One notable experience, which happened every single day, was simply walking the streets of Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Whether it was during the day or at night, I was able to engage with locals via vendors and bargaining for food

or souvenir prices and admiring their hand crafted goods. The cities felt alive at all moments of the day. I received and gave countless smiles. The streets contained an abundance of colors, there were various smells changing every couple of blocks from the food, and the sounds of cars and motorbikes surrounded me, literally, as I crossed the streets. My senses were always flooded with something new and exciting. Having the opportunity to walk the steps of the locals was an eye opening experience for me. It highlighted the differences between the cultures, American and Thailand or American and Vietnamese, and it broadened how I view the world we live in in the best kind of way. To top the experience off, I also had the chance to speak and learn from directors and executives of companies, such as Ikea, Osprey, US Commercial Services, and AMCHAM Thailand. The ability to ask open ended questions about the various industries and how businesses operate in South East Asia was not anything I expected it to be. I envisioned long hour or two hour presentations that would make me drowsier than engaged, but, instead I got intriguing and engaging back-and-forth dialogue with these representatives. I amassed and gained a better understanding of how business operates in Thailand and Vietnam than any of the research I was able to conduct in America over the internet. It is one thing to research a topic, it is another to actually experience the theories in practice and hear insight on the matter from experience professionals. Being immersed in the culture and learning about the business enhanced my awareness and knowledge in unprecedented manners.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Winter Southeast Asia seminar in Thailand & Vietnam this past winter break and not only learned a plethora about international business, but also grew as a professional and a person. I met new peers and friends, made

professional contacts and saw a part of the world I never would have on my own. I got great value for my money and am anxious to go abroad with International Business Seminars again. As an international business major, IBS Abroad gave me the international experience I needed to confidently apply for jobs overseas. The 2 week seminar also counted as 3 credits towards my undergraduate degree, which was the cherry on top to an amazing experience. Thank you International Business Seminars!

My experience abroad was completely worthwhile. Hearing how successful people do business is interesting in any country; but even more so when you hear about how they dealt with difficulties there and how they overcome them. They have to deal with language

and cultural barriers in addition to working under different government regulations and are still successful. It was also interesting too to see how different business can be outside of the United States. In addition to learning about business; the experience also helped my communication and networking skills grow. We also had plenty of free time to enjoy the culture outside the business world.