My initial impression is that I am blown away by this experience and it’s only been a week. I am in Barcelona, Spain, and it is truly a different world over here. The city is full of character. There is beautiful architecture that is over hundreds of years old that still looks in perfect condition. It is also amazing being so close to a beach that has a major port. It was impressive to see how much business is conducted through the port and how essential it is to the economy of Spain. The global business program has also been really engaging. We are learning about the European Union?s economy and it has been really interesting to see how different it is compared to our standard practices. One of the biggest differences I see between Spain and the United States is how condensed the city is. The best way to travel here is by the metro which takes you around the city. However, places in the US are simply further apart so it would be hard to create lines that could constantly travel those distances. Another difference I have noticed is how eco-friendly the city is. The biggest way they conserve energy is by only turning on the A/C when it is absolutely necessary. Coming from Texas, this concept is hard to understand. While there are many differences, I feel like it has been easy to acclimate to this culture so far. From this experience, I hope to gain a better understanding of not only international business but the cultural aspect that drives the transactions being made. This experience has already been rewarding, but I am confident that it will only get better. The city, the program, and the people have already opened my eyes to how different international business can be.
