The Entrepreneurship Exchange program was one of the most energizing and eye-opening experiences I have ever had
By Alexa Sohn,
Undergraduate Student, International Relations and Political Science, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Going into the Entrepreneurship Exchange, I expected to learn about business models and collaboration. But I didn’t expect this program would reshape the way I think about creativity, teamwork, and global problem solving.
One of the most memorable parts of the program was the first meeting with my team. We came from completely different backgrounds, which could have made collaboration difficult. Instead, it became our biggest strength. Every conversation pushed me to think in ways I hadn’t before. When we were developing our project, I found myself constantly inspired by the perspectives that came from cultures and experiences different from my own. It reminded me how powerful diverse teams can be, especially in entrepreneurship where solutions need to work across borders and communities.
Another standout aspect was how hands-on everything felt. Rather than just listening to lectures, we actually built something together. We pitched ideas, refined them, scrapped them, then rebuilt them again. That cycle of trial, error, and improvement taught me more about resilience and adaptability than any textbook ever could. I learned that entrepreneurship isn’t about having the perfect idea from the start, it’s about being willing to iterate, listen, and grow.
Beyond the project work, the cultural exchange itself was incredibly meaningful. I loved hearing everyone’s stories, learning about their home countries, and understanding the challenges and opportunities they see in their own communities. It made the world feel both bigger and smaller at the same time. Bigger, because I gained insight into realities far beyond my own; smaller, because connection and collaboration made us feel unexpectedly close.
My biggest takeaway from the program is confidence. Confidence in my ability to work with new people, to take initiative, and to approach problems with creativity instead of fear. Entrepreneurship suddenly feels less like a distant concept and more like a skillset I can continue building.
I’m grateful for every person I met and every conversation that pushed me to think differently. This exchange gave me not just new knowledge, but a new mindset, and that’s something I’ll carry with me long after the program ends.