My time abroad on the Asia business study abroad program was truly life-changing. I learned so much about conducting business in other cultures while also getting to experience Singaporean and Thai life firsthand. It wasn’t just about seeing how businesses operate globally—it was about appreciating the little things, like trying amazing food, exploring local attractions, and seeing the contrast between beautiful nature and rugged city life.
The businesses we visited gave us insights into what’s most important to them. One company really emphasized communication and the ability to adapt to different cultures and languages, which makes sense when doing business globally. Another company discussed how the U.S. political climate directly impacts Asian businesses, especially in Singapore, which showed me just how connected our world is. Hearing from Thainamthip Coca-Cola was also a highlight, they talked about their focus on sustainability, which was inspiring coming from such a large company. The made it point to say that The Coca- Cola Co. spearheaded this movement.
Going into the trip, I had a pretty good idea of what Singapore would be like. I knew it was a clean and safe country, and my time there only reinforced that. However, I didn’t know much about how the Singaporean government played such a big role in creating and maintaining that environment, so learning about that was really eye-opening. Thailand, on the other hand, was a total mystery to me. I knew the tap water wasn’t drinkable and that Bangkok was a big city, but that’s about it. I was surprised by how fast-paced the city was and a little culture shocked when no one spoke English. It made communication harder, but it also forced me to step out of my comfort zone and appreciate their way of life and culture even more.
What really stood out to me in Thailand was the architecture. The temples and high rises were stunning. They are made with so much attention to detail and you can tell a lot of care goes into maintaining them, which made me appreciate their culture even more.
Overall, this trip changed my perspective of both Thai and Singaporean Culture and Business. It showed me how important it is to adapt to different cultures, appreciate global connections, and stay open-minded. It wasn’t just about business—it was about experiencing the world and learning to see things differently.
