An American Abroad

As I completed the surveys for this class, I realized how American I actually am. I am very goal-driven and independent, and I always feel like I am slacking if I am ever not busy. These characteristics might make things slightly difficult in another culture where people are more community-minded and put less emphasis staying busy. However, I think that living in France could help me to focus more on other aspects of life than what I tend to spend my time on here. Especially since I will not be working and my courses might be easier than the biochemistry classes I take at Maryville. I hope that a less strenuous semester in a culture that is slightly less focused on independence and staying busy will help me to focus on building relationships abroad and really diving into the culture.
As far as what I can bring to the table, I feel like my independence could also be a strength in some ways. I like problem-solving and figuring out solutions on my own, which could be helpful as I encounter new situations. I am also usually a very diligent student (except when I turn my blog post in late... oops) which could help relieve some potential academic stress and let me focus on other aspects of my study abroad. When we took the context survey, I ended up with a score of 5 on the high-context side, which seems to be almost exactly in line with French culture. This makes me feel much better as I face moving to a new country. Even though I know things will be very different over there and my interactions with others will have to adjust accordingly, it is nice to know that I might at least have a few things in common with this new culture.

Blog 2-Aryne Feldman

With deepening my understanding regarding the Italian culture (I am going to Rome, Italy this summer to study abroad), I plan on getting a grasp of things before traveling and studying over there.  As of right now, for instance, I am practicing the language.  I have been learning Italian slowly, but every night I learn a few phrases and review them for that week.  Understanding the language will show locals that I am, at least, trying to understand and respect part of their cultural.  Although linguistics might not seem like a big deal, to me if I know someone who doesn’t speak the same language but they were trying, it still shows they care.  With that being said, I feel as if is also important to respect the cultural overall, such as social norms and manners.  How does one show respect? First thing, is to actually understand.  Understanding is the first step in taking to respecting a culture.  We are so accustomed to our social norms and the way we present ourselves, or talk where we might be ignorant to the fact that our way of doing things is not the only way.  Knowing what is the social norm when going to restaurants, hotels, stores, or maybe interacting with professors, is a key aspect in going to another country because a sign of respect of of keen importance.  I want to learn the large differences between our culture and the Italian culture.  With this, talking to locals about their culture and talking about the differences is a great way to understand my own and their culture.  With conversations among people with different cultures, you get experience and first hand learning just by us opening our mouths! I have yet to learn everything about the culture, such as where to go and how to travel.  Although I have been to several countries, I always know about them before I go.  Therefore, this will be a great learning experience.   

I can deepen my understanding of the culture of Puerto rico fairly easy on this campus. With the simple use of google and my access to students and friends form Puerto rico as well as a Spanish teacher whho went to Puerto rico abroad as well I can learn culture from many different aspects and points of view. The world baseball classic is also a big help because of the strong presence of Puerto rican culture all over social media and television. I am very interested in the language, food, lifestyle, and rich history of the ultra-diverse island of Puerto rico. My own culture is also diversified and I bring along different language and different ways I go about things. I have yet to learn the ins and outs of the Spanish language, and I cant wait to get the opportunity!

Blog #2: An American Abroad

It's hard for me to take a firm stance because I am realizing how very different from the "average" American I am. I found myself really paying attention to how I responded to certain stances on the self audit and cultural context inventory and in the article about American values and assumptions. While time is very much of the essence for me and I value my own identity, I didn't see myself fitting into the other categories that fit under what is means to be an American. So, I suppose a challenge for me while I'm studying abroad is how do I represent a culture that I feel I am not a true part of, nor share many of the same values?

Personally, when I'm traveling, I am more interested in learning about the culture of the place in which I am located, rather than holding onto my own "culture" and going by its standards. I don't plan on going to Japan and Korea exclaiming, "Hello! I am American. The American way is the best way!" It is with this mindset that I plan on being able to handle the newness of Japan and the re-acquaintance with Korea. My curiosity and love for learning about cultures will be my weapon in dealing with my fear of the unfamiliar. If I'm ever feeling desperately homesick, I'll just quote Pocahontas and say, "What's around the river bend?"

Another way I plan on fighting my anxiety and learning about the culture is by making new friends. I figure this will be effective in multiple ways. For one, it will help me not feel lonely in a new environment, and for two, it helps with my immersion into the culture. What better way to learn about the people than through the people?

The very first challenge I can think of is the language barrier. I speak no Japanese and, while not fluent, I am more comfortable with the Korean language. But, hopefully, with friends and my immersion plan that will be fixed very quickly.

I am still trying to figure out how I will answer any questions I may be asked regarding my American nationality as I am still trying to figure that out. The best answer I can give is just to explain my perspective on something as an American and share the reasons for things we do as Americans for those who are curious. I'm sure that will be a learning experience all on its own independent of the school environment. It might be a hard lesson, but it's one that I think is worth learning.

Blog #2: An American Abroad

In January 2017, I had the amazing opportunity to go on a Travel Study trip to New Zealand. Before that trip I had traveled a lot domestically but barely any internationally. I learned so much on my travel study trip and I feel that I will be able to use most of the skills learned on my full semester abroad. I think I will have more challenges on my semester in Norway rather than when I went to New Zealand because I will be going alone rather than with a group of people I know. I know I have made friends quickly when coming to MC but after researching the culture of Norway, I know there are some social interaction differences. I feel that I will be happy just being in another country and will be able to entertain myself until I can pick up on the social cues around.

I feel that I am rather aware of my surroundings and pay close attention to situations I am in. I think this will benefit me while learning about and adapting to a new culture. I plan to use these strengths to adapt more quickly and more efficiently when integrating into Nord University. I also hope that this will help me develop my skills for cultural assimilation.

I would not consider myself the “typical” American due to my views. I experienced many stereotypes in New Zealand and I expect no less when going to Norway. I hope that during my time there I will be able to break some of the stereotypes held there and also show that everyone can have different views. I think US citizens get a bad reputation in many countries and I think it is partly the job of American travelers to make sure we don’t fall into that bad reputation.

Ol' Beller : An American Abroad - Blog 2

Aspects of my identity (likely acquired from the "American way") I hope to bring to Italy are my open mind and freedom of expression.

A worry of mine was the fact that I naturally speak as fast as a hummingbird’s heartbeat. We’re talkin’ so fast that native English speakers sometimes struggle to keep up. While I can bear in mind this trait and try to slow down, it can be hard to change. In class, I learned that my personality leans more towards being high-context, which I find fitting and may be able to use to my advantage. Although I often stray off topic, I tend to be observant of body language and vibes during interactions. This awareness usually helps the flow of social connections.

Reading up on common Italian personality traits, some sources say that they are super sociable and sometimes keep chatting with people who know zero Italian. (Relatable, I enjoy a good bonding session too. Facciamo pace!) I underestimated how much I enjoy spontaneous adventures and new people, and had convinced myself that those were the biggest obstacles I’d face.  

Still, I’ve come to realize challenges that remain after the context inventory made me consider how much one’s background plays into conversation. Despite where I am, I always take into consideration others’ differing backgrounds/perspective when meeting people. However, I rely on humor for the majority of my interactions, and my eccentricity and outlandishness may translate as offensive or inappropriate. This can hopefully be remedied and prevented through cultural research. Advice that I’m thinking of taking is to befriend an Italian before my trip and learn through them. (Maybe a pen-pal, or anyone interested on social media.)

Blog 2: An American Abroad

When it comes to interpreting the surveys, I guess I can say that I agree with many typical American views. Sure, I like the use of buzzwords like freedom and independence, but many others do as well. Simple words and statements do not work well when describing a person.

With the popular belief that Americans are super outgoing, I’m a bit worried about how I’m supposed to fit in. I like the idea of making new friends, but I’m terrible at approaching and conversing with strangers. With this challenge, I’m determined to be more open and be the one who first initiates things. I hope that people will try to understand me as an individual rather than comparing me to other Americans.

In Japan, the culture and language are very high-context so I know I must pay more attention and take care when speaking with others. When it comes to my identity, I’m a bit guarded. I am willing to answer any questions or discuss any beliefs, but I don’t want to always go around advertising my opinions. I just hope people will try to understand me as an individual rather than assuming an incorrect stereotype.

An American Abroad

This fall semester I will be an American abroad in Puerto Rico. Even though Puerto Rico is part of the United States, I will still face adversity while I am there. Puerto Rico is a mix of American and Latin American cultures. I have never been out of the country before, so this will be a very different experience for me. I think that I will really enjoy being there for a few reasons. One of the biggest reasons I will like it is because I love learning about other cultures (especially Latin American cultures). I am excited to learn about the Puerto Rican culture and better my Spanish language skills. While doing this, I will face some adversity such as being immersed in the Spanish language when I am not used to that. Another might be the classroom setting. The classes might be different than what I am used to here at Maryville college. Another might be the size of the school which I am not used to. There are a lot more students at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez than there are here at Maryville. I have been trying to think of different ways to help myself get through the hard times that I will face. Overall, I think that I will really enjoy this experience while I am abroad and will get through what I need to when it happens.

Blog #1: Goals

If you told me a year ago that I would be in the process of studying abroad, I probably would've chuckled and shook my head. As it is, this whole experience of preparation and making sure I have such and such document ready and turned in on time and making sure I didn't forget anything has left me, quite frankly, frazzled. Only once I get on the plane will it finally sink in, I think.

I believe that once you've had a taste of travel, you become a sort of nomad at heart. That has definitely been the case for me ever since I went to South Korea and I have felt restless ever since. That's why I have pushed through my discomfort and chosen to study abroad for a year in both Japan and South Korea (one semester each).

I'd say my goals are as follows:

• Learning the language

• Seeing things from a different perspective than the American one

• Just flying the nest, so to speak. Getting away from the same old and gaining some independence and freedom.

 I'm sure other things will pop up as I go along that I hadn't thought of before, but that's the beauty of traveling. You can make plans and expect something to go one way but end up with something entirely different and possibly even better.

As for my fears, I'd say being away from my family is the number one concern I have. I was distant from my family when I was in South Korea for two months, but this is going to be a much longer duration and in a completely different setting. So, there's that. I think I worry a lot about anything concerning financial stuff, whether it be being able to afford studying abroad to begin with, or if an emergency comes up while I'm over in Japan or Korea. Those are definitely big concerns for me. And, then, I worry about how I will be received as an American given the political climate in many countries. A year ago, I wouldn't have thought twice about being an American in another country, but now I feel hesitant. I hope and pray that I don't come across extremely difficult and tense situations because of my nationality.

I plan on maximizing my experience by being as Japanese and Korean as possible when I'm in those places. That means I will speak Japanese and Korean, eat the food, and just live the daily life of a Japanese and Korean as much as possible while I'm there. I think that will allow me to maximize the most of my experience studying abroad.

An American Abroad

This summer in Argentina will be the first time I will be out of the country, but this will not be the first time i have travelled or lived far away from any support system. I feel the easiest part for me to adapt to the change in culture, being from Texas there was a degree of culture shock coming to Tennessee. I feel i handled it well and will continue to adapt by keeping an open mind to another culture point of view. While keeping an open mind and trying to remember other's point of view are my strengths i feel my biggest difficulties will be expressing my action while trying to maintain and adapt my own values. It is sometimes difficult to express myself here, Feel it will be a lot more difficult to express myself in a foreign culture. My biggest thing i am going to try an remember is to keep calm and try to be as clear as possible with my intent. My own culture will be the largest thing I bring to Argentina. I feel that if I keep the attitude of excitement i have currently and don't get to low with lows I can be a great example of what people are like back in America instead of the stereotypes they maybe accustom to.

Brittney's Gonna Be An American Abroad!!

In terms of strengths, I am very open-minded. I love trying new things and I’m not picky. I’m excited to experience “top of the iceberg” of Japan. That said, I not very flexible. I usually go with the flow, but doing so in another culture seems difficult. Abroad I’ll probably be the type who likes to know what’s happening and have a full understanding. However, I am already preparing myself for not always having full understanding while abroad. So, that weakness shouldn’t hinder me much. The “bottom of the iceberg” is where I will struggle the most. For example: higher context language, gift giving, eating etiquette. A good pre-departure strategy that I’m currently using is to inform myself of Japan’s social and cultural differences. No matter what challenges I face, I'm going to let my excitement and determination for success get me through. For learning more in depth about Japan, I think it’s important to talk to Japanese students and just take in the experience. To keep the experience, I should write in a journal and note all the things I’ve learned as well as have I felt during that experience. This will help me remember and reflect on my study abroad. I’m not sure when it comes to the aspects of my identity. I know I’ll try to remain myself, but it could be an issue if I accidentally offend people or seem weird. I’ll do my best educate others about my culture. Though, I’d have to educate myself first in subjects like politics and economics. Overall, I’ll try to a good representative of the U.S.

Blog #2

 My strengths to being able to adapt to a new culture are that I'm a friendly person, and i'm willing to try new things. The things I will lack it would be not fully knowing the language and navigating my way through the city. I think by just keeping a positive mindset and enjoying the moment I will be just fine when I get there adapting to the new culture. I hope when I go I can educate others about how some of the negative american stereotypes are not true. I want to learn the business side of the argentine culture and I also want to learn how society operates in that culture as well. The skill I am dying to lear is the skill of being diverse and adaptable to more than one cultures.

Blog 2: An American Abroad

Since I’m a third-culture kid and a religious minority, I think I do a good job of being open to different cultures. Japanese culture is something I’ve informally studied ever since I was a child, and recently I’ve been trying to watch as many videos as I can to learn quirks about Japanese culture or some culture shock experiences other foreigners have faced while in Japan. However, no amount of studying or researching will truly prepare me for what I’m going to experience while I’m abroad.

I’m a very direct person, but Japanese people come from a high-context culture so they tend to talk in circles or beat around the bush a lot. That is something I’m going to struggle with while in Japan, but it won’t be that bad since I know to expect it already. Considering how introverted I am, I’m actually not sure how straightforward I will be since I’ll be in a country where most people don’t speak English, and I’m shy when it comes to starting conversations with native Japanese speakers. Again, my experience as a third-culture kid helps me when it comes to understanding cultural differences.

I want to bring all aspects of my identity…but I’m not sure which ones I’ll be educating people about. I guess it will be whatever comes up in conversation! I’m not your stereotypical American, so Japanese people might be a bit surprised when they meet me!

Honestly, I’m not worried so much about being faced with a new culture more than I am with the fact that I won’t be in an English-speaking country or the fact that it will be monsoon season the entire time I’m in Japan (sighs). 😓

Until next time! またね! 👋

An American Abroad

My internship in Prague will be my first time abroad. In the beginning, I was nervous about how I would fit in while abroad, but as I have learned more about myself through the culture assignments, I realize that I will be fine. Based on my self-audit, I am more independent, open, and flexible than I thought. I am able to do things on my own and take charge in situations where that is needed. I have always been open to trying new things and having new experiences. As much as I like having a plan, I am able to improvise and be flexible based on the circumstances. When traveling abroad, there may be many unexpected happenings that you may not be completely prepared for, so there is a need to keep an open mind.

Even though I am open to different strategies when it comes to learning to exist in a different culture, the culture I am going to be working in is somewhat similar to my own. The Czech Republic is a low context culture. The culture has an appreciation for individualism much like the United States. It matches my personal cultural context and it somewhat resembles what I am used to. Although I would be comfortable working in a culture that is different from my own, the similarities will make the transition much easier. Being an American abroad in Prague is looking like it will be a great experience.

An American Abroad

New Culture or First Long-term Experience Abroad

Using the Self Audit, Culture Strategies Survey and Cultural-Context Inventory as your guide, what are some of the strengths (or strategies) that you personally bring to the table when it comes to learning about and adapting to a new culture? What challenges are you going to face, and are there strategies that you think will work well for you to learn more in depth about the cultural traits of your host country?  What aspects of your identity or of “being an American (or your own culture if not American)” will you bring and educate others about?

I am one step closer to being a student abroad, and I am absolutely terrified. 

This past week, I've watched multiple videos all about Wroclaw, Poland. I've watched the market square set up for an average day, and I've listened to locals talk about Wroclaw University. 

And I'm still absolutely terrified.

After taking the multiple surveys given to us, I've come to realize that I have no reason to be this scared. I'm a completely open person, always engaging in conversations and activities. I love meeting new people and introducing them into my life. 

Oh, right. The fact that I'm totally anxiety ridden and have a hard time putting my first foot forward. That will get me.

Being an American, we are seen as over talkative and very political. I am neither of these things, and I haven't decided if that is a good or bad thing. I want it to be good, so I can break the "American Dream" idea to anyone that meets me. I've come to the conclusion that I will fit in better in Poland than I do in America.

I'm reading into the Polish history and culture, and I feel content. I have this idea that I'm going to seamlessly slip into this culture and live in it easier than I do in America. Of course, I can't expect that to happen right off the bat. I'm going to have to convert myself to fit in - and I'm excited for that challenge. The prospect of meeting friends from a different country and getting along with them - that makes it all worthwhile. 

Of course, I have to talk about eating. I've watched Anthony Bourdain and he is my own personal hero. I will be thinking of him as I bite into sausage and try every type of food that is put on a plate before me. (No, I'm not just going to Poland for the food, even if that's what it sounds like. Nope.)

All in all, I think it will go pretty smoothly. I'm the type of person that will make friends with anyone willing, so I'm excited to see who wants to meet a non-traditional American in Poland and possibly adopt me. 

Żegnajcie przyjaciele