My name is Briana Holdip. I am currently a Marketing Management Major in the MBA Program at St. John's University Tobin College of Business. ​During the Fall Semester of 2016 I enrolled in the International Business MGT 659 Destination Abroad Course focused on Latin America. We would be traveling to the cities, Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Two places that I have always wanted to explore.

 

I was able to make clear connections between the business meetings set in our itinerary by Dr. Stefanidis and the Austral Group and the class I participated in. During each discussion we were able to see key important topics such as economic stagnation and growth, social motivation, opportunity at the base of the pyramid and the government's involvement in business affairs. Although there are differences between the businesses in Montevideo and Buenos Aires what remained the same is the spirit of hope for a more successful economy and pride of the country they belong to. Every business we attended spoke of integrity and ethical behavior which aligns to what is taught at St. John's University. What was most interesting is the Slow growth but stability of Uruguay in comparison to the drive of innovation and instability of Argentina. 

We were able to dance tango, taste wine, and engage in dialect with some of the countries smartest business minds. The experience visiting all different businesses, immersing into the Spanish language, experiencing the different cultures and feeling the Latin American hospitality will be in my memories forever.