My initial impression of the country was very mixed. I felt like I wasn?t super far from home just because so many people still spoke English. However, the cultural differences were very drastic as the week went on. The companies were extremely sustainable compared to what we have in the United States. Most of their production waste gets recycled and used to produce more goods. They also pay their employees higher wages so tipping is practically nonexistent. The cost of living here is significantly cheaper as well. My most expensive meal that was very nice was only 22?. This included a soda, appetizer, and main dish. In the hostel, the twin beds were pushed directly next to each other which I thought was really interesting. There was also remotely no storage or places to put things in the bathroom. You needed a special power strip to charge your phone because the place where you plug it in is completely different than in the United States. I really hope to learn more this trip about the different strengths and weaknesses of the country. I think they do really well on taking life slower here. Everyone in the United States seems so rushed. They take more time to eat meals, travel places, and enjoy the good things in life. However, I think they could do a lot better when it comes to productivity because they have such a slower-paced mindset. I would like to be able to see what else they thrive in that we do not and also what we seem to be better at. I also hope to gain some really great friends. I feel myself already getting close to so many people on my trip. I not only want to learn from this experience but also develop great connections within Mays. This trip could help me grow my network which can later be beneficial in school or the workforce.
