What else is there to say other than wow. I didn’t know what to expect with a one-week study abroad program in Dubai, but I was amazed by how every building smelled good ha-ha. On a serious note, the Global Business in Dubai study abroad program allowed me to experience the differences in how people and businesses do business.

One of the biggest takeaways from this program was how important clarity about what you want the future to look like is to the success of a company and government. This idea was shown not only in Dubai’s 30-to-100-year plans but also in the private sector where businesses were able to plan for the future because of the clarity given to them by the government.

Another thing that stood out to me was how much you can learn in a short period due to being immersed in what you are learning about. Before going on this program, I was a bit skeptical about the amount of information you could learn in only a week. However, because we were talking with actual industry experts and experiencing the culture through food and attractions, I came out learning more than I think I could have in a semester-long course. I attribute that amount of learning to the age-old adage, you don’t learn by listening or reading, you learn by doing.

So, if you do end up going on this program, here are some suggestions on how to make it as good as possible. First, even if you don’t think you will like it, I know I didn’t like some of it, TRY THE FOOD. Secondly, don’t be shy, make friends. Experiencing things with others enhances the experience itself. Lastly, be an active participant in discussions with the people from the companies you meet. One of my friends made a connection that potentially might end with a job opportunity. I was able to share my interests with someone and they are planning on connecting me with two of their friends who also share the same interest. You never know the outcome of a relationship if you don’t begin with a simple introduction.

Name: Blake Kaufman
Status: Junior
Major: Marketing
Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Program: Global Business in Dubai