Running head: International Experience
1
France International Experience
Chasidye Richardson
Pfeiffer University
MBA 776
International Experience 2
Executive Summary
My expectations were met within the culture of France. Pfeiffer University assisted in
creating a lifelong dream. In terms of culture I was able to embrace the professional side of the
journey along with being able to blend in with society. This trip was the foundation of a possible
career abroad. The knowledge that I was exposed to will be put to use in my career.
The greatest knowledge was the operational side of management in a foreign land. The
policies in France were compared and contrasted against the methods that are used daily in the
United States in my business. The differences between our societies are quite vast but I am more
than willing to blend the methods. In the United States our media mostly directs its viewers
versus an individual opinion. The French seem to indulge in intelligent conversation and I feel
that is a better way to share quality information. If you learn information for yourself there is not
a lot of room for error in the details. This is a quality way to share needed information.
On a personal level I walked away with international experience from my personal
observation such as dress, etiquette, professionalism, character, and mannerism to name a few.
The French seem to take pride in their appearance and I believe that goes along way and carries
into other levels of daily behaviors. I have a strong interest in what the mind, body, and soul of a
French native is nourished on. Here in the states we have not quite mastered the best way to
allow someone one to flourish in these departments.
The wealth of cultural diversity that is held in the areas is quite abundant. This was an
experience of a lifetime that turned into a wealth of knowledge for my future endeavors. This is
simply a building block that I will utilize as a tool to take me to the next level. I could see myself
now taking a job abroad and being a success in their market. I feel the trip gave the tools as well
International Experience 3
as well as the accessibility to the cultural differences. This will allow one to feel comfortable in
an operational setting.
France is a very educated country, having a literacy rate of 99 percent. Education costs
are paid for by the government ( Global Public Affairs, 2010), and are free to students starting at
preschool age. France is a world leader in global markets. The economy is strong and is placed in
the top ten in the world, according to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.66 trillion in 2009
(US Department of State, 2010). France is the largest agriculture producer in Western Europe,
producing twenty-five percent of European Union’s products. France is a large exporter
(Economy Watch, 2009), one of the largest in the world, exporting, machinery, aircraft parts,
pharmaceutical projects, and beverages. France ranks fifth in the world for imports (Economy
Watch, 2009), importing goods such as machinery, crude oil, vehicles, and chemicals. Although
France is successful to assist its economy with imports and exports, tourism is a large factor in
calculating its GDP, “with over 82 million tourists visiting the country” (Economy Watch, 2009).
My goals of the trip were surpassed on every level. All of the scheduling and meeting
were executed in a timely manner and were highly informative. I have greatest respect for the
planning and implementation of the program. It would be nice in our local setting if we could
have visited one or two local companies to compare to the international models that we had the
privilege to visit. The time of year was perfect the weather as really kind to us overall. So we
were not just stuck to our meetings we were able to enjoy some of what the city had to offer. In
the future for my peers that may follow in my footstep it would be nice if the trip was expanded
by 2-3 more days. The reasoning behind this is due to losing two days in travel.
International Experience 4
France International Experience
Introduction
My initial experience of the society in France was breathtaking. The beauty and care of
the society is impeccable. As a nation here in the United States we could learn a great deal from
them as a whole. The green efforts of the community take the upmost responsibility in the visual
appearance of their landscape. There is a great sense of pride that runs through the community as
well as the countryside. The business models and how the organizations are run are simply
phenomenal. The benefit to the workers versus business growth shows that the companies care
about profit and employee morale.
The culture is held together on a strong sense of tradition so a lot of functions are done on
a standard basis. They lack no change from generation to generation. There is no room for error
