Experience
From my time in Europe, I was able to learn about the business world and what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. I thought it was interesting to see the business industry in not just one, but two foreign countries. I learned that with any great idea, you really can make an idea a reality. Throughout all the presentations and businessmen I met, I was able to see how their ideas developed throughout time. I learned to dream big and use resources when thinking about my own future start-up. One piece of advice that Sebastian from Stylight shared that really stuck with me was to join forces with people that you are really good friends with and people who you know will put forth the same amount of effort that you will do. He said that his idea for Stylight would have never happened if it was not for his friends putting forth their time and effort into what seemed like a small idea at the time.
My experience in a foreign country reminded me about how much American culture differs from the rest of the world. I would love the opportunity to learn how to speak both Italian and German after visiting both countries because I hope to one day return to both. I initially had high expectations when I knew I was going to visit Italy. While Rome was beautiful, I believe that it was filled with more tourists than I thought would be present. I did not have any expectations when I traveled to Germany, yet I found myself enjoying both the people and culture more than I would have ever imagined. I loved eating pretzels at every meal and I enjoyed hearing about all the entrepreneurs from Munich. Both cities shocked me with their innovative people coming up with such creative ideas for their companies. I will never forget walking around EnLabs or laying on a big bean bag in Stylight's nap room. I truly enjoyed this study abroad trip and can only hope that more University of Maryland students will continue to apply to this class and this short-term program.
My experience in a foreign country reminded me about how much American culture differs from the rest of the world. I would love the opportunity to learn how to speak both Italian and German after visiting both countries because I hope to one day return to both. I initially had high expectations when I knew I was going to visit Italy. While Rome was beautiful, I believe that it was filled with more tourists than I thought would be present. I did not have any expectations when I traveled to Germany, yet I found myself enjoying both the people and culture more than I would have ever imagined. I loved eating pretzels at every meal and I enjoyed hearing about all the entrepreneurs from Munich. Both cities shocked me with their innovative people coming up with such creative ideas for their companies. I will never forget walking around EnLabs or laying on a big bean bag in Stylight's nap room. I truly enjoyed this study abroad trip and can only hope that more University of Maryland students will continue to apply to this class and this short-term program.