now approach cross-cultural interactions with greater empathy, flexibility, and openness. Living and learning abroad has taught me that successful global engagement isn’t just about knowing the right etiquette; it’s about being fully present, respectful, and willing to grow.
