Studying abroad is on the rise because it’s a fun life-changing experience. However, many students are not aware that the skills they develop can be a powerful advantage. We spoke to Edgar Sanchez, a student at EU Business School, about how studying abroad provides a gateway to success in international business.
Studying abroad broadens horizons and provides new experiences for students pursuing higher education. In a globalized world, graduates with international education and experience are highly valued by employers.
IIE’s Gaining an Employment Edge study reveals that over 70% of students say their experiences abroad helped them develop critical business skills. These skills include interculturality, adaptability, problem-solving, resourcefulness, and self-reliance. Students also report having improved communication skills thanks to their fluency in different languages.
This article explores how studying abroad can be a gateway to cultural intelligence skills, coveted in today’s international business landscape.
We spoke to Edgar Sanchez, a study abroad student from Mexico who selected the EU Business School campus in Munich for his MBA. He tells MBAGRADSCHOOLS about the lessons he learned through his study abroad experience in Germany. Edgar shares how this knowledge helps him to navigate international business settings more successfully.
When leaving your home country to study abroad, you sign up for unexpected challenges in a different environment and culture.
Adapting and finding ways to overcome challenges is a great way to practice flexibility and open-mindedness. Practicing the art of letting go of our own way of doing things in order to welcome new perspectives also helps foster inclusion and diversity.
When we asked Edgar about his motivation to study at EU Business School, he explains that he wanted the challenge of immersing himself in a culture that differs greatly from Mexico. (01:35)
“I wanted to have this shock … to learn the way of life from this culture, so I could have a different perspective, and understand these little differences that I do think make the difference. In terms of business, in terms of way of life, and in terms of thinking. That was the main goal that I wanted to achieve here,” he says. (01:48)
Students who, like Edgar, can adapt to new environments are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges in international business settings.
Studying abroad provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in different environments and learn to navigate cultural differences.
Having cross-cultural competency is especially valuable in international business. Understanding and respecting cultural norms and customs is critical for building relationships and conducting business successfully in a global environment.
A notable advantage of moving to a new country is the prospect of developing meaningful connections with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through sharing experiences with others, students can widen their worldviews and learn different ways of thinking and operating.
Edgar lived with roommates from diverse international backgrounds. Interacting with them taught him about their lifestyles, cuisines, communication styles, and problem-solving methods. Edgar reasons that this form of day-to-day understanding grants insights into other cultures’ approaches to business matters. (05:56)
Living abroad helps students to get acquainted with cultural norms, non-verbal cues, social customs, and attitudes regarding business etiquette. The inevitable clashes with roommates from diverse backgrounds are beneficial for learning to handle conflicts. These experiences are negotiations outside of business, providing insight into cultural differences and how to achieve win-win situations. (07:18)
“What I have learned right now and understood about the culture is that here, five means five,” says Edgar referring to the cultural differences in punctuality between Mexico and Germany. (10:04)
One of the many things it’s good to know for students coming from more relaxed cultures.
Edgar’s experience is an excellent example of how studying abroad helps students develop cultural sensitivity. In other words, recognizing and respecting cultural differences with an adaptive mindset rather than judgment. Cultural sensitivity is vital for building inclusive and respectful relationships with international partners.
It’s well known that the best way to learn a language is by living with native speakers. In this way, the learner is soaking up the language on a daily basis through real-life interactions.
Speaking multiple languages is a valuable skill to facilitate communication with international partners and clients in business. Yet, it is also a great way to help develop cultural understanding, a fundamental in building cross-cultural relationships.
Edgar has been learning German while studying in Munich. For him, the language is the way to connect to his new environment. “For me, being able to speak German fluently is not only something required, but it helps you understand the culture as well, and it’s easier for you to get integrated into the culture and learn how to express yourself and create a network.” (03:28)
Language and culture are intertwined. By learning a language, students can better understand the cultural context in which the language is used. Understanding the cultural context is necessary for building relationships and conducting business in different situations.
Being in a new and unfamiliar environment can present a range of obstacles that students must navigate independently. For example, language barriers, cultural differences, or logistical issues can pose challenges. Studying abroad demands resourcefulness and creativity to tackle daily challenges, encouraging self-reliance and self-confidence.
Studying in a new country is an unparalleled opportunity to grow into a more open-minded, self-reliant, and confident leader in international business. It helps you learn new languages, understand other cultures, and gain a broader understanding and perspective of the world.
Globalization has affected the way businesses operate. Therefore, cultural intelligence is no longer a nice-to-have but an essential skill set that will become increasingly important.
If you are considering studying an MBA at EU Business School, contact Edgar or another of EU’s ambassadors.
