Kirsten Biddle

Professor Lopes
African Philosophy
12-5-13


Becoming A Better American
Citizens of the United States are notorious for their lack of intelligence regarding
other countries. Most Americans know only one language, English. They tend to stick to
what they are familiar with and I believe this is part of the reason why Americans are so
sheltered. How can we, a country that is known to the rest of the world as a melting pot,
be so shielded from other cultures and countries? This question has always been on my
mind and more frequently since arriving in Italy a few short months ago. Studying abroad
has been so incredibly beneficial for me. It would definitely help to increase cultural
awareness in the United States if more American students could take part in a study abroad
journey.
Studying abroad has increased my tolerance and knowledge of the world
immensely. Making study abroad a part of American students education is the most
effective and accessible means for them to develop needed skills because it pushes a student
to get out of his or her comfort zone, to experience another culture, language, environment
and education system. It teaches students to appreciate difference and diversity firsthand,
and enables them to recognize and eventually write off stereotypes they may have held
about people they had never met. Learning how to interact with people from other
countries and cultures equips future leaders in all parts of the world to address urgent
issues. From curing diseases and finding energy solutions, to fighting terrorism and hunger
a knowledge gained from study abroad is shared across borders.
The most important thing I learned during my time in this class and by studying
abroad was how to become culturally aware and how important globalization really is for
the future success of mankind. Knowing that we dont know everything, that a situation
does not make sense, that our assumptions may be wrong is part of the process of becoming
culturally aware. Assume differences, not similarities.
To me, cultural awareness is the foundation of communication and it involves the
ability of standing back from ourselves and becoming aware of our cultural values, beliefs
and perceptions. Why do we do things in that way? How do we see the world? Why do we
react in that particular way?
Cultural awareness becomes essential when we have to interact with people from
other cultures. People see, interpret and evaluate things in a different ways. What is
considered an appropriate behavior in one culture is frequently inappropriate in another one.
Misunderstandings arise when I use my meanings to make sense of your reality. For example,
you cannot go to Poland and simply expect their culture to be identical to yours. A local would
probably get very confused with my actions too. Its all about becoming tolerant to others
cultures and civilizations.
I learned how to live almost on my own and become more independent than I was
prior to this experience. I made very close friends that were in the study abroad program
with me, whom I will to keep in touch with. Something important I realized was how much
effort it takes to automatically adjust to someone else's rules and respect their culture.
Weve discussed this topic of cultural awareness in class and I can recall a lot of the class
sharing how important it is to take a walk in someone elses shoes. In order to fully
understand they way someone acts it becomes critical to do just that. Through empathy we
learn of how other people would like to be treated by us. Its the golden rule. As the Bible
states, So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the
Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
There are so many small aspects of the Italian culture for example, that took time
getting used to. Although it may seem unimportant, as an American Im used to being
associated with people who always work, talk about business over lunch and drink their
coffee running in the street instead of like Italians enjoying it in a bar. What does it mean?
Italians are lazy and American hyperactive? No, it means that the meaning that people give
to certain activities, like having lunch or dinner could be different according to certain
cultures. In Italy, where relationships are highly valued, lunch, dinner or the simple pauses
for coffee have a social connotation: people get together to talk and relax, and to get to
know each other better. In the USA, where time is money, lunches can be part of closing a
deal where people discuss the outcomes and sign a contract over coffee.
Going back to the benefits I have received just from studying abroad; if more
students in the USA would just take the risk and study in a different country, they too could
benefit. The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), surveyed alumni
from all IES study abroad programs from 1950 to 1999. Regardless of where students
studied and for how long, the data from the more than 3,400 respondents (a 23 percent
response rate) shows that studying abroad is usually a defining moment in a young person's
life and continues to impact the participants life for years after the experience.
(www.clarku.com)
Getting in touch with your family's heritage can be another strong motivation to
study abroad. Many students report tremendous educational and personal benefits from
exploring countries where their families have roots (Benefits of Studying Abroad).
Studying abroad can provide you with that opportunity to learn about your own ethnicity
and explore your identity. Whether your family recently emigrated to the U.S. or like mine
has lived here for decades. Whether you are discovering your family's culture for the first
time or interested in learning more, study abroad can help you put together the puzzle of
your family's past and your present. We have discussed in class the importance of knowing
ones past in order to gain sight into the future. I agree. Coming into the African Philosophy
class, I knew I was a bit of a mixture of everything. My heritage consisted of polish, Irish,
German, and many other nationalities. During my stay in Europe, I was able to visit
Krakow, Poland. It just really hit me that ages ago a distant relative was living in that
country, carrying on with their daily life and I was so happy to embrace my own culture.
Ill always remember my time spent in Poland for that reason.
Although all students benefit from the study abroad experience, there are a few
choices that students can make that have the potential to increase their long-term language
and career benefits. Continued language usage was greatest among respondents who lived
in a homestay, with 42 percent saying they now use a language other than English on a
regular basis (www.clarku.com). Grasping another language will help you appreciate
literature, music and film in that language, and better understand the culture in which you
live.
I am going to continue to learn the Italian language and plan to perfect my speaking
skills. When I arrive back at John Carroll next semester, Im going to be pursuing an Italian
minor. Im so excited to learn more about the Italian culture and linguistics. This experience
has led to so much more in my life at home, and for that I am so glad that I made a decision
to study abroad.

In wrap up, the benefits of studying abroad are endless. Its nearly impossible to
type explain them all in one paper. But, the biggest advantage Ive gained from this
experience is the one of cultural knowledge and tolerance. Returning to the United States in
December I will not be the same girl that left in August and Im proud to say that. Im glad
to return a more refined and educated student. Hopefully many other students will be able
to benefit the same way I have.








Works Cited


"Benefits of Studying Abroad." UNT-International. UNT. Web. 11 Dec 2013.
<https://studyabroad.admin.unt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Link
_ID=F35B8412-5056-B566-00DE1BEE9D54EF32>.


English Standard Version Bible, Matthew. 7.12

Peters, Kourtney. "The Benefits of Studying Abroad." Clark University. n. page.
Web. 11 Dec. 2013. <https://www.clarku.net/offices/studyabroad/pdfs/IES
Study.pdf>.