Feeling Empowered in Chile

Suzanna Peczeniuk-Hoffman
Business Administration
Business and Culture in South America: Chile, Summer II 2017

Studying abroad in Santiago, Chile was the most amazing opportunity in Western Michigan University’s MBA program. Initially, I did not know what to expect. I was nervous because I did not know anyone in my program and had never been to South America before. I flew alone, leaving my husband and our 3 boys (dogs) behind. This opportunity empowered me to jump on a plane and have an experience that changed my thought process and forced me to think different and critically about business and international management. I hopped on a plane and went to a country that I had never been to and although I had done research, it was different to actually experience what I read about and watched videos about. The culture in some ways was similar but in other ways it was very different. I had taken Spanish in high school thirteen years ago and was amazed at how quickly it came back to me. It was a wonderful opportunity to practice my language skills and in many cases it was essential to be able to speak a few words. The country was geographically diverse and I would like to go back again to travel and also to learn even more about business, trade, and healthcare.

When we arrived at our hotel and after a brief orientation, we broke out into small groups of four, which made getting to know people in my study abroad a little easier. We were asked to complete a city game that was similar to a scavenger hunt. We interacted with each other but we also were required to interact with the locals, which made the experience especially memorable. We had the opportunity to climb San Cristobal and San Lucia Hills, try the local Mote con Huesillo and Pisco Sour, and even experience “rush hour” on the Metro. Rush hour on the metro is definitely a unique experience and the concept of personal space in Santiago is very different from most of the United States. I never thought so many people could fit and it definitely was not comfortable but this was an important cultural experience to see what the locals do and see the different cultural norms.

During the course of our stay in Chile, we had the opportunity to experience Santiago by foot, by bus, by metro, by bike and even by horse in the Andes Mountains. Our group of twelve students became lifelong friends. We travelled to many different businesses in Chile together and got to experience the culture, the history and the business etiquette. Although we had the chance to research, watch videos, and read about Chile, it was an even more unique opportunity to be able to experience it firsthand. Despite all of our diverse backgrounds, we became a very cohesive team.

Initially, the healthcare/medical portions on the itinerary were cut, but WMU professors and Austral Group helped arrange special opportunities for those of us with a healthcare concentration. One opportunity that I had was to go to a dinner meeting with a private practice of midwives and a gynecologist/obstetrician. I brought chocolates to give to our host and we were greeted with handshakes, hugs and kisses. 

An interesting aspect of the culture of Chile was brought to light when we took a bus to La Bicicleta Verde. We had the chance to experience the metro’s rush hour but it was just as thrilling to experience the congestion by bicycle. It was a unique experience to fight traffic in the city of Santiago by bike. When we were in front of La Moneda, our group had an interesting discussion and we had observed over time that many older generation Chileans were initially not as friendly to United States citizens sometimes. Our suspicions were confirmed by our tour guide that this is related to the United States involvement with Allende. The younger generation does not hold the same feelings and are more open and welcoming. This is important information when conducting business in Chile. Similarly different attitudes were noticed among us that spoke some Spanish and those that did not attempt to speak any Spanish. When conducting international business, it would be wise to at least learn a few words—I found it very useful that I spoke some Spanish and could understand quite a bit.

The trip changed me and it forced me to think differently about business and international management. In the United States, we often think very narrowly and being in another country it is important to think more broadly and take the time to understand many different viewpoints and cultural differences and mannerisms. To do business in another country such as Chile, it is essential to truly experience and to understand the culture and background. The cultural, historical, and business elements are all part of one large picture. From business greetings to business meals, it is of utter importance to show respect and to build relationships. The trip offered me opportunities to build relationships and friendships with Chileans and also future business leaders from WMU’s MBA program.

I felt empowered as a future female business leader and administrator. I was supported by my teammates/colleagues, my professors, WMU and Austral group. We were able to have discussions and learn from one another. Everyone came with a different set of skills and experience and every individual was respected and had the opportunity to grow. I have worked in healthcare for the last ten years and felt that on the trip I had the opportunity to network, learn from others and grow as a clinician and as a future business leader/administrator.

Categories: South America, Chile, Courses and Credits, Cultural Comparison, Homecoming, Language, Lessons learned, People in public, Reflection, Self care, Stereotypes, Unpacking the experience, Summer II.