Throughout my time in Portugal, I have had the opportunity to learn more about local businesses and immerse myself in new cultures and environments. During the last two weeks, our group visited six different companies ranging from cork production facilities to olive oil farms. My favorite company that we visited was IMPETUS. The business focuses on textile production with specialization in clothing items such as underwear and loungewear. I enjoyed learning and touring the company?s facilities because it gave me the chance to see how clothing is produced on a step-by-step basis. Overall, visiting various local businesses in Portugal allowed me to compare their goals and protocols to what businesses in the United States focus on. For instance, a lot of the companies have a huge emphasis on sustainability. Additionally, most of the companies put more effort towards sufficient work environments instead of making the most profit.
My time abroad in Portugal has truly been life changing. Being able to not only explore a new country but also visit and learn from local companies has given me a lot of insight I can use in the future. For the short amount of time I was in Portugal, I was able to differentiate and compare cultural aspects to America. One of the most substantial aspects was how the Portuguese lifestyle was much more slow-paced than the United States. I think being able to experience these cultural differences has pushed me to broaden my own horizons and think outside of what I already know. After this trip, I have returned home with a lot more knowledge and cultural awareness. I have realized that there is an entire world of new opportunities and cultures to explore. My time abroad has been a true blessing and has opened a door for the desire to travel and grow my cultural perspective even more.
