Studying abroad and visiting seven different countries across Europe was an incredible and eye-opening experience for me. During the trip, we had the chance to visit many well-known companies like BMW Welt in Germany, Fragonard in France, Swarovski in Austria, and the Swiss Paraplegic Center in Switzerland. Each visit gave me a better understanding of how businesses work in different countries and how culture plays a big role in the way people do business and interact with each other.
One of the things I enjoyed most was being able to see where these companies started and learn about their history. At BMW Welt, I was impressed by how much pride they take in their engineering and design. At Fragonard, we learned about the traditional process of making perfume, which showed me how important art and history are to French businesses. Each place had something special to offer, and it was really cool to learn directly from the source.
What stood out to me the most was how different each country’s approach to business could be. Some places felt more formal and professional, while others were more relaxed and friendly. These differences made me realize how important it is to be flexible and open-minded when working with people from different backgrounds. I also learned that communication styles and work expectations can change depending on the country, which is something I didn’t fully understand before this trip.
Overall, this experience changed the way I see the world. I came in expecting some differences, but I didn’t realize how much culture affects business and everyday life. I now feel more confident in my ability to work in different environments and to connect with people from all over the world. This trip helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’m very thankful for everything I learned along the way.
