Preparing for Brazil – Global Experience 2020

Not many folks would put Brazil as the top of their list of places to visit due to lots of negative media coverage.  However, if you take the time to speak with anyone who has actually visited the country, they will all tell you it was one of the most amazing spots they’ve visited.  One such person who really solidified my desire to visit Brazil was my aunt who is quite the world traveler.  She’s spoken at length about how beautiful and vibrant the country is, how pleasant the people are, and how good the food is.  That last one really sold me.

The Global Experience presents an interesting opportunity for Smith MBA students.  It’s a chance to learn what it is to work with individuals of variant cultural backgrounds and world experience; and that’s just your team.  The cultural opportunities give students a chance to see what business is like far from home.  Experience is what makes each unique and uniquely capable.  This is one experience I highly recommend.

The program works to ensure that students have a rounded experience in preparation for their time abroad; building an understanding of the variances in culture, norms, and motivations of the business world that do not always align with what we are accustomed to in the United States.  Over the course of multiple meetings leading into the program we had the opportunity to meet with other students in the program, our fellow travelers, and our professor guides.  It’s an experience that builds comfort and sets expectations for the journey.  My trip had the opportunity to meet twice in the Fall; discussing our companies and preparing for the differences in culture in Brazil.  Professor Prochno was extraordinarily helpful in this, being born and raised in Brazil.