It is hard to encapsulate such a life-changing and unforgettable trip into words. My experience abroad was above anything I have ever experienced. 

We visited several businesses throughout our time in Madrid and Seville, both notable to the culture and customs of the country. Each of the companies had their own personal flair and connection to Spanish culture. 

The program enhanced my personal experience towards business and how different cultures incorporate their own customs and values into business while still maintaining a global scale. I thought this perspective was huge and gave me a real expectation and tangible experience to attach this idea to. We visited an orange farm, olive oil farm, and winery, perfectly encompassing the authenticity of the iconic Spanish exports. 

Going into the experience I was hoping to get a very well-rounded idea of business and culture in Spain, and I feel like I got that and beyond my expectations. Specifically, one of my favorite parts of the program was just walking around Seville, the architecture there had me in awe of the detailed and authentic nature they maintain so well there, it makes you forget what time period you are in. I learned from their culture and differences I noticed from the U.S. that no one is in a hurry; everyone is so lax and just enjoys every moment. There is little urgency from locals, especially in Seville. I felt like the culture was so anti-consumerism something very foreign to us here in the U.S. I learned to appreciate the time you have to just spend with your family and friends without the huge emphasis on constant movement and stimulation. Siesta is also a huge example of this custom in Spain, from around 2-5pm businesses will shut down for a nap, or just time to spend with family as a country-wide break for free time. This is something you would never expect from America and how capitalist centric we are here. 

Coming from someone who has never experienced life outside of North America, the culture was extremely different and refreshing, I never thought I would get the opportunity to experience Europe this early in my life and I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience something so different and get an idea of what the rest of the world looks like and values. 

The language difference I thought would be a struggle but people in Spain are very custom to the English language, I feel like I didn’t have any issues communicating with locals and at small businesses. Besides that, I picked up on a little bit of Spanish, mostly just asking for the check at a restaurant or tapas place. Other than that, most was just refreshment from high school Spanish class. However, it did help understanding the culture and a way of being respectful to the domestic language I felt was important to respect.

• Name: Annika McDowell
• Status: Senior
• Major: Accounting
• Hometown: Lake Orion, Michigan
• Program: Business and Culture in Spain