Crystal Yeh
Wharton ’28
ESG and AI for Business
GRIP: Wine, Heritage, and Hospitality in Porto, Portugal
WIP Sustainability Theme
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My first travel experiences abroad were only because of Penn. I spent my first trip abroad studying in Stockholm, Sweden. I spent my first work trip abroad in Porto, Portugal, interning at Churchill’s, a small, family-run Port wine company. When I arrived, I didn’t know a thing about wine—or how to pronounce “pastel de nata”—but I learned both quickly by asking “why?” over and over. Why are bottles stored sideways? Why do barrels come in different sizes? Those questions turned into giving daily tours, leading tastings for visitors from all over the world, and presenting company-wide ideas to improve operations.
Because I wasn’t just abroad for the first time—I was working abroad for the first time. I had to navigate everything from building confidence in public speaking to finding my way around the city. My cohort and I also learned that the key to making the most of a summer abroad was balancing work with exploration. We went from going straight to bed after work to planning tile-making workshops, beach days, and spontaneous food crawls.
Other students should ask me about how to make an unfamiliar place feel like home, especially when you don’t know the language, how to build confidence in professional settings abroad, and how to say yes to small adventures that end up shaping your experience. I left with a notebook full of advice from new friends, a stronger sense of self, and the understanding that growth happens in the space between method and madness.
My Experience Abroad
My experiences abroad from my internship at Churchill’s in Portugal to the Wharton International Program focused on sustainability in Sweden have been pivotal in connecting classroom concepts with real-world applications in ESG, research, and entrepreneurship.
At Churchill’s, I gained hands-on exposure to how a family-run business balances tradition with innovation, learning to analyze operations and customer feedback to propose improvements. This experience deepened my understanding of sustainability’s role in business, especially how environmental factors affect wine production and how companies can embed eco-conscious practices into their brand narratives.
Meanwhile, the WIP trip to Sweden allowed me to explore sustainability from a global leadership perspective. Immersed in Swedish customs like lagom (balance) and guided by industry leaders, I learned about circular economies, renewable energy initiatives, and corporate social responsibility on a national scale. This broadened my view of how sustainable business practices can drive innovation and long-term growth.
Both experiences complement my academic focus on ESG and my passion for entrepreneurship. They have inspired me to pursue ventures, particularly in sustainable fashion, that integrate environmental stewardship with cutting-edge business models. Through research, cross-cultural collaboration, and practical problem-solving, these opportunities have strengthened my goal of building startups that create positive social and environmental impact.
Other Highlights
One of the most rewarding moments during my internship was getting to speak Chinese with a visiting tour group. Seeing how much more at ease they were when I greeted them in their native language made me realize the power of cultural connection and communication. Beyond the tours, I was honored when the company asked me to create artwork, like chalk signs directing guests to the garden bar, which allowed me to express my creativity and contribute in a unique way.
Another highlight was being trusted to prepare the cheese boards for tastings—a task I embraced enthusiastically. I took care in practicing the cuts of the cheeses and studying the proper pairings, which deepened my appreciation for hospitality. Cultural immersion extended beyond work as I experienced the vibrant São João festival in Porto, which gave me insight into Portuguese traditions and community spirit.
During the Wharton International Program in Sweden, I discovered the joy of fika—a daily coffee break centered on connection and mindfulness—which I have happily continued to practice even after returning to the US.
These experiences enriched my internship far beyond professional skills, embedding me in the local culture and inspiring habits that blend balance, creativity, and hospitality.
