My flight was delayed getting into Atlanta, so I ended up on a connection through Brasil. I know enough Spanish to get by, but I was completely unprepared to immerse myself in Portuguese. I spent the better part of that 8-hour detour listening and observing from social cues to navigate through the airport. When I followed a few people to the dead end of an empty hallway between the gate door and the aircraft door, we had a good awkward laugh as we turned around and found the plane together.
First Impressions and Cultural Insights
A few hours into the flight, passengers suddenly began stowing their tray tables, seats, and laptops, even though we weren’t descending yet. I nervously waited to pick up context as an announcement was made in Portuguese.
In the distance before us appeared the first sign we were nearing Santiago as the Andes Mountains came into view. There was a reverence from the passengers as we passed over the snow-crested giants, like seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time.The view was spectacular, and for a few moments it felt like you could reach out and touch the peaks seemingly just below us.
Later, as we began our descent, I got my first glimpse of Santiago. It was much larger and expansive than I had imagined it to be, with skyscrapers that lined some districts. All of the buildings and the parks and bustling areas were in great contrast to some of the smaller Latin American cities I’ve explored. Santiago has 32 barrios, or neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality, food, art, culture, and residents.
I made my way to an Uber, and we were off on a wide highway, riding through different barrios into the heart of the city. It was Saturday morning, so most of the businesses were open and lively. I later found out, as did my classmates, that Sundays and Mondays are reserved for families in Chile. Many shops don’t open at all, or only open for a few hours on Sunday; most are closed on Monday (with a few exceptions in the evening).
Locals explain that Chileans love their weekends — this is one of the first peeks into Chilean society and culture. Work-life-balance in Chile seems to be more closely influenced by the European models. There is a prioritized focus on family, community, and enjoying life. It was interesting to see influences from not only European culture, but Mexican, Chinese and Indigenous cultures, too.
Again, it was a stark contrast between the U.S. influence on many Latin American countries I’ve seen previously. Mexican culture evolved in Chile because movies, music etc were being produced in Spanish in larger numbers in Mexico and American media didn’t have Spanish subtitles at the time. The influence from Mexican culture can still be seen throughout Chile today in food, music and movies.
Memorable Businesses
Among the highlights of my trip were visits to various memorable locations and businesses. The artist village and flea market in Valparaíso offered a vibrant glimpse into the rich local artistry. At the same time, the Sewell Mining Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, impressed me with its historical significance and ongoing traditions.
The sustainability-focused businesses I encountered, including Karün and a local recycling plant, stood out for their innovative approaches. The recycling plant would produce plastic wood planks for sturdy structures, such as park benches, and showcased practical and stylish solutions to environmental challenges.
The seminars and lectures provided valuable insights into global business practices and sustainability. The focus on sustainability and innovation was eye-opening. Seeing how businesses integrate eco-friendly practices into their models was incredibly motivating.
The Lessons Learned
The international seminar enriched my MBA experience by bridging classroom knowledge with real-world applications, and these experiences in Chile have significantly influenced my professional perspective. The trip underscored the importance of global research funding and the potential for international networking. I now view sustainable business practices with a renewed appreciation for their functionality and style. I will return to explore more barrios, the coast, and future investment opportunities.
About the UNLV MBA
The UNLV MBA offers a rich variety of opportunities for anyone interested in the demanding world of business. For graduate students interested in a similar opportunity, check out next year’s international seminar course held during the summer semester. This trip is part of an elective course in Lee Business School for students to explore the competitive environment of an international business in the EU, Asia, South America, or other emerging markets.
