Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I have made! I got to experience everything from famous historical sites to exploring small towns with new friends. This past month I got to travel to France, the UK and see Monaco for a day. On our trip, we went to some very large cities and some very small towns; which allowed me to see a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s culture. We also visited an array of businesses from Brand Agencies to Perfumeries.
There are many cultural differences I noticed around me. Whether it was Starbucks not opening until 8 am, restaurants being closed between lunch and dinner, or on random weekdays. While this seems like just an inconvenience for us students needing food, it was a pattern that I noticed, which carried into our company visits. Europeans do not prioritize work as much as we may in America. When we visited Superunion Brand Agency, Mrs. Claridge, a Senior Creative Reputation Manager, told us she is on year-long maternity leave! When we visited BETC Ad Agency, Michael Boamah, a PR manager discussed their relaxed dress code and how you can not send work emails on the weekend in France. These were some cultural differences I noticed when it came to work/ life balance in Europe.
There were also many things I learned while I was studying abroad when it came to business in general. Through our assignment at Disneyland Paris, I was able to observe marketing strategies and cultural differences around the park. We also had a comparison report for our visits to Galeries Lafayette, a luxury department store in Paris, and Harrods, a luxury department store in London. I saw firsthand how differences in displays, customer service, and signage can affect one’s shopping experience.
I am so thankful for this study abroad experience and all that I have learned. I am also thankful for the friendships I have made!
