I am beyond grateful of the time I got to spend in Italy. I was very surprised by how much Italy exceeded my expectations in every way. All of the company executives we met with were extremely knowledgeable about their craft and were very kind. I was surprised by how professional all of the companies were, even though some of them were very small. My initial impression was that Italian business owners placed a strong emphasis on tradition, family, and style, which I learned to be very true by the end of our visit. I also came to learn that Italian business culture is also deeply rooted in interpersonal trust and long-term relationships. One thing that surprised me was the speed at which the businesses conducted themselves. In America, business is very fast-paced and efficient. However, in Italy, it is much slower and quality-focused than revenue-focused. My time abroad challenged me to slow down, listen more intently, and place greater value on personal relationships in a professional context. I will return home with a more open-minded approach to international business, appreciating that what may seem “inefficient” on the surface can lead to more sustainable, respectful, and rewarding outcomes. This experience also helped me appreciate the importance of adaptability and cultural awareness in global business environments. I now better understand the value of emotional intelligence and patience when working across cultures. Italy taught me that success is not only about achieving results, but also about how you get there. Relationships, trust, and shared values are just as critical as profit margins. Each company that we worked with was very different in what they sold and the personalities of their leaders. However, each of them were so passionate about their business and just wanted the best for it. This trip has permanently shaped how I view international collaboration, and I feel better prepared to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with global partners in the future.
