I took my International Business course, IBUS 3510, while I was completing my study abroad semester in Edinburgh. I found my learning in this course was especially beneficial abroad because I had tangible examples of the course content. For example, through environmental analyses, we learned about how cultural differences affect trade and the risks of international trade. At this time, in 2022, Brexit, the separation of the United Kingdom from the European Union, was only two years old. My Scottish classmates were regularly discussing how they felt this major political move was affecting them such as through inflation and online retail.
Another example of this was experiencing cultural differences, traditions, values, and languages in my living quarters. I was the only Canadian in my flat; the others were from Germany, Switzerland, Argentina, United States of America, Netherlands, and Spain. My flatmates and I went to see a rugby game one day, and at the start of the game the Scottish team sung their national anthem, and it gave everyone chills. Many of my flatmates though it was incredible that all the Scottish folk knew their national anthem; however, my flatmates from the USA and I were astonished to know that they didn’t know their national anthems. This aspect alone speaks to the history of each country, and differences like this compiled, can give us a better understanding of each other’s upbringings.
A photo I took of the Edinburgh Christmas market during my semester abroad.