Howdy!
My name is Lauren Tong and I just completed a study abroad program that granted me the opportunity to travel to Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Although it’s great to be back home, I can’t help but miss the beauty of Europe!
As this was my first time traveling outside of the United States, I was faced with many challenges. I often found myself missing home, stressing about language barriers, and worrying about the correct nuances of the culture. However, I feel as though Texas A&M CIBS did a fantastic job at preparing me for this journey. While I was abroad, I got to experience many things. From wine tasting to hiking in Krka National Park, to riding a gondola through the canals of Venice, I can confidently say I experienced a lot!
A major cultural difference that varied across the countries was the way people conducted themselves in social settings.
In Croatia, people act in a very relaxed manner. Many locals will sit and chat for hours over a delicious cup of coffee. This contrasts significantly to the United States. In the U.S., it is always “go-go-go”. People are very active and are always rushed to get where they need to go. However, in Croatia, people will drive slow, and make it a point to take in their surroundings with no sense of urgency.
In Slovenia, the locals still conduct themselves in a very relaxed manner. However, when they are not taking a coffee break with friends, they engage in many outdoor sports. From biking to skiing, Slovenia is a very outdoorsy country. People in the U.S. also value outdoor activities, although, the U.S doesn’t hold a torch to Slovenia (Who can blame them? Slovenia’s landscape is the definition of picturesque)!
Italy was by far the most fast-paced country we visited (although, we only visited Venice). Everyone in Venice was always hustling and bustling to their next destination. The city was jam-packed full of tourists admiring the beautiful cityscapes.
As far as business activities are concerned, I was able to identify some key differences. While in Slovenia, we had the opportunity to visit a company called Elan. Elan is a sporting goods company that specializes in producing skiing equipment. Because Elan was founded while Slovenia was still part of Yugoslavia, socialism majorly influenced the company’s formation. Because of this, I learned of the differences that exist between socialist vs. capitalist companies. Because of Yugoslavia’s political condition, companies (such as Elan) were subject to collective ownership, meaning that industries were “nobody’s property.” This contrasts significantly with American capitalism which allows individuals to make their own decisions regarding their share in an entity.
Overall, I think it is important for any businessperson conducting international business to do ample research on the culture of the foreign country they are engaging with. By doing this, one will gain a deeper understanding of both the verbal and nonverbal forms of communication used to conduct business abroad. Additionally, it is important for someone to remain respectful and open-minded to cultural views that challenge them. This will cause someone to slowly expand their worldview.
I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to have attended this trip. I feel as though I have gained so much that will help me both in my personal and professional lives!
