Hello! My name is Ben, and I’m a junior finance and global management major currently studying abroad in Reims, France, at NEOMA Business School.

Living and studying on a different continent requires a lot of adaptability and the ability to learn quickly. Soft skills have been essential as I’ve interacted with people from around the world, including classmates from Taiwan, Ireland, Norway, Cameroon, India, Italy, Spain, Canada, Argentina, and so many other countries. Because we have different backgrounds, there are sometimes small cultural and social disconnects. Sometimes, topics or viewpoints considered taboo or backward in the US come up in conversation, which can lead to some uncomfortable moments. Additionally, some people’s perceptions of America and Americans can lead to well-intentioned (or sometimes not) discussions about the politics and influence of the US. I am always happy to share my perspective and operate under the assumption that kindness is universal. But I won’t lie: during orientation, when I was asked by a student from India, “Did you come here to escape the school shootings,” I was pretty shocked. Aside from a few small moments, I have made great connections with people from all over Europe and the world.

Respect and friendliness are the only skills you need to make friendships abroad. The French have a reputation for being mean and unwelcoming to tourists, but if you try to speak a bit of French and aren’t obnoxious, they are always happy to help. I have made great friends in my classes with French students, and they are always happy to help with bureaucratic things like figuring out where my packages were taken. The students at NEOMA all speak pretty good English, and when we are in group projects where I am the only non-French speaker, they’re happy to speak in English to ensure I am a part of the discussion.

Overall, I have been able to hone my social skills through talking to people from different backgrounds and build a much broader perspective on global issues and business. Through group projects, I have had to navigate communication difficulties and differing expectations in a way only possible when in a program with few Americans and native English speakers. I have definitely been able to develop my soft skills in a way that has made me a more worldly person and will be essential in my career.