When getting into the lounge In Auckland meeting all the other successful applicants for the first time It was starting to seem a little too real, the first thought that had come to mind was that these guys were going to know so much about business and how everything works while on the way to Argentina, and the closest I had come to business was jumping into level 2 accounting last year, then all of a sudden being involved with a pretty successful YES business.

In the lounge, I remember Colin saying something along the lines of “some of you may be thinking, ‘what the heck am I doing here’ but be confident because all of you are amazing”, and the thing that comforted me most was how everyone’s reactions were actually “what am I doing here”. that made me think ‘well I’ve made it this far, can’t stop now’ then Colin went on to say that this trip all up costs a lot for each student.

From that point, it was time to get on the plane a short 11-hour flight watching all of the Hobbit movies. I came to see a bit of myself in Bilbo Baggins, Colin being Irish Gandalf taking me on an unexpected journey across the globe with all the little YES dwarves, going far away from my safe little abode in the Hill nevertheless learning so much about myself on the way.

Arriving in Argentina I was first amazed on how flat the place was, for miles and miles nothing but square blocks of flat land, like nothing I had ever seen, this was the agricultural scene most farmers could only dream of, so I had many questions about that. Everything had kicked off, from dropping off our bags in the hotel and getting done with the first night. It was up and go from the first day, to say the least, a knowledge overload, the number of things we learnt day to day was incredible the trip to Argentina has taught me that there are many similarities between our two culture’s in certain ways such as argentine key values within family and relationships. In ways, this can be such an advantage when entering the Argentine market with having good people skills then using that to build strong relationships and collaborate with company’s where trust has been created first. I think there are many aspects of the Argentine culture that can seem challenging on a business perspective but when working through these things that can be so interrupting to a business like having to worry so much about the unpredictable economy, you definitely become stronger, more knowledgeable and more equipped in entering a global market.

Overall this experience has been one of the best in my life showing me what the world has to offer and making me truly appreciate life here in Beuuuuuudiful New Zealand, I know I can use the information I’ve learned on this trip throughout everyday life and into my future. And I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who played a part in that unreal experience.

Muchas Muchas Muchas Gracias.