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.