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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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By: Camila Batres

May 18, 2023

Dubai greeted me warmly with a welcoming atmosphere for residents and tourists alike. It amazed me how comfortable the city has become with foreigners, instantly putting me at ease. I eagerly delved into the local business environment, exploring beyond the usual tourist spots. This hands-on approach gave me a deeper understanding of Dubai's growth as a global business hub.

Connections made in Dubai were remarkable. Carl, our primary partner at Visa, went beyond a professional relationship, showing genuine interest in getting to know us personally. Our encounter with the CEO of NowMoney validated our hard work and inspired us to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship further. These connections emphasized the value of networking and lasting relationships.

Interaction with the host country's culture was also extraordinary. I immersed myself in bustling markets, savored local cuisine, and even had the privilege of meeting Emirati royalty, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan who shared unique insights into his vision of Dubai's future with the class. Visits to NYU Abu Dhabi and the Museum of the Future also showcased the UAE's educational and technological landscape, emphasizing knowledge, technology
and innovation. 

A memorable moment was our final dinner cruise where we celebrated our accomplishments. The vibrant dance floor, set against the stunning cityscape, united participants from diverse backgrounds. My classmates in the Botho Emerging Markets team created a magical ambiance with Afro, Latino, and Arab music blending seamlessly. We danced, laughed, and created lasting memories, cherishing the transformative power of shared experiences.

This program differed significantly from on-campus courses at GWSB. It blended academic learning with practical experiences in an international setting. Immersion in Dubai's business environment broadened my horizons, offering unparalleled educational and personal growth opportunities. Overall, my Dubai experience was enriching academically and personally. The connections made, cultural experiences, and insights into business and technology will have a lasting impact on my journey.

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By: Jesse 

May 23, 2023

My CAP experience as finally come to a close. I embarked on an amazing and transformative adventure with my classmates to Dubai, UAE. The experience left an indelible mark on me, opening my eyes to the vast opportunities and cultural diversity present in the international business landscape. 

One of the most significant takeaways from my experience in Dubai was realizing the profound depth and richness of the international business landscape. The intricacies of conducting business within the UAE, particularly the unique free-zone model designed to foster foreign direct investment, made me understand that there is a sea of hidden depths when conducting international business. I now understand that there is much more to learn about this subject, and I am eager to explore it further.

Jesse (second from left) pictured with members of his CAP team and
Industry Partners

That being said, the skills and knowledge I acquired during the program have already begun to shape my daily life both professionally and academically. Professionally, the connections I made and the invaluable insights shared by industry experts have provided me with a solid foundation as I pursue a career in consulting. Additionally, the experience of working closely with a client, preparing, and delivering presentations, has boosted my confidence and equipped me with invaluable strategies and techniques. Experiencing the Middle East firsthand has also forever changed my worldview. While Dubai’s tolerance and internationality is unique within the larger region, its international allure and multicultural fabric allowed me to glimpse the accessibility and potential for the wider region. 

On a more personal level, immersing myself in this program, I’ve been introduced to a diverse group of successful individuals from various backgrounds. Their stories demonstrated that success does not follow a linear path and that goals can evolve along the way. This realization has shifted my perspective, allowing me to be more adaptable and open-minded in navigating the twists and turns of my own journey. 

As I bid farewell to Dubai, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for the complexities of international business and the diverse opportunities it presents. The experiences and knowledge gained during this program will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors, both professionally and academically. Dubai has forever imprinted itself in my heart, leaving me with cherished memories and a broader understanding of the world we live in.

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