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Question: What has been the most meaningful part of your time abroad? Whether it was a lesson you learned, a place you went or a person you got to know, what was the most significant part of your trip overall?
Written by: Kyle Apanaschik
From gaining a better understanding of cultures throughout the world, to meeting new friends, studying abroad has been absolutely amazing. With only approximately one month left, I am trying to prolong the days here in Europe and not take anything for granted.
When our group of 13 Bentley students arrived in Dublin, I did not know what to expect. Soon enough, I began bonding with students from Bentley, as well as with students from all over the world. In fact, I have become close to many individuals who will be considered great friends moving forward in the future.
Additionally, this experience has broadened my horizons and increased my understanding of cultures throughout the world. My initial thoughts prior to arriving in Dublin were that the cultures in both America and Ireland were pretty similar, and that not too much adaption would be needed.
Soon enough, I realized I was wrong. The simple things included in day-to-day activities are even vastly different. For instance, I had to adjust to the lack of urgency to show up to meetings and even classes on time.
At Bentley, for example, many students normally show up early for a meeting, or at worst, right on time. On the contrary, in Dublin, students can stroll into meetings 10 – 20 minutes late like it is no big deal. In fact, at the orientation meeting in January, one of the staff members informed all of the American students that the culture in Ireland does not possess any emphasis on arriving on time.
Although America and Ireland have their differences in culture, they are actually much more similar than a variety of other countries I have visited.
In Spain, for example, naps are an integral part of the day. These “siestas” occur in the afternoon, resulting in many business and restaurants shutting down for a few hours. In Germany, it was important to greet superiors with a firm handshake and an honest look in the eyes. Although I did not have to attend any meetings in Germany, one would be shunned if they were not on time for a meeting or class. Time management is emphasized much more in Germany than in Spain or Ireland.
As the week continues to fly by, I would like to send my best wishes to everyone at Bentley and abroad on their upcoming exams.
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