My time abroad on a new continent is most definitely a memorable one, in terms of the friendship, connections, the experiences we shared together, and all of the cultural, company and social visits.

This program allowed me to expand my understanding of a global mindset through traveling abroad while adding to my academic intellect. It also allowed me to explore the culture, food, music, and overall aura of Spain and Portugal. This was also mainly shaped by cultural experiences and also understanding of business within an international context.

Traveling abroad and staying within the capital of Spain and Portugal to see what a true European city is like will forever be in my heart. Through the company visits to up-and-coming ventures and also well-established institutions my business pursuits and career skills were able to be strengthened and my knowledge grew. I think what mainly shaped my understanding of the global mindset and international business within an international context was the presentations learning about Spain’s Economy by Prof. Aránzazu Narbona, Ph.D. and Portugal’s Economy by Entrepreneur Adelino Dinis. I was fascinated more by the Portuguese economy, and how tourism and other aspects, such as the wine industry and more popular Portuguese products help contribute to the economy and the GDP. This in turn allows the average Portuguese citizen to have a fulfilling life and comfortable life. It was also shocking to find out about the current environment in Portugal, and how its main sectors are overcoming the challenges such as recovery from the pandemic and achieving sustainability.

On a personal level, I was able to connect and create lasting friendships with new people that were also on my program. It creates a community of people with shared experience abroad, that’s what makes it special. I was also able to travel and communicate with the natives, using Spanish and English in Spain and English in Portugal. It was not difficult, and I felt safe and comfortable in each country.

One myth I can say is false: you won't have time to study abroad if you want to graduate on time. Like my program you are able to do it during breaks, which can also add to your traveling destinations. I would say as an international student already doing “education abroad” at MSU, it is an amazing opportunity to be able to explore even more countries and their cultures through an academic, professional, and social context. It was an honor to join my peers and program director on this journey. I am grateful to be part of this successful and widespread event and it has sparked my interest in going on more similar programs.

Overall, I enjoyed all this program had to offer, and I will forever be recommending it to everyone I meet!

Name: Emily Chand
Status: Sophomore
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana
Program: Business and Culture in Spain