Since returning home and having time to reflect on my trip I am first off incredibly grateful for such an amazing opportunity. I had the opportunity to learn so much about the world of investment management as well as be exposed to an incredible diversity of cultures in such a short period of time. A partial goal of the trip was to show us why the US dollar remains on top as a result of the sacrifices that America made during WW2. We saw Auschwitz and we saw Normandy. Both were incredibly powerful yet challenging experiences that I am very glad we saw. I think the largest finance takeaway was finally getting a better grasp of how interest rates effect the rest of the economy in an intuitive way. I also came away with a better idea of how to effectively communicate in presentations and meetings after participating in over twenty meetings with well respected companies. In the final days of the trip I fell in love with Switzerland for its natural beauty and its prestige in the business world. I met some incredible leaders there and was constantly in awe as I looked out the window. If I could choose to go back anywhere I think it would be there. I think my initial impressions about Europe were fairly close to my experience. I was surprised at how many people understood English and honestly surprised how welcoming everyone in France was to us after the rumors I had heard about unfriendly French people before I left. Of course the nuances of the cultures were never something I could’ve anticipated and that is why I think a trip like this is so valuable. I am so glad I was able to visit Europe and I hope one day that I will find myself there again in either a professional or personal capacity.
Center for International Business Studies Blog