MIB Student Spotlight: Alyssa Grace Vegter

Master of International Business (MIB) candidate Alyssa Grace Vegter recently returned from a Global Immersion Experience (GIE) in Peru, gaining valuable exposure to supplement her international business education.

Q: Tell us about your Global Immersion Experience (GIE). Where did you go?

Vegter: “During my Global Immersion Experience (GIE) trip to Lima, Peru, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Sissai, a local jewelry company. Our focus was on conducting marketing research to help them expand into the U.S. market. We engaged closely with Sissai’s team, visiting their workshops and meeting the talented artisans who craft their stunning jewelry. This hands-on experience allowed us to gain insight into the business practices and cultural nuances that shape their work.”

Q: What was your most memorable experience during the trip?

Vegter: “One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Rainbow Mountain with my friend, Marianna Guttierez. We extended our GIE to explore more of Peru, and hiking to this breathtaking site was unforgettable. The vibrant colors of the mountains and the stunning landscapes were awe-inspiring, and sharing this adventure with a friend I met in the program made it even more special.”

Q: How did the trip impact your understanding Peruvian culture and customs?

Vegter: “The trip significantly enhanced my understanding of Peruvian culture, especially regarding its high-context communication style. I learned that building relationships and understanding nuances are crucial in business dealings there, contrasting with the more direct approach often found in the U.S. This experience taught me to appreciate the subtleties of communication and the importance of personal connections in a business context.”

Q: What challenges did you face during the trip, and how did you overcome them?

Vegter: “As someone with a Spanish minor, I initially struggled with the Peruvian dialect. Many words and phrases were unfamiliar, making communication a bit challenging. To overcome this, I immersed myself in conversations with locals, practicing and adapting my language skills. This helped me adjust and deepened my interactions with the community.”

Q: Did the trip change any preconceptions or stereotypes you had about the country or its people?

Vegter: “The trip reshaped my view of Peru and its people. The warmth, kindness and hospitality of the locals struck me. Engaging with people in Lima and Cusco revealed a strong sense of community and family values. I realized that these aspects are often overlooked in broader narratives about South America.”

Q: What skills or knowledge did you gain?

Vegter: “Participating in this global immersion trip honed my research and analytical skills as we navigated market dynamics and cultural considerations. Working in an unfamiliar environment and adjusting to local business practices improved my adaptability and problem-solving abilities.”

Q: How did the trip contribute to your personal growth or development?

Vegter: “This trip contributed significantly to my personal growth. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me develop greater cultural sensitivity and awareness. I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives and strengthened my resilience in navigating challenges, making me more confident personally and professionally.”

Q: Any takeaways you are carrying from this experience?

Vegter: “Overall, the GIE trip to Peru was a transformative experience. It allowed me to not only gain practical skills but also to connect deeply with another culture. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to foster cross-cultural connections in my future endeavors. This experience has inspired me to continue exploring global opportunities and to advocate for cultural understanding in all aspects of life.”