Full disclosure, folks, I’m not gonna lie. The main reason I applied for this study abroad program was because Mr. Adam C. Sinn threw in a generous scholarship, and let’s be real, college ain’t cheap! But hey, this program seemed pretty interesting since it dealt with financial companies, which is right up my alley in terms of my future career. So off I went, with not many expectations but a hope to have a good time. And let me tell you, it was a wild ride!
Now, this program took us to five countries, but I’ll focus on the three that were new to me. First up, England! Turns out, their business culture is pretty similar to ours Americans, but the overall culture is a whole different ball game. I mean, have you seen the number of pubs and teahouses they’ve got? It’s like they’re in a perpetual state of celebrating with a pint or sipping tea with their pinkies up. And riding the tube and those double-decker buses? A true highlight of my time there.
Ah, France, the land of love, baguettes, and apparently, a whole new way of doing business. These Frenchies, they “work to live, not live to work,” which honestly blew my mind. I mean, I spotted people having picnics in front of the Louvre on a random Thursday afternoon. Can you believe it? They know how to enjoy life, and I can’t blame them. YOLO, right?
Now, let’s talk about Belgium, where the real treats await. Chocolate, waffles, and medieval architecture?what more could you ask for? Oh, right, the European Union headquarters in Brussels! That was the highlight for me. I was pumped to learn about the EU’s impact on global trade and future plans for its member countries. Plus, the cultural vibe was off the charts. Turns out, they value consensus and collaboration, and it makes sense why the EU chose this spot. They’re all about coming together and making things happen.
Onward to Germany, the land of engineering prowess and efficiency. Those Germans are known for their precision and attention to detail, and boy, did they live up to the hype. The streets were practically a Mercedes showroom and their trains? Always on time. But here’s the twist?I had this idea that Germans were a bit cold and reserved. Well, I was dead wrong. We stumbled upon a local concert in Frankfurt, and let me tell you, we belted out American classics like nobody’s business. Turns out, they know how to have a great time!
And finally, Switzerland, the land of stunning landscapes and precision like no other. Swiss watches? Oh, they’re famous for a reason. But what really caught my attention was their commitment to sustainability. I mean, they’re all about long-term thinking and environmental responsibility. We visited companies in Zurich and Geneva, and I was blown away by how seriously they take sustainability. They’re all about that ESG life, and it inspired me to think bigger about the impact of business decisions and the importance of sustainability on a global scale.
I know it sounds cheesy, but signing up for this study abroad was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me rare insights into the European financial systems that I probably wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Plus, let’s not forget the unforgettable experiences, the new friendships, and the adventures that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Study abroad, my friends?it’s not just about the academics, it’s about the wild ride you never knew you needed.
