An American Abroad in Greece

          

            I like to think I know myself pretty well, what I like, what I dislike, what I value, my perspective on life, how I deal with challenges and difficulties, etc. Even though I know myself incredibly well, that does not mean that I will not grow and change my views on many different things. I think a key part to broadening your horizons—yes, I know that sounds cheesy—and taking in as much of a new culture as you possibly can is to know who you are and how you will deal with different situations such as the Culture Strategies Survey prepared us, but also knowing that you may need to change your perspective when immersing yourself in a different culture. I am returning to a familiar culture, however, that does not mean I do not need to switch my “American” way of thinking to fit into and be accepted by this new culture. The new insight I have from taking the Self Audit questionnaire showed me that I can be very open and flexible in a new culture because I am wanting to experience as much as possible in a short amount of time. From the Cultural-Context Inventory, it showed that I was closer to a low-context culture, yet I am studying in a relatively high-context country, which can provide some difficulties while being overseas. Since I have been to this country before, I know a good amount of the culture and history, but I would like to deepen my understanding of the different culture because, in many aspects, it can be very different from the American culture that I have been influenced by so much. It will be slightly difficult to teach the people that I encounter on my trip about American culture because they are already so immersed in the American society because of  watching so many American TV shows, eating American food, etc.

            A skill set that I feel as though I lack is trying to be more patient with others. I think that I am a very open-minded person, yet if I disagree with someone or something, it is difficult for me to take the time and be patient for the other person to explain his or her side—which can be challenging if I experience culture shock and do not take the time to understand my experience and that culture.