Enrolling in classes is a regular activity for students. In the past, I did not find subjects such as European Social Politics, Globalization, and International Finance interesting. However, studying abroad this semester has ignited my curiosity about the world and inspired me to view America from a wider viewpoint. Many of us have gained knowledge about America through American literature, music, and films within the American public school system.
These various forms of media are typically produced by Americans, resulting in a biased perspective. Our society tends to focus inward and overlook the fact that our ancestors were much like us. Fortunately, I was able to break free from this pattern and study in Paderno del Grappa, Italy for a transformative three and a half-month period. Before we left, we were warned that we would likely experience culture shock when we arrived in our new countries.
Despite thinking I could avoid or handle any challenges, I was unprepared for the difficulty I would encounter. I believed that because our ancestors came from Europe and we adopted their customs, culture shock wouldn’t be a significant issue. However, my assumption proved to be completely wrong when I arrived in Italy. It took me about three weeks to adjust and overcome homesickness, but eventually, I became familiar with my new environment. Although initially overwhelmed, I soon realized that things were not as unfamiliar as they appeared.
At times, the accumulation of numerous tiny and unimportant factors would have a significant impact. Even the smallest things appeared peculiar: encountering Euro signs instead of dollar signs, applying oil and vinegar to a salad, having to pay for ketchup, and predominantly walking everywhere felt very unfamiliar. There were instances when, if given the opportunity, I would have immediately taken a flight back to Kansas. Being without my American phone and high-speed internet made me feel isolated from everyone back home.
The newfound feeling of insecurity I experienced was beneficial for my education and fostered my independence. The most thrilling aspect of my international experience was traveling. Throughout three and a half months, I visited Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Spain. Each destination provided enjoyable and challenging experiences that were equally fulfilling. Among these moments, the ones that had a lasting impact were those of profound realization.
I had planned a ten-day adventure in Spain during my trip. I believed that my Spanish language skills, acquired from high school classes, would be very useful in helping our group create itineraries. However, upon arriving in Spain and attempting to use my vocabulary to find our hostel, I faced difficulties due to the significant differences between Spanish dialects in Spain and Mexico. Unfortunately, nobody could understand what I was trying to communicate.
The situation left me both perplexed and annoyed since I had expected to excel in this specific area. Nonetheless, it provided me with a new comprehension of the significance of language barriers. Understanding that there are more travels awaiting me, I recognized the potential advantage of leveraging this newfound knowledge in the future. To my astonishment, I found out that there are around 35 unique dialects derived from different regions in Italy. Although I was already aware of this fact, it still caught me off guard. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly accepted and embraced these variations.
This encounter went beyond a mere language barrier and instead became a convergence of diverse cultures. There were instances when I experienced frustration and disillusionment as my training failed to facilitate effective communication. The entire ordeal left me disheartened; however, I eventually comprehended that certain lifestyles diverged significantly from my own upbringing. Regardless of personal preferences, I recognized the necessity to adapt to this unfamiliar way of life. As time progressed, my awareness of the environment heightened and I gradually grew more comfortable in this alien setting.
After overcoming personal obstacles, I gained an easier understanding and observation of lifestyle differences. For instance, in Ireland, people would sit next to strangers to start a conversation. In Italy, businesses close in the afternoon for rest. In Venice, people commute by boat, gondola, or walking if possible. In Spain, natives wake up from late evening naps around midnight to start partying until sunrise. In Germany, drinks are served without ice.
When you spend your entire life in one place, you become accustomed to a single way of living. This can lead to naivety as you are not exposed to new and diverse experiences. However, studying abroad provides the opportunity to explore the world beyond our 50 states, encompassing nearly 200 countries. This enables a better understanding of both others and oneself. Our country is so vast that it is often easy to remain within its borders for a lifetime, thus limiting our knowledge of international affairs.
A local Italian explained to me that Italy, being smaller in size compared to the US, could be covered in a news segment lasting only 5 minutes. This observation is valid, but it should not be used as an excuse for our lack of knowledge about global events. My study abroad experience has greatly increased my awareness of various subjects. It has continuously exposed me to new things and will enable me to approach my education with a wider perspective.
This experience will enhance my capability to consider all perspectives effectively, as it provides me with better-informed insights. I am pleased that study abroad programs are increasing in popularity in America. I urge everyone to seize the opportunity to live in a foreign country and develop a profound understanding of it, as there is an abundance of knowledge we can gain from our surroundings. Standing within Rome’s Coliseum was an exceptionally educational encounter, similar to my language challenges in Spain. These instances contribute to the holistic development of each nation and its people.
