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Author: greenupemily

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By Vanessa Onwughalu

Winter 2024

Embarking on our voyage to Panama from January 2nd to January 10th, our study abroad excursion was a mosaic of diverse perspectives and academic backgrounds. With students representing eight distinct degrees from the GWU Business School, our journey transcended traditional boundaries, enriching our experience and broadening our horizons. 

Arrival and Initial Impressions: 

Stepping into Panama, we were greeted by a vibrant fusion of modernity and tradition. The initial shock of the bustling local atmosphere was tempered by the warmth of the culture, setting the stage for an immersive exploration. 

Insight into the Local Business Environment: 

Panama's business landscape unfolded as a dynamic tapestry, blending urban vigor with traditional charm. This unique juxtaposition provided fertile ground for our collaborative business project, reflecting the multifaceted nature of global commerce. 

Engagement with Host Country/Culture: 

Navigating through Panama's cultural landscape was an enriching journey. From haggling at local markets to indulging in authentic cuisine, each interaction offered a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Panamanian life, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. 

Impactful Class Excursions: 

Our itinerary boasted transformative experiences, including visits to the World Bank Panama, Copa headquarters, and the serene Gamboa lake cruise. Each excursion offered invaluable insights into Panama's economic landscape, success strategies, and natural wonders, shaping our understanding of global dynamics. 

Forging On-Site Connections: 

Our cohort's diversity extended beyond academic disciplines, fostering connections that transcended classroom boundaries. From forging bonds with Hilton staff to networking with industry professionals and alumni, our interactions enriched our collective experience and expanded our professional network. 

Differentiation from On-Campus Learning: 

Diverging from traditional classroom settings, our Panama excursion offered hands-on learning opportunities across disciplines. Whether aspiring marketers, analysts, or consultants, students found real-world applications that augmented their academic pursuits, bridging theory with practice. 

Climate Change and Community Impact: 

The omnipresent issue of climate change manifested in the irregular tides in the city. We were genuinely shocked about the way the tides came out during the night and not at day. 

In summation, our multidisciplinary study abroad to Panama transcended academic boundaries, uniting students from diverse backgrounds in a shared exploration of culture, business, and global citizenship. As we reflect on our transformative journey, the memories and lessons gleaned continue to resonate, serving as a testament to the power of experiential learning and cross-cultural engagement in shaping future leaders in a globalized world. 

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By Vanessa Onwughalu

Winter 2024

As I stand on the precipice of a transformative journey, the upcoming Panama study abroad program beckons with promises of unrivaled business exposure and a global perspective. The decision to participate in this particular program was driven by a profound desire to extend my professional reach beyond conventional boundaries.

Panama, a crossroads of Central and South America, is a country with a rich tapestry of modern skyscrapers seamlessly coexisting with colonial architecture. The allure of this destination extends beyond its breathtaking landscapes; it's a strategic hub connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the famous Panama Canal.

Choosing Panama as the focal point for this academic odyssey is motivated by the prospect of gaining firsthand insights into the complexities of international business. The country's status as one of the highest-income nations in the region, often referred to as the Singapore of Latin America, amplifies the potential for unique learning experiences. As a former business owner and a current MBA student, the idea excites me.

What do I hope to get out of this experience? A burgeoning interest and an enriched
knowledge base regarding business operations in Latin America. The anticipation of
delving into the intricacies of Panama's economy, shaped by the Panama Canal and a thriving services sector, fuels my eagerness to absorb diverse perspectives and
business dynamics.

Preparation for this imminent journey is well underway. Engaging in surveys to tackle anticipated business challenges, my peers and I are laying the groundwork to
understand specific client needs and manage expectations effectively. The importance of meticulous planning and strategic foresight is palpable as we gear up for the intensive consulting experience that lies ahead.

This pre-travel phase is not just about logistics; it's about cultivating a mindset poised for exploration, learning, and cultural immersion. As the prospect of navigating through Panama's rainforests and engaging with local businesses looms on the horizon, the amalgamation of analytical skills acquired through MBA coursework with a curiosity for diverse cultures forms the foundation for what promises to be a transformative adventure.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to delving into the bustling streets of Panama City, exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity, and unraveling the intricate threads of global business dynamics. This blog serves as a precursor to the unfolding chapters of this journey, a canvas waiting to be painted with the vibrant hues of Panama's culture, business ethos, and the invaluable experiences that lie ahead.

I look forward to taking you on the journey of the Program.

Panama Sundown

Bruna, Miguel. Panama Sundown. 2018. Unsplash. Accessed 2024.

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By: Camila Batres

June 2, 2023

Participating in CAP UAE in Dubai was a truly transformative experience that provided me with valuable insights and personal growth. One of the main takeaways from my experience in Dubai was the significance of building relationships. Observing the strong connections between our Industry Partners and their extensive network highlighted the importance of fostering meaningful connections. 

Being in Dubai showed me that building relationships is essential for establishing a robust professional network. This realization emphasized the value of genuine connections and the willingness to help one another without ulterior motives. It was a valuable lesson that will shape my approach to networking in my future career. Professionally and academically, I have been incorporating the skills and knowledge acquired during the program into my daily life. One crucial skill I have embraced is the art of storytelling. Recognizing its power to captivate an audience and convey messages effectively, I am now more mindful of how I present information and make recommendations. Engaging others through compelling narratives has proven valuable in both professional and academic settings. This skill will undoubtedly enhance my career search and intellectual pursuits by enabling me to communicate ideas more effectively and with confidence.

Arabian Nights with Professor Debass and Team 

Participating in the CAP program in Dubai opened my eyes to the abundance of opportunities beyond the United States, particularly in rapidly developing regions like the Middle East. Witnessing the growth and dynamism of Dubai highlighted the potential for professional and personal development in diverse cultural contexts. Moreover, my conversations with our Industry Partner, Carl Manlan, Vice President of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability at Visa (Central & Eastern Europe Middle East and Africa) (pictured below), shed light on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, a perspective that has influenced how I view my own aspirations and goals.

Camila (left), Garima and Tanya with their client Carl Manlan

One of the most transformative changes in my philosophies and habits is a shift towards enjoying the present moment. During CAP, I learned to appreciate the significance of being fully present and attentive by immersing myself in the experiences, better understanding the purpose behind each visit and conversation. This newfound habit has allowed me to extract valuable insights and deepened my appreciation for the opportunities to access important information and business insights in a foreign country. My CAP journey in Dubai shaped me into a more culturally aware, open-minded, and growth-oriented individual, preparing me for future success in my career and personal life.

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By Sophie Titlebaum  

May 28, 2023

My key takeaways from the experience include the kindness of my classmates, the great growth we all experienced, and the uniqueness of Berlin. My classmates were all very inclusive to the entire group, inviting every student to every outing. We all were pushed to grow in so many ways, including academically, professionally, and personally. Our professor, Dr. Messerli, was a huge driver and reason behind all of our individual and group-related growth. Berlin is incredibly unique and open to all types of lifestyles and viewpoints. It is considered an island within Germany, as it is so special and different from the rest of the country. The only thing that I wish I knew ahead of time is how much I would love the country! Had I known, I might have considered coming a few days before the start of the program.

 The End of an Unforgettable Program

On our final day, we took a boat ride through Berlin to enjoy a nice peaceful dinner. It was a poetic experience, as on the boat ride, we could see many of the places we had visited and enjoyed together throughout the past 2 weeks.

Source: Eamon (Berlin Tour Guide)

I am incorporating new skills and knowledge acquired during the program in many aspects of my daily life. As we had very high expectations of our work ethic throughout the program, I have continued to keep this level of expectation towards myself. I learned how important it is to be incredibly diligent and a team player and I continue to use and grow upon these skills in my internship. I will never forget these lessons.

Team GCube

On the boat ride, my team, GCube was sure to get a photo with the beautiful view. We were missing one teammate, Araba, who wasn’t able to attend. After a semester full of hard work, this was a great experience to reflect and relax.

This experience changed how I view the world in that I am humbled. In Berlin, it felt as though relationships were the top priority. In the United States, however, sometimes work is seen as the top priority. It was nice to see this different way of life, and it reminded me of what is most important. Berlin has a bit of a “work hard, play hard” mentality, in that they have the German work ethic, yet also value lots of other aspects of life.

The Socialist Fraternal Kiss in Person

On our final day, we had the opportunity to see the Fraternal Kiss at the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall. This was an excellent opportunity to see art throughout the city, which emphasized Berlin's history. It was a great way to wrap up the trip, as it tied together many of the stories we had heard.

Since participating in my program, I have been more intentional about my actions. This helps me add more purpose to each choice and allows me to reflect on each of my decisions. I would love to go back to Berlin one day, and I am very thankful for the great experience!

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