Latin American Business Culture

One of my goals for this internship is to learn more about the business culture here in South America, something that you must learn if you are to work abroad.  In one word, Latin American business culture is chill.  Unless you are a banker, you don't need to wear a suit, business casual is not even required for most days.  Sure, if you go to a networking event or any event like that it might be awkward not to wear business casual, but I don't think anyone would really care.  The work hours here are pretty relaxed as well.  For my internship, I choose the hours I work, and a lot of businesses around here are like that.  Most of my exposure has been to the startup industry, so most people work whenever, wherever they want / need to.  Although people here typically work less hours per week than entrepreneurs in the United States, their work ethic is certainly just as strong.  Working less hours is more due to cultural differences than not wanting to work their ass off.  In reality, a lot of successful entrepreneurs down here do work crazy hours, but most people looking to jumpstart their own gig usually clock in from 35-40 hours a week, if that.  Another thing I have noticed is taking work off is pretty easy, especially when the world cup is playing.  I feel very comfortable in this work environment.  The only thing that I have actually struggled with is that when you email or start a conversation with an Argentine, it is rude to get right to the point.  In the United States, people want emails to be as short and to the point as possible, however here it's rude not to start your email with "¿Cómo estás?".

On another note, VAMOS ARGENTINA.  I'm so happy to be in a country that is playing in the world cup final.  It's going to be awesome.

Also, here is a picture from the obelisco in downtown BA.