My fifth week began like most other weeks. I work from home three out of five days of the week, so I used my flexible schedule to expand my European wardrobe. As I expected, I’ve found the overall fashion in Sweden to be quite different than America’s. The stereotype that Europeans dress much nicer than Americans is largely true. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that Stockholm is a major city, and most major cities will have a strong art/fashion scene.
However, I am still conflicted on whether I prefer this elevated style or not. While most outfits were “classy” and well put together, there was a striking homogeneity to them. I didn’t see as many “eye catching” outfits as I would in Pittsburgh.
That being said, it was not too much of a challenge to find extremely interesting shops to get clothing. I spent a lot of time in Gamla Stan, translated to “The Old Town”, where I rotated between a cluster of second-hand designer shops and local artisan shops. I will study abroad in Florence next semester, and I look forward to further expanding my closet. As the work-week ended, some friends and I traveled to Budapest, Hungary for a weekend trip. As we planned this at the beginning of the trip, it was hard to believe that we were already at the halfway point of our time in Sweden!
Budapest brought some great changes to the usual Sweden routine. It was an incredible city, and certainly different from Stockholm. It was refreshing to see the significantly cheaper prices ($9.65 for a full pizza and drink!) as well as a fully dark night sky. Getting around was slightly more difficult, as English was not as prevalent as Stockholm, but we were generally able to communicate with others.
A highlight of our time in Budapest were the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, a huge thermal pool complex set inside of a palace. We spent our second afternoon there, enjoying the warm water and beautiful surroundings. I played a chess match against a local that I’m proud to say ended in a draw, and finished off the day with a cold plunge in an indoor pool.
Throughout my time in-country, the transferable skill I have developed most is independence. Navigating a hybrid work schedule where I work remotely three days a week requires high levels of self-discipline, time management, and proactive problem-solving. Beyond individual accountability, I have significantly strengthened my communication and teamwork skills. Operating in an international workplace means learning how to effectively take instructions, clarify expectations across language nuances, and collaborate smoothly with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Whether coordinating tasks remotely or adapting to local workplace norms, I have learned to listen actively and communicate with clarity.
At my internship, I have gained hands-on experience in essential sales and marketing operations. I have learned when and how to use a CRM, as well as develop and send cold outreach emails.
My global competencies, specifically cultural awareness, adaptability, and open-minded observation, have been essential for navigating daily life and travel in Europe.
Observing cultural differences in Stockholm, such as the distinct local fashion standards and elevated everyday style, taught me to pay close attention to implicit cultural norms. This observational mindset proved invaluable during my weekend trip to Budapest. Unlike Stockholm, where English is nearly universally spoken, Budapest presented a more pronounced language barrier.
Navigating public transit, dining, and cultural sites required me to rely on non-verbal communication, patience, and cultural humility. For example, during a visit to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, playing a friendly chess match with a local resident highlighted how shared activities and respectful engagement can bridge language gaps.
