I can say without a doubt in my mind that this trip abroad has been one of the most amazing and impactful experiences I have had during my college career. The endless number of memories I was able to share with my classmates will stay with me for the rest of my life. One of my key takeaways from the business lectures and visits was that having a solid network and foundation is critical to any business. In Barcelona, I learned about the major port and how the infrastructure is strategically set up to maximize the efficiency of transporting and unloading shipping containers. I was able to tour an olive oil factory and note their process to guarantee the best quality by having quality control checks during every step of the process instead of a single check at the end of the production line. When it comes to how to conduct business on an international scale, having an understanding of the culture of the country you are conducting business with is a large advantage. It helps develop a better understanding of a certain country’s priorities in business, whether they are timeliness, quality, environmental impact, etc. I had a relatively small amount of preconceived impressions of what I would experience during my time abroad, but having an open mind to try new things and learn from their cultures is the best mindset to maximize your learning. Like many Americans, it was hard for me to imagine ways of conducting business outside of our capitalist business structure. After going abroad, I have come to realize that business can be performed in an endless number of ways, with no one way being the right way, just that it might be slightly different. If you are on the fence about going abroad, I would strongly urge you to go. It was such a great experience to see how different parts of Europe conduct business and make so many friendships along the way.
