Business, Culture, and Insights in Edinburgh: One Student’s Transformation
At CGB, we are committed to fostering experiential learning that empowers students to gain hands-on knowledge and global insights. One standout example is Isha Patel, an International Business (IB) major, whose study abroad experience in Edinburgh exemplifies how immersive learning can expand both professional skills and cultural understanding.
Equipped with a solid academic foundation, including courses like International Trade and Global Net Zero Strategy, Isha entered her study abroad experience with essential country analysis skills, which proved invaluable during her time in Scotland.
The diverse courses Isha took at McCombs prior to studying abroad helped her prepare for her Edinburgh experience. Once abroad, Isha studied International Law and Business Ethics. But the most impactful parts of Isha’s experience were the field visits to organizations such as Pinsent Masons and the Edinburgh Zoo. These opportunities allowed her to observe firsthand how Scottish businesses operate, offering a fresh perspective on practices that may differ from those in the United States. Isha was particularly intrigued by the concept of “panda diplomacy” at the zoo — a unique cultural practice that illustrates the intersection of international relations and business strategy. Additionally, she gained a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of Brexit on business operations, a topic that continues to shape global markets.
Beyond academics, Isha’s immersion in Scottish culture was just as enriching. From the Scots’ distinctive coffee orders to their more informal approach to meetings, she observed how subtle differences in communication styles can influence professional interactions. The country’s longer daylight hours and vibrant public spaces also gave Isha insight into a slower-paced yet highly social way of life, where people value community interaction and personal connections. These cultural insights, in turn, expanded Isha’s understanding of how business is shaped by the local context, both personally and professionally.
Isha’s time in Edinburgh profoundly reshaped her worldview, solidifying her global mindset, and upon her return to campus courses like Global Regulatory Strategies and Intercultural Management rounded out her comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of international business, while highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, legal frameworks, and cultural sensitivity.
In Isha’s own words, “The study abroad experience reshaped my understanding of global business and cultural dynamics. I learned how much context matters when operating internationally.”
This experience serves as a testament to how experiential learning can not only equip students with practical business knowledge but also broaden their horizons in ways that textbooks alone cannot. At CGB, we remain dedicated to providing opportunities that allow students like Isha to thrive in a globalized world — building both professional expertise and cultural empathy that will serve them for years to come.
Visit the CGB website to find out more about International Business education and our students.
