Studying abroad in London has presented me with experiences that I was not aware would be confusing. I had expected for my experience to be much like my time at home. However, there were several cultural differences that I had to adjust to. One experience in which I was left confused was during my internship. I expected the work culture to be similar both in the U.K. and the U.S., which was true for much of my time there. However, working at a small organization in London, I was given much more autonomy than I had thought I would be presented with. At times, I would be the only person running the front desk, shop, and social media for the organization. This meant that I would have to constantly make decisions on what was most important at that moment and reevaluate how to interact with the customers. This also left room for errors on my part. This was especially true when I was presented with a task that I had not yet encountered. Specifically, while I was running the front desk and social media, someone had entered the building looking to purchase some books for the book club that was being held later that month. I had not been told where the books would be or what book was being read that month. In this scenario, it was essential for me to reach out to my supervisor and ask for clarifications, despite being left in charge. This situation made me feel uncomfortable especially because I had felt that I was already tasked with many other things. Because I had not been told about this beforehand, I felt as though I was working alone. Though I had a support system, there was a significant distance between us. Instead of being able to tackle the issue as it was presented, I had to ask for further clarifications which I did not receive until much after the person had left the facility. This made me feel a bit disappointed in my ability to help them. I believe that I would have felt more confident if I had been informed of this or if I had easier access to my supervisor. I believe that someone from my host culture might have expected the situation. I am aware of the difference between the hands on managing of interns that is expected in the U.S. compared to the more hands-off interaction with interns in the U.K. I am more used to being given all the information and directions needed for each of my tasks. However, in my host country, there is more room for autonomy. Instead of assuming that people need things to be explained to them, supervisors tend to give just give initial directions. If there is confusion or needed clarity, it is expected that you would approach your supervisor to ask questions and receive the information you need. Overall, I feel that these reflections have helped me identify my areas of confusion and see overall trends in times in which I feel uncomfortable. This has helped me look inwards and determine areas in which I still need to be more adaptable in new cultures. This can help me respond to future cultural misunderstandings and conflicts by helping me become more open to differences. Additionally, when I find myself in a new culture in which I am having misunderstandings or conflicts, I can take a step back and really analyze what is going on objectively. Then I can identify what my expectations of the situation are versus that of my host culture.
