I am proud to be a recipient of this MSU Education Abroad Scholarship. My name is Eleftherios Theodorou, and I am a Sophomore majoring in Finance. Additionally, I have recently been accepted into the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Minor. Growing up in Novi, attending MSU has always been a dream of mine. The day I got accepted was a dream come true. During spring break, I had the opportunity to attend the Global Business program in Dubai. This was a wonderful experience with memories that will last a lifetime.

At the start of the program, after leaving the airport, I was surrounded by one of the most beautiful sceneries ever. I had high expectations for this program, and it definitely delivered. The Emirati culture affected me on many levels including showing me that there is a whole new way of operating business and managing people. All the people I met in Dubai emphasized the importance of taking care of your own. Putting the priority of the people around you first are the key to success in a social setting. Furthermore, learning about how different companies operated in Dubai showed me that there is not one exact way to do something. The philosophy of keeping an open mind is something the Emirati people understand. The culture affected me on a personal level by showing me that life is about appreciating the little things, including the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis.

When comparing my stories to others who attended the program, I would say that we would have similar answers to a pretty good degree. A myth that I felt was debunked on this study abroad was that the English language would not be as widely prominent. This statement is not true because everyone spoke it and even the buildings had it in writing.

In conclusion, I feel that I found a new sense of purpose in my life after attending this program. Visiting another city like this opened my eyes to the possibility that my life choices here in the United States can bring me a prosperity and sense of peace that people in Dubai have. I would recommend this program to all MSU students interested because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Name: Eleftherios Theodorou
Status: Sophomore
Major: Finance
Hometown: Novi, Michigan
Program: Global Business in Dubai