Studying abroad has been one of the most enriching experiences during my college career. As my time here is wrapping up, I wanted to thank the generosity of this scholarship from the donors for allowing me to have this experience. I had the opportunity to engage with a completely new culture, expand my world vision, and grow in ways I never imagined. Ways that are personal, academic, and professional. This experience has impacted how I perceive myself, my education, and my future profession.
I became much more self-reliant, tough, and confident. There are always issues with overseas living. Through learning the neighborhood transportation in an unfamiliar language, finding cultural rituals, and experiencing life a thousand miles from home. Those weren’t always good times. Those hardships paid me back. I learned I could rely on myself, mull over solutions in stressful conditions, and keep an open ear to alternatives when the initial selections didn’t hold. These classes have left me more assured in my capability to deal with change and uncertainty.
Academically, the courses that I took abroad served to further my understanding of how business and human behavior are influenced by culture. Particularly, my cross-cultural psychology course allowed me to study how people think, feel, and act in different cultural environments. Being surrounded by international professors made it easier for me to have engaging discussions and new perspectives that I would never have had back home. I now perceive my coursework differently, and I find myself thinking more intensely about the role of culture in shaping organizations, communication, and leadership.
Professionally, the experience gave me a sense of what it is like to work in multicultural, global environments. I had an opportunity to visit local companies and talk to professionals regarding trends and challenges in global markets. These experiences reinforced a higher interest in international business and an appreciation for the importance that cultural competence has on today’s workforce. I also developed an interest in possibly working in Switzerland upon graduation.
Maybe the most important contribution of this program is acquiring a sense of appreciating flexibility, empathy, and ongoing learning. I have learned to listen more intently, respect differences, and modify my style depending on the situation. These are lessons that I will carry with me when I return to Pitt Business and for the rest of my professional life.
In the future, I will apply this international outlook to my career. Whether working for an international organization or with international communities in the U.S., what I learned will be relevant. I am so grateful to have been able to participate with the help of the scholarship, and I will further apply what I’ve learned in becoming a student, a leader, and a global citizen.
