Learning and reading about a different culture in a classroom setting simply doesn’t compare to being thrown into that culture and having to find your way. This could be a result of the euphoria stage of culture shock. Combining euphoria with the fact we had limited time to experience so many new things definitely made me focus on appreciating the details of everything around me. Overall I think getting to experience so much in so little time also put my overall global intelligence into perspective.

Day to Day Life in the United States is Comparatively High Strung

Throughout our trip, I noticed that the general attitude of Spaniards seems much more relaxed than your average US citizen. At multiple site visits, the underlying theme of the presentation was that a typical Spanish work environment puts an emphasis on relationships and work life balance. For example, our guest speaker at Abertis, Lorena Muñiz, mentioned that work lunches regularly last longer than scheduled and can be upwards of two hours. Ms. Muñiz pointed out the important role that these relationship building lunches can have on your overall experience at a company. I think I would strongly prefer this environment over the intense and competitive culture in the United States. Overall, I think this aspect of our trip improved my global intelligence because knowing that extremely different work environments can still function well will likely make me a better employee in a global company.

Seeing a New Side to Religion Through Spanish History

The role that religion played in Spanish history was fascinating to learn about. Prior to this trip, I didn’t fully appreciate how unique it was that so many religions were able to work in harmony throughout Spain’s history. I think this was most apparent in Toledo when we visited the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. This synagogue looks very similar to a mosque because it was built by Moorish architects. Today the synagogue is owned and preserved by the Catholic Church. As someone with limited exposure to religion, I was very surprised to learn about this intermingling because I had assumed that religions always had deep conflicts with each other throughout history. I think learning this has improved my global intelligence because it seems important to understand how religion has influenced a country’s history.

Among the many cultural differences between the United States and Spain, the most apparent throughout the trip were the stark differences in their business environments. This was very noticeable because each business-related site visit highlighted different aspects of Spanish work culture. Neither business environment seems inherently better than the other, so learning how both are used to achieve success was a very interesting experience.

Spain’s Hierarchical Workplace Norms Were Noticeable at HP

While visiting HP, our guest speakers showed a clear hierarchy among their team. For example, several minutes of their presentation were dedicated to showing us the various levels of employees managed by one of the speakers. The employee names and pictures were placed on top of each other according to their status. Additionally, the higher-ranking guest speaker was the one to introduce everyone and explain the team dynamics. While this was being discussed, I couldn’t help but think that this section of the presentation didn’t seem to fit with the overall goal of the presentation. However, reflecting on the Culture Map’s explanation of a hierarchical workplace and how it drives Spanish business helped me understand why this was included.  Interestingly, when asked whether Spain’s workplace normally contains a hierarchy both speakers said no. I think this shows that hierarchy is deeply ingrained into the culture and must feel completely normal to Spanish workers.

Several Guest Speakers Gave Subtle Hints of Collectivism

When learning about Spain’s collectivist nature I did not think it would be so apparent in both personal and business-related settings. Similarly, I thought the United States’ tendency towards individualism was based on personal interactions. Looking back on our site visits, there were multiple times that I could see Spaniard’s collectivist nature show through in business settings. Specifically, a common theme throughout Recyclia’s presentation was their focus on improving the world for everyone through new sustainability practices. Recyclia seems to embody collectivist ideals which was very refreshing to learn about. Overall, I think this type of business would struggle in the United States because of our focus on individual gain and profits.

The classic phrase, “like comparing apples to oranges” is strange. After all, it seems silly to avoid comparing two members of the same food group to each other. But before studying abroad, I kept reminding myself of this phrase because I thought comparing the United States to Spain would hold me back throughout the trip. However, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions provided helpful ways to draw comparisons between the countries and further convinced me that this phrase is incorrect.

Spain’s Lower Indulgence Levels Were Apparent

While partaking in nightly activities, it was clear that Spaniards consume alcohol at a slower rate. Frequently, we would be at bars and restaurants and would order drinks at a normal American pace which was noticeably faster than the locals drinking pace. This was also apparent late at night when walking around the city. American groups were very easy to identify because they were the only ones who were seemingly intoxicated.

The Lower Masculinity Levels Showed at Various Site Visits

It was refreshing to hear several site visit speakers mention that there is less workplace competition in Spain. At Sphera Global Healthcare, our speaker, Maite Malet, said the biggest cultural difference between working in the United States and in Spain was Spain’s greater focus on quality of life in the workplace. This was very interesting to hear about because United States corporate professionals always seem to be concerned about obtaining a higher rank or greater salary. I think it would be very nice to work in a country that puts less value on outranking your coworkers.

Polychronic Time seemed to be Embodied by Most Locals

A couple of our site visit speakers mentioned that workday lunches could last around two hours. Similarly, this was apparent when eating at restaurants throughout our trip. It was not uncommon for us to eat lunch somewhere and finish long before locals who were arrived before us. In fact, this aspect of Spanish culture ended up being my favorite part of the culture. It helped me develop an appreciation for more relationship focused meals. In the future, I think I will be more likely to put away my phone and use one on one meals as an opportunity to develop a better relationship with the person I am with.

When I travel I have a bad habit of assuming everything is a tourist trap. I have even avoided famous landmarks purely because I convinced myself that it will be overhyped and full of gift shops.  This is why I was excited to research a site visit that is a bit more under the radar. Despite being the oldest concert hall in Barcelona,  the Harlem Jazz Club has been able to keep their cozy and welcoming aesthetic while flying under the mainstream radar.

A typical day in Harlem

At the Harlem Jazz Club you can expect music ranging from blues to traditional Spanish flamenco.  Harlem offers live music Tuesday through Saturday every week. You should expect to stay late because Harlem is open from 8:00 pm to 4:30 am. Many of the concerts featured do not start until several hours after the doors open, so most reviews suggest that you arrive around 10:30 pm. This will give you enough time to grab a table and get comfortable before the show starts.

Harlem also offers a unique storytelling experience for people who are not interested in attending a concert. These storytelling sessions usually consist of one narrator on the stage telling a story about his or her professional or personal life. For example, in November the featured storyteller was Matilde Magdalena, who told stories of her time as an actress. I think attending one of these storytelling sessions would be a great way to learn about Spanish culture in an informal setting.

This is a very practical site visit

Before visiting the Harlem Jazz Club, there are a couple of things you should know:

• Tickets can be purchased on their website several weeks in advance.
• Typical ticket prices are between 8-15€
• They are open from Tuesday through Saturday every week.
• They are located in the Gothic Quarter, which is just a twelve minute walk from our hotel in Barcelona.

Links to additional information

• https://www.harlemjazzclub.es/
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187497-d195253-Reviews-Harlem_Jazz_Club-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
• https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/club/harlem-jazz-club-barcelona.html

In 2017, Quadpack earned its place in the list of top 20 European packaging suppliers. It primarily designs packaging for skin care, make-up, and fragrance products. The company was founded in 2003 after the successful merger of three packaging companies. In 2012, Quadpack moved its headquarters to Barcelona. Overtime, Quadpack has grown to have almost four hundred employees.

Successful global expansion

Quadpack started with three offices in Barcelona, London, and Paris. From the beginning, it had goals of expanding globally. By creating close partnerships with successful Asian manufacturers, its goal became a reality. Today, Quadpack operates in the following regions:

• Europe
• North America
• Asia-Pacific

Despite its success in global expansion, Quadpack is not slowing down its growth efforts. Recently, Quadpack created sales teams dedicated to expanding its operations in the US and Asia-Pacific regions.

Creative packaging comes from creative solutions

Quadpack specializes in custom wood and plastic packaging. After a material and shape is chosen, the customer works with the decorations plant to create truly memorable packaging. If a customer needs a quicker solution, Quadpack offers products from its Q-Line collection. Q-Line offers a wide range of products, such as lipsticks and glass bottles, to help customers get their packaging when they need it. Despite being premade products, Q-Line allows customers to pick the finishing decorations so the final product looks unique.

Recent challenges tested Quadpack’s resilience

On October 15, 2018 a tropical storm flooded Quadpack’s decorations plant in Torelló, Spain. No one was hurt in the flood, but the plant was practically destroyed. Quadpack was able to clean up the factory and resume normal operations in just six weeks. Despite this setback, Quadpack still managed to increase its sales by 15% in 2018. Quadpack’s CEO Tim Eaves believes this is one of Quadpack’s proudest moments in history and said, “the flood at Torelló highlighted the value of a motivated team, capable of reacting quickly in exceptional circumstances.”

Questions for our Quadpack visit

1. Which region of the world was the most difficult to expand to?
2. Why was Quadpack’s headquarters moved to Barcelona after 9 years of operation?
3. How will the Paris agreement impact your operations?
4. Do your sustainability strategies change depending on what regions of the world you are operating in?
5. How would Catalonia’s potential separation from Spain impact your operations?

In my experience, it’s hard to fault someone for asking for an apology. After all, telling someone that they shouldn’t be offended usually makes you seem more offensive. Although, I say this as someone who has never been asked to apologize for the massacre of thousands of people. Mexico’s new president, Andres Manuel, recently demanded an apology from Spain’s King Felipe VI and Pope Francis for Spain’s conquest over the indigenous peoples of Mexico 500 years ago. This request has divided Spain’s political parties and left many people wondering: is now the time to tell someone that they shouldn’t be offended?

Spain’s Government Rejected Mexico’s Request

As Mexico’s first leftist president in seventy years, Manuel believes that Mexico will not be able to fully reconcile with Spain until an apology has been given, but Spain refuses to respond to Manuel’s demands. The Spanish government answered Mexico by saying, “The arrival, 500 years ago, of Spaniards to present Mexican territory cannot be judged in the light of contemporary considerations.”

This response did not sit well with left-wing Spanish politicians. The left-sided political party, Podemos, said that they will give Mexico a formal apology and offer additional forms of restoration to Mexico if elected. On the opposite end of the spectrum, right-wing Spanish politicians agreed with the government’s response. Conservative leaders went as far as to say that Manuel’s demands are an “intolerable offense to the Spanish people.” Overall, I think this political divide makes sense given Erin Meyer’s cultural dimensions. Since Spain sits in the middle of the collectivist and individualistic dimensions, it’s understandable that their political parties would have different approaches to harmony and responsibility.

Recognizing Commonalities Gave Me a New Perspective

I think this story matters for an understanding of Spain because their historical conquests are a significant part of their history. To an extent, this story actually changed the way I view Spain. Prior to reading this, Spain felt very hard to relate to since all I have been hearing about are the stark cultural differences between the US and Spain. This article shows that there are historical similarities between our countries that bond us. In a similar vein, the same type of apology could be demanded from Native Americans and would likely generate a similar response. By reading this, I think I will spend more time in Spain looking for ways we are similar and spend less time caught up in all the ways we are different.

---