This trip has honestly been so amazing. I did not expect to learn so much and meet so many great people. I genuinely see myself staying in touch with tons of people from this trip. I learned so much about the differences between the two countries. Every single company we toured had a different type of plan for sustainability. The environment is just so much more important to people in Portugal. They also care a lot about the quality of the goods they are producing. I feel like in America we care more about productivity and how much money we can make. They prioritize sustainability over almost everything. I enjoyed Porto more than Lisbon, but Lisbon did have a more lively scene. I found it interesting that they have such a feud with Spain that they would rather you walk up to them and speak English rather than Spanish. They learn English before they learn Spanish in school. I thought since they were neighboring countries they would learn Spanish first. When you go to eat food somewhere they typically bring out some appetizers without you ordering them. If you eat anything then you have to pay for it. It can be confusing for people that don?t know that because they automatically assume it?s complimentary. Water also costs money at restaurants which I found surprising. I think this trip really opened my eyes to how many differences there really are all over the world. I always assumed that there were but never realized how much it could differ. I was always sort of in my own oblivious bubble. I think I have a lot more respect now and I?m way more aware of how to interact with people from a different place than me. This truly has been such an exceptional experience. I am so happy I chose to go abroad this winter break and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Center for International Business Studies Blog