Growing up with a deep interest in traveling and exploring different countries and traditions, I have often been aware of the importance of culture and the significance of open-mindedness in my adventures and growth.
I believed I was competent and that I already knew how to deal with cross-cultural situations, yet the more I progressed through the course, the more I was proved wrong.
Having lived outside my home country, Lebanon, for the majority of my life, I have always been fond of interacting with people from outside of my culture – transcending my comfort zone.
Living in two countries, speaking four languages, and traveling worldwide has made me love learning about different cultures and opened my mind to different perspectives. Thus, when I saw the class description for BA 310, I was excited to learn about the MENA region and meet new people virtually.
Before taking BA 310, I thought that having an open mind was key to being culturally competent.
My passion and love for travel have always made me interested in understanding and learning more about cultures.
When I first heard about this program, I was very excited because quarantine was so hard to deal with. I was very happy to apply, and I was over the moon when I got accepted.
I am a business student at the Libyan International Medical University (LIMU). Being always interested in learning about other cultures, the Business & Culture practicum caught my attention, and I decided to take part in it through BYTE.
When I first heard about the Business &Culture program, I was very excited to join. What I was looking forward to most was being able to interact with people from the other side of the world.
My time in the Cross-Cultural Business class — part of the Business & Culture program run by the William Davidson Institute — was one of the most beneficial I have been able to take at the University of Michigan.