Going abroad was something I had looked forward to for a long time. As someone who already spoke Spanish, I thought language would be the easiest part of the experience. In many ways it was, but what I did not expect was how much I would still be challenged by fast-paced conversations, local expressions, and the deeper cultural layers that come with living and working in a different country. This experience pushed me to grow in ways that go beyond just language or travel. Now that I am back, I can clearly see how I have developed personally, academically, and professionally.
Even though I speak Spanish, adapting to a new environment was not always easy. In daily conversations, especially in the workplace, I often had to keep up with fast talkers who used sarcasm or referenced local news I was not always up to date on. It was a humbling reminder that speaking a language is different from fully understanding the social and cultural context it is used in. Instead of pretending to understand everything, I learned to ask questions and stay curious. I also became more comfortable with not always having something to say right away. That kind of patience and self-awareness has helped me feel more grounded, not just in conversations but in how I carry myself in new or unfamiliar settings.
One of the best parts of this experience was seeing how what I’ve studied at Pitt connects to the real world. As a student focused on global management and finance, I had read a lot about international markets, workplace culture, and economic systems. Being in a different country allowed me to see those concepts in action. I noticed how companies adjusted their operations to local expectations and how social and political issues shaped everyday conversations, both inside and outside the office. It made academic topics feel more relevant and sparked a stronger interest in global issues. I also started reading local and international news more often so I could keep up and contribute more meaningfully to discussions.
Professionally, I grew the most in how I approach communication and collaboration. Being in a workplace where people spoke quickly and layered conversations with humor or cultural references forced me to sharpen my listening skills. I had to pay close attention not just to what people were saying, but to how they were saying it. I also had to learn when to ask for clarification and when to just observe and absorb. It taught me that good communication is not just about fluency. It is about understanding context and knowing how to adjust your style to fit the moment. These are skills I plan to carry with me into any professional setting, especially if I continue working across cultures in the future.
The biggest takeaway for me is that growth often happens in the everyday moments. It was not one big moment that changed me, but rather a lot of small ones—times I stayed quiet and listened, times I asked a question instead of guessing, or times I had to step back and adjust how I was approaching a problem. I plan to bring this mindset back to Pitt by staying more engaged in class discussions and more supportive of classmates who might be navigating things for the first time. I also want to keep up the habit of following international news and thinking about how global trends connect to what we’re learning.
Looking ahead, I know this experience has prepared me for the kind of career I want. I hope to work in international business or global consulting, and I now feel more confident doing so. I understand that professional success in international settings is not just about speaking the language or knowing business strategies. It is about listening, adapting, and building trust across differences. These are skills I started developing during this experience, and I want to keep improving them as I move forward.
This trip gave me a clearer picture of how I want to grow and what kind of professional I want to become. It was not always easy, but that is what made it meaningful. I came back more self-aware, more adaptable, and more excited for what comes next.