A friend and I spent some time researching study abroad programs, only to find that most programs are based in one country at a time. When we both discovered IBS, we immediately stopped the search for other programs and applied to the Summer Europe program together. The main reason I wanted to attend this program was that we would visit six countries in three weeks.
The bonus was that I earned credit for a general business elective that I would have had to take at LSU anyway. It was much more enjoyable to earn class credit learning from global companies abroad instead of learning in a classroom.
Before attending the program, I had high hopes of gaining new friends and learning more about European culture. By the end of the seminar, everything exceeded my expectations. Not only did I make new friends that I keep in touch with on a regular basis, but what I learned went far beyond what I could have ever learned inside a classroom.
The IBS Experience
What I loved most about this program was being able to experience how different the culture and traditions are throughout the countries we visited. We visited six countries and 16 companies over the course of three weeks. I learned how to adapt to different cultures and do things differently. I also became aware of the similarities and differences in conducting business in Europe compared to the United States.
My favorite part about this program was the balance between company visits and having free time. Three weeks might seem like a long time but once the European culture sweeps you off your feet, the time will fly by! Because of the free time we had in each city, I was able to make the most out of each country we visited.
Experiencing a new culture is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Months later, I still share my experiences from this trip with friends, family, and even in professional settings. Every minute of this program was meaningful.
The best advice I can give you is to GO!
You’ll never know when you can do something like this again. Go and soak up every moment possible and make the most of your time because Europe has so much to offer! After all, who wouldn’t want to experience six countries in three weeks?! 
