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By Vanessa Onwughalu

Winter 2024

As I reflect on my recent study abroad trip to Panama City, Panama, organized by the Global Business Project Panama program, a flood of memories and insights rushes through my mind. The experience was nothing short of transformative, shaping both my professional outlook and personal growth in profound ways. Here are some key takeaways from my journey: 

Confidence in Business Development and Global Ventures: 

One of the most significant takeaways from my time in Panama is the newfound confidence in navigating the world of business development, particularly for large corporations like Hilton, Boeing, Nestle Copa. The exposure to Panama's unique business environment, with its strategic location and booming economy, equipped me with valuable insights into global ventures. I feel empowered to tackle complex challenges and explore opportunities on a global scale.

 

 

 

 Embracing a Global Perspective: 

The immersion into Panama's rich culture and dynamic economy broadened my worldview significantly. From the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers to the lush rainforests teeming with exotic species, Panama embodied a blend of tradition and innovation. This experience instilled in me a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of our world. 

The Value of Language and Cultural Immersion: 

Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of speaking Spanish before embarking on this journey. While I could engage with locals on a surface level, fluency in Spanish would have allowed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of local business ventures and forge stronger connections with the community. Nevertheless, the experience underscored the significance of language proficiency and cultural immersion in unlocking new opportunities.

Integration of Skills into Daily Life: 

Professionally and academically, the skills and knowledge acquired during the program have seamlessly integrated into my daily life. From conducting research to delivering compelling presentations, I have leveraged these newfound capabilities in various facets of my career and academic pursuits. For instance, the data analysis skills honed during my collaboration with Hilton now inform my Consulting Abroad Project in Germany, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Embracing Openness and Confidence: 

Beyond the realm of academia and professional endeavors, my philosophies and habits underwent a profound transformation. I learned to embrace openness and reject self-imposed limitations, whether in terms of geographical boundaries or personal beliefs. The experience emboldened me to consider diverse opportunities and embrace new challenges with confidence and enthusiasm. 

In conclusion, my Panama study abroad experience has been a catalyst for growth, both professionally and personally. It imbued me with the courage to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our world. As I embarked on the next chapter of my journey, I carried with me the invaluable lessons and memories forged in the vibrant streets of Panama City. 

Published on

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. 

Published on

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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 Featured in the above photo:  Lunch and conversation with Lord Neil Kinnock in the House of Lords Dining Room. 

By Olivia Lacny (PMBA '23)

One of my biggest regrets from my undergraduate years is that I didn’t study abroad. My friends would come back from a semester in Paris, a summer in Valencia, or a month in Nicaragua with memories and a whole new world perspective that I envied. I knew at the time that my financial situation could not support an extended time abroad and I did not yet have the confidence to travel alone. Still, it bothered me that I hadn’t taken the opportunity to revel in the mélange of culture and academia. I made my peace with that fact, accepting that the time in my life for living abroad had passed.

Lunch at country inn in Winchester, author left foreground.

Having experienced graduate school in my late twenties, I knew that the lessons I gleaned from academia were more meaningful than when I was in my late teens/early twenties. I feel that having waited until grad school to “study abroad”, this sentiment holds true. The timing is right. I remember snickering at my friends who returned to America feeling “cultured” and “worldly”, as if 16 weeks in a different country could alter your world view. I understand it now. Just six days in the United Kingdom has changed my outlook on climate change, work-life balance, and the impact policy has on public health outcomes. 

Most of this is due to the interactions that we had with the different spheres of expertise, but I would be remiss if I thought my classmates didn’t also play into this perspective shift. I thought that after this trip I would have gotten my “study abroad fix”, but I want to live an extended time abroad now more than ever. This is just the beginning and as a prepare to enter my thirties, I’m open to the opportunity of moving outside of the United States. Mortgage, dog, and homelife aside, this trip has taught me the importance of immersion in a different culture.

What I Learned from My Peers

This experience wouldn’t have altered my perspective, had it been a class of 20, like-minded MBA students.  One of the most invaluable attributes of this course is that I was surrounded by people who chartered a different path in academia. I learned almost as much from the questions that others asked, as I learned from the keynote speakers. For instance, some of my classmates had an impressive background in environmental policy. Every time that  they asked a question about climate policies, I would find myself amazed by their expertise in the field. I felt this with almost all my classmates from different programs. At dinner our first night,  a couple of my classmates spent 25 minutes talking about the Jones Act as it relates to the Coast Guard and the supply chain. Did I have any clue what the Jones Act was? No, but I do now! The smaller, informal interactions with my peers proved to be as meaningful and informative as our formal interactions.

General Observations

Learnings from the trip fall into two categories: 1) dialogue and perspective from our speakers and 2) cultural aspects of living in the UK. To begin with the content of our speaker series, one of the most striking aspects of our dialogue was that regardless of industry, businesspeople and policy makers have made a conscious effort to incorporate sustainability into their strategy. The most surprising, was that however conservative Liam Fox is, he is actively aware of the consequences of climate change. Both sides of the aisle agree that this is a world crisis. This is a stark contrast from the American conservative parties who refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of climate change.

Liam Fox speaking with STAP UK participants.

Culturally, it’s obvious that Brits spend more time thinking about current international events compared to how often Americans think about global happenings. Could it be because Brexit was only a few years ago, and the fallout from leaving the EU has dominated the news ever since? Maybe. On the train a man and his son (who was probably around 7 or 8 years old) sat down across from me. The son asked a question that prompted his father to respond with his thoughts on the US’s national debt. The reverse situation would never happen in the US! I doubt American third graders are keen to discuss other countries’ national debt. This was also a theme of my conversations at the Alumni event. Expats explained how they spent their weekends and I realized how easy it is to immerse yourself in a dozen different cultures. You can easily take a weekend trip to Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rome (the list goes on)- where the language, food, fashion, and traditions are all wildly different than London. In the US we have the option of traveling across the US or to Canada all of which are similar. Mexico is the only country within somewhat close proximity in which you can experience a different culture.

Core Memories

I’ve created so many wonderful memories, it’s hard to decide on my favorite part of the trip. I enjoyed seeing Winchester and its remarkable cathedral and Cambridge with its medieval charm. Never again in my life, will I have the opportunity to speak with MPs in the House of Commons, or dine with a real-life Lord.  As much as I would love to do a graduate program abroad, I will probably never have another opportunity to study economics at Cambridge. 

Global Head of Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare Richard Threlfall with UK STAP group at KPMG Headquarters, Canary Wharf. 

My favorite speakers included MP Carolyn Harris and Richard Threlfall from KPMG. Both had a contagious enthusiasm for their work. As a consultant, I appreciated learning about consulting in a different industry. I loved Richard’s “primer” activity asking questions like “what would happen 6 years & 26 days from today?”. It felt like a game of trivia, which was a welcome change after a long day of meetings.

Carolyn Harris did not fit my perception of an MP. It was empowering to hear that someone with a working-class background and purple hair could become an MP, and that you don’t need to fit the classic mold of a “politician” in order to be one in the UK. This is different from politicians in the US, where it is almost impossible to become a representative without copious amounts of money and fashion conformity.

STAP UK 2023 participants in Parliament with MP Carolyn Harris and Councillor Aysha Raza

Carolyn spoke with such passion on the concept of women’s health and menopause, it reinvigorated the same passion that I once had while studying in undergrad. When Carolyn said that she would let us know when she was on Capitol Hill, I would ACTUALLY want to see her! She was a refreshing personality in a somewhat stuffy parliament building.

Conclusion

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program. It exceeded my expectations and pushed me to learn and explore academic disciplines other than my own. The itinerary was perfectly organized and executed and with each new guest speaker I felt more excited. I used to poke fun at my friends who said study abroad “changed their life”, and while I’m the same person that I was before London, I will cherish the memories I created through this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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