Czech Republic & Albania

Overview

As a business major, I am required to complete the class, Global Environment of Business, an introductory course to International Business. However, as a Lindner Business Honors student, I was offered the opportunity to take this course combined with a 12-day study abroad in Europe with 14 other students in the program, and as a person who loves travel, I jumped at the opportunity. 
Leading up to the 12 days abroad, we met as a class at least once a week to learn about different aspects of international business. For example, we learned about the importance of trade which made countries dependent on each other as well as different types of foreign direct investment. At the end of the semester, it was revealed that this great course was going to take us to Prague in the Czech Republic, and all over Albania. Each day we woke up to immerse ourselves in different learning experiences. Whether the day focused on businesses, history, or cultural activities, there was so much to take in. In Prague, we visited many companies such as Crystal BOHEMIA, a glassblowing company, and Steiner & Kovarik, a luxurious chocolate business. Then we traveled to Albania where we ventured from the mountains in Krujë, to the beach in Vlorë, to the city in Tirana. During this trip, I had some culture shocks which were the different currencies and languages. This is something that the United States does not necessarily have so I was not used to overcoming these barriers. However, this was such a great learning opportunity and the trip holds some of the best memories that I have made here at the University of Cincinnati.