Hi everyone! My name is MacKenzie Snider, and growing up in a family spread across continents, I was fortunate to experience the value of international travel from a young age. My parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and global learning, which naturally led to an interest in working across borders. When I discovered the University of Oregon’s GlobalWorks program, I saw an opportunity to take that passion further — by immersing myself in a professional setting abroad. Berlin, Germany, with its reputation as a thriving business hub and incubator for start-ups, felt like the ideal place to explore global business in action.
The application process was my first real step into the world of international professionalism. I explored Berlin’s business environment, delved into its vibrant start-up scene, and crafted my application materials to highlight a sincere commitment to cross-cultural engagement. I knew that working in a foreign business environment would require adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. I emphasized these qualities in my application, and when I was accepted into the program, I felt both excited and aware of the responsibility that came with representing my university abroad.
Getting ready for the internship involved more than travel logistics — it required equipping myself to navigate and contribute within a distinct cultural and professional setting. I had never studied German formally, so I did what any college student would do and turned to Duolingo to build a foundation. Learning basic phrases helped me feel more confident, but I also spent time understanding Germany’s business etiquette, communication styles, and workplace norms. I learned that German professionals value directness, punctuality, and precision — traits that would shape how I approached meetings, emails, and daily interactions.
When I arrived in Berlin, I was immediately immersed in a dynamic, globally connected city that thrives on innovation. My internship was with Arbolitics, a software company specializing in farmland risk analysis for small businesses — a niche but impactful area within the tech sector. The team was composed of professionals from various cultural and professional backgrounds, and while English was the primary working language, differences in communication styles, meeting dynamics, and feedback approaches were evident. It quickly became clear to me that succeeding in global business requires more than technical expertise; it demands cultural awareness, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse perspectives.
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Berlin itself was a reflection of this global mindset. Berlin is a city driven by innovation and rich in cultural diversity, with a business landscape that flourishes through global collaboration. I found myself attending work meetings where conversations flowed between German, English, Spanish, and Russian. These experiences taught me how to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and adapt my communication style depending on the audience. I began to see cross-cultural communication not as a challenge, but as a powerful tool for building trust and driving collaboration. That said, the learning curve was steep. There were moments when I misunderstood instructions or struggled to interpret cultural cues. I had to learn how to navigate ambiguity, clarify expectations, and remain open to feedback. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of humility — recognizing that I didn’t have all the answers, and that asking for help was a sign of strength, not weakness. My colleagues were incredibly supportive, and their willingness to share insights helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on my time in Berlin, I see how much I’ve gained — not just in terms of business experience, but in global awareness. I contributed to market research, participated in strategy sessions, and even helped create onboarding software programs for international clients. But more importantly, I learned how to operate in a multicultural team, how to navigate cultural differences with empathy, and how to build relationships across borders. These are skills I’ll carry with me into any future career. Studying abroad through the Global Works program was more than an internship — it was a gateway into the world of global business. Berlin challenged me to think beyond my comfort zone, to communicate with intention, and to embrace the richness of diverse perspectives. For any student considering international work, I can’t recommend it enough. The world is interconnected, and the ability to collaborate across cultures is no longer optional — it’s essential.
MacKenzie Snider
GlobalWorks Internship in Berlin, Germany, Summer 2025