This study abroad has taught me that Global Leadership is unique to every person. I’ve observed that the traits and characteristics that make me a strong global leader are not the same ones that my roommates or classmates thrive with. It took me taking time to intentionally step back and observe others to recognize this. Being able to adapt was one of the most important traits I had to actively engage with while on my time abroad. From simple things like changing where we were planning to eat dinner to more important things like changing our train after missing our connection, being able to adapt to the foreign environment was vital. Additionally, I saw the importance of learning and knowing another language. While Google Translate was very helpful in translating menus and other written words, it took the authenticity of intentional conversations away. I was able to communicate vaguely, mostly through forms of sign language, but I lacked the connection I could’ve made with several locals had I known their language.
On one of the day trips I was on, I did not attentively read the itinerary and missed the part where it said we would be going to a Chapel. Often inside these Chapels, there is a no visible knees and no visible shoulders dress code. While my knees were covered that day, my shoulders were not. Upon arriving, I had to adapt my wardrobe and get a paper shawl. This moment was truthfully a little embarrassing. The paper shawls made it evident that I did not do my research, and it could be seen as disrespectful that I wasn’t following a dress code appropriate to their standards. I lived and I learned though. Following this incident, I reflected on the situation and for the remainder of the trip became more intentional about reading information before the case and showing caution with how I dressed.
