Why Do You Want to Study Abroad, Essay Example

My past experiences have provided me a fascinating perspective on American and foreign business and international relations.  I grew up originally in Cuba, and have been in the United States for the past seven years.  For a short period of time, there was quite a culture shock as I adjusted to my new life here in the United States.  My family continues to live in Cuba while I have worked full-time and attended classes in the United States full-time since arriving in this country.  Since making the move, I have developed a strong appreciation for the different global cultures that work together in an international marketplace.  I have decided to hold a double major in Finance and International Business, because it is very interesting to learn how companies in our economies perform their tasks and to catch a glimpse of an even different perspective in foreign finance and international business.

One of the best opportunities for me to learn more about foreign affairs and international finance practices is through the study abroad trip to Dubai in the Middle East.  This Middle Eastern city is located on the Arabian Gulf and is one of the best places for business development and tourism in this region.  Similar to my homeland in Cuba, Dubai is full of both modern practices and cultural traditions that keep the city advancing while holding on to a piece of its strong history.

Most of my knowledge from international business and finance has come from my coursework that I have already taken, as well as what I can remember from my childhood in Cuba.  This study abroad trip will give me a wonderful opportunity to learn about a completely different culture with geographical, religious and cultural business practices that are much different than the United States and Cuba.  This literally is a chance of a lifetime for me to be able to witness, first hand, an exciting city that is so rich in culture and has a strong business economy in the middle of a chaotic region like the Middle East.  Without a doubt, I will be able to learn so much more from actually being in Dubai than to research the culture or its businesses on the internet and attempting to visualize how things work there.