MIB Student Spotlight: Rachel Bai
As a combination Master of International Business (MIB) student, Rachel Bai recently travelled to Hungary to fulfill her Global Immersion Experience (GIE).
Rachel Bai enjoying a view of the city with her classmates.
Q: Tell us about your Global Immersion Experience (GIE). Where did you travel?
Bai: “I had the remarkable opportunity to visit Budapest, Hungary through the Fall 2024 GIE trip. During our time there, we explored the city’s rich and diverse history through a guided walking tour, visiting local landmarks such as the Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament. We also had the privilege of visiting local companies and gaining insights into various business industries. A few companies we visited included: MOL Group, a leading oil and gas company, and MUNCH, a startup focused on reducing food waste through sustainable action. These visits allowed us to gain insights and first-hand experiences surrounding the opportunities and challenges that businesses face in Central Europe.”
Q: What was your most memorable experience during the trip?
Bai: “One of the most memorable experiences was exploring Budapest on our own time. We visited landmarks like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, which both had incredible views of the city. Another one of my favorite experiences was a boat cruise on the Danube River, where we enjoyed stunning views of the city lit up at night. Lastly, being able to create both personal and professional connections with fellow Hough Students was also a highlight of the trip.”
Q: How did the trip impact your understanding of Hungarian culture and customs?
Bai: “The trip gave me a deeper appreciation of Hungary’s history and cultural heritage. The guided tour helped us understand Budapest’s political landscape and how it has shaped the city today. We were also able to further immerse ourselves in the culture by trying traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash and chicken paprikash and by visiting landmarks such as the famous Szechenyi baths. These experiences enhanced my understanding of Budapest beyond professional visits and allowed me to fully appreciate the city and diverse history Budapest holds.”
Q: What challenges did you face during the trip, and how did you overcome them?
Bai: “A key challenge was navigating the language barrier. While many people spoke English, there were various moments when communication was challenging. However, making an effort to learn a few basic Hungarian phrases bridged this gap and made interactions significantly smoother. Additionally, navigating Budapest’s public transportation was overwhelming at first, but using the app BudapestGo made it easier to plan routes and travel between the Buda and Pest sides.”
Q: Did the trip change any preconceptions or stereotypes you had about the country or its people?
Bai: “Yes, I initially thought Hungary would feel more distant or closed-off culturally. However, I found Budapest to be very welcoming, with locals who were friendly and willing to help. I was also surprised by how modern the city felt, blending its historical roots and traditions with innovative landscapes and companies.”
Rachel Bai and her team after presenting at Bosch.
Q: What skills or knowledge did you gain?
Bai: “I gained valuable global business insights, especially about how companies in Hungary operate within the European Union and adapt to both Eastern and Western influences. This trip enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, as we interacted with local professionals and observed how political, cultural and economic factors shape their business practices. Additionally, we presented a consulting project to Bosch in which we gained real-world experience working for a global company and collaborated with fellow students to develop and pitch an innovative solution. Overall, this experience was extremely rewarding and emphasized the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in business settings.”
Q: How did the trip contribute to your personal growth or development?
Bai: “This trip strengthened my confidence and ability in navigating cultural differences and international workplaces effectively across diverse environments. By exploring Budapest, collaborating with fellow students and engaging with professionals, I was able to gain a deeper perspective on the challenges of global business and the importance of understanding cultural differences abroad.”
Q: Any takeaways you are carrying from this experience?
Bai: “Budapest was an incredible experience that extended my learning beyond the classroom. It provided me with valuable takeaways on the economic and cultural landscape of Central Europe and how to conduct business in a foreign country. Furthermore, this opportunity allowed me to build lifelong connections with peers and network with industry professionals, which served as truly invaluable experiences. Overall, this trip solidified my passion for pursuing future international opportunities and deepened my understanding of global business as a whole.”
