Amandha Guimaraes
International Business Society: Language Barriers and Cultural Differences in the Workplace
September 20, 2022
They lured me in with insomnia cookies and kept me interested through the panel discussion.
On September 20th, I went to the first Villanova International Business Society general body meeting of the year. Scoping out the room, many of the kids were either there for an ACS event or, like me, for Backpack-to-Briefcase.
Thankfully, although many of us were there for external motives, the panel did not disappoint and kept us all genuinely engaged.
The panel of 5 had previous work or study experience abroad, ranging from London, Paris, Puerto Rico, and Singapore.
Many of these alumni studied abroad during their time at Villanova! Down below is the link to log in to your own Villanova Passport, where you can see what study abroad programs are being offered and how to begin the application process for them. There are even different scholarships that you can apply for!
https://passport.villanova.edu/
As someone studying abroad in Singapore next semester, I found the discussion surrounding Singapore the most beneficial. Fernando for example worked in Singapore for a year and explained the work culture there. He talked about how everybody lives a slower-paced life than what the typical American is accustomed to. When working in the office and collaborating with others, as an intern, they care more about your input than a company typically would in America.
The advice that was given was to appreciate the differences between their culture and ours. Everyone believed it important to keep an open mind. For example, Kenneth, who worked abroad in London, stated that you’re dow workers will want to get to know you outside the office and to step out of your comfort zone and get to know them. This is something that oftentimes is not seen in American work life, but to just continuously do things outside of your norm, to get the full experience abroad. Allison, a recent VSB alum stated that although we are not required to learn a second language, we all should aspire to elevate ourselves as future businessmen.
Some benefits of working or studying abroad were that it teaches you to be less ethnocentric because as Americans we typically are quicker to judge cultures that are different from our own. Allison also said you become a better listener and even nicer since our own culture is very quick paces and more aggressive than most.
Overall, this was a great panel discussion that kept me and the rest of the students engaged through thought-provoking advice and personal stories. I will be sure to keep the discussions from this panel in mind when going abroad myself next semester, and encourage other VSB students to also get involved with the International Business Society!
Domestic Business is out, International Business is in. 