This study abroad has been everything I thought it would be and nothing at all at the same time. It was the most rewarding class I’ve ever taken, and it went by too fast. Learning to conduct business with people in another culture was an eye-opening experience that I recommend everyone takes the opportunity to learn. I’ve always believed it is important to know how the world around you works, but I never thought it really could be so different from what I know and practice in America. I have definitely learned to adapt to the customs around you, and to never go into business with a new culture blind. The biggest sign of respect for many is understanding and flexibility. While Italy was very different from what I am used to, it was much like America at the same time, however, with the changes I did have to adapt to, I gained a better understanding of what all I am going to have to adjust to for a culture much different. It is a challenge, but at the same time, an unreal experience. Before leaving, I spoke to many people who have either visited Italy or conducted business there as well, and didn’t take any advice seriously. For example, meals are social events and will last hours, or plans will change at the last minute, and patience is a necessity. I thought it would still be close to America, where a meal is just an hour and plans change only with emergencies. I was very wrong. I learned when someone is telling you a cultural difference, they aren’t being dramatic; it truly can be so significantly different and important to know. They might seem like small differences, but to a local you are trying to conduct business with, that understanding you have for them can be the difference between a positive business transaction and a repeat customer.
