After a long weekend of traveling, we have finally touched down at Logan Airport. This moment is most definitely bitter-sweet for all of the students, as well as the professors. I am sure I can speak on behalf of everyone by saying this trip has been a whirlwind. It has been a once in a lifetime educational experience in which we had the opportunity to speak to business people and not only learn more about business in their country, but also practice our networking skills. Being from the United States, we assume everything operates in the same manner as our own businesses. However, every country has different cultures and norms that shape and mold how they do business. It has been very eye opening and perspective changing for us as students to be able to experience this change in culture first hand and expand our knowledge in the realm of international business.
I am a Business Administration major with an undecided concentration. This trip has helped me to get an inside look at different types of careers and also discover interests that I didn’t even know existed. For example, I have never been someone who was interested in computer science or technology; or so I thought. However, after visiting Codigo Del Sur in Uruguay, I suddenly have found an interest in being apart of a company that develops mobile apps and websites. Who would’ve thought? However, I wasn’t the only student discovering new interests on this trip. Nyla Simon discovered her new interest of working for the software development company, Globant. After the presentation and site visit, she realized that the work environment was one she could see herself being apart of and the company’s mission was one that resided strongly with her. I am certain that other students were able to make personal discoveries towards the development of their careers as well.
Beyond discovering more about ourselves and our futures on this trip, we were also able to dive head first into an unfamiliar culture and gain insight about the world we live in. We experienced the food, dance, language and religion in both Argentina and Uruguay and really got to put our communication skills to the test. I learned so much about the Spanish language and cannot wait to take my knowledge with me in the future for more networking opportunities.
Everyone is exhausted as we drive on the bus back to Bryant University. Some students met their parents at the airport and already said their goodbyes. The rest of us are dreading that moment. We began this trip as a group of strangers and left as family. I can honestly say that I have made friendships I know will last a lifetime. This trip taught me how to network with my peers and create strong relationships which can ultimately help my business skills in the future. It is so important for all of us to not only take away the important educational aspects of the trip, but the social ones as well. Being a good business person entails great communication skills and this Sophomore International Experience succeeded in providing us with exactly that.
On behalf of the 33 students that traveled to Latin America, I would like to thank our three amazing professors for making this trip possible and unforgettable. I would also like to thank Bryant University for providing us with this opportunity. And last but not least, thank you to our parents for supporting us on this educational adventure. It is because of you that we are coming back to Bryant with a boatload of new knowledge, as well as stories and memories that we will tell and remember for the rest of our lives.
Signing off for the Latin America Sophomore International Experience Class of 2020…
-Lauren Medeiros
SIE 2020, Latin America 