As a travel enthusiast with a love for exploring new cultures, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to venture to a new country and expand my horizons while also earning credits toward my MBA program.
Despite not knowing many of my fellow travelers and having no specific expectations prior to the trip, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and vibrancy of Santiago. However, it was ValparaÃso that truly captured my heart. Much of the city was preserved due to laws put in place by the government, it was amazing to see both the history and architecture across time. The historic buildings and hilly streets overlooking the water reminded me of San Francisco, adding to the city's unique charm and character.
Both in Santiago and ValparaÃso, the street art was amazing. Instead of being something that was a deterrent, it was this captivating symbol of the city’s rich talents and strength, adding to the city’s vibrancy and culture. It was embraced as a way of expression. Much of the art told the story of the country’s trials and resilience, which if you know Chilean history, has been anything but easy.
Inspiration from Sustainable Practices
During the seminar, I had the chance to visit a variety of businesses, both large and small, and was impressed by their dedication to sustainability. I was particularly inspired by Karün, a sustainable eyewear brand that creates eco-friendly fashion and seeks to make the world a better place. Their willingness to share their business models and encourage others to replicate their efforts left a lasting impact on me.
During their presentation to our group, they talked about how they were very open about their sustainability model, even with competitors. It was evident they wanted to not just see sustainable impact and success for themselves, but also change the narratives and norms within the entire industry. This was really inspiring to me as you don’t see many for-profit businesses with that mindset.
Taking Inspiration from a Balanced Lifestyle
One aspect of Chilean culture that stood out to me was the emphasis on life outside of work. With businesses often staying closed through Sunday and Mondays, there was a more relaxed pace of life evident on the streets of Santiago. I found the focus on work-life balance refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of Western societies. Chileans seem to pour their heart into their lives and work. While it’s clear they are hard working people who care about the livelihood of their businesses, it’s also very evident where their priorities lie. The importance of family and taking care of oneself first and foremost can’t be denied. This is something I wish we saw more of in the U.S.
The Lessons Learned
Each new destination I add to my passport expands my understanding of the world and reminds me of the vast diversity that exists beyond my own familiar surroundings. Traveling to Chile for the seminar was not just a journey for course credit — but a transformative experience that broadened my worldview in unexpected ways.
About the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ MBA
The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ MBA offers a rich variety of opportunities for anyone interested in the demanding world of business. For graduate students interested in a similar opportunity, check out next year’s international seminar course held during the summer semester. This trip is part of an elective course in the Lee Business School for students to explore the competitive environment of an international business in the EU, Asia, South America, or other emerging markets.
