I was eight when I moved to the U.S from Bangladesh. Shortly after I started school, I realized the importance of language. At the time, I knew some English but it was not enough to carry on a conversation. Due to this limitation, I faced hurtful comments and bullying. I realized the necessity of language in social interaction and communication. When I became fluent in English and started making friends, my interaction with my peers changed for the better. I now realize how language can either create a barrier between individuals or create a harmonious environment which unites people.
I can vividly remember when I became interested in South Korea. In the summer of 2007, I accidently found a YouTube video of a Korean song and was mesmerized …show more content…
However, due to my poor first-semester performance, I was put on academic probation. I knew my GPA could greatly affect my study abroad plans. At the time, I was majoring in biology with the goal of becoming a dentist, but, by the end of the semester, I realized my heart was not in the subject or the career path. The next semester, I decided to major in an area about which I am truly passionate: International Relations. My desire to learn about different countries, politics, policies, and leaders stemmed from my previous interest in the North and South Korea relations. Since then, I have genuinely enjoyed my classes and thus done well in them. During my study abroad semester, I am planning to take courses that will directly relate to Korean culture and history in order to help complete my degree. The OU Political Science department offers very few classes that relate to Asia, so this is a great opportunity for me to take classes on the region about which I am most interested, while directly observing the culture. Additionally, I will take a Korean language class required by the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) study abroad program, which would count as an elective …show more content…
People from my culture are highly traditional; sexism is prevalent. In this patriarchal society, females are expected to depend on male family members. While this mentality has improved somewhat, Southeast Asia is still behind in empowering women, and therefore it is uncommon for women of these countries to participate in study abroad programs. Having immigrated to America, my parents are relatively modernized but still have the mentality that girls should not be ‘too independent,’ so they are wary of my participation in this program. However, for me, conforming to these cultural standards is not an option, but instead, I strive to be independent. This opportunity will provide me with a new experience: living away from my parents. Navigating this new challenge will help me develop practical and cultural skills, emotional maturity, and my own
I can vividly remember when I became interested in South Korea. In the summer of 2007, I accidently found a YouTube video of a Korean song and was mesmerized …show more content…
However, due to my poor first-semester performance, I was put on academic probation. I knew my GPA could greatly affect my study abroad plans. At the time, I was majoring in biology with the goal of becoming a dentist, but, by the end of the semester, I realized my heart was not in the subject or the career path. The next semester, I decided to major in an area about which I am truly passionate: International Relations. My desire to learn about different countries, politics, policies, and leaders stemmed from my previous interest in the North and South Korea relations. Since then, I have genuinely enjoyed my classes and thus done well in them. During my study abroad semester, I am planning to take courses that will directly relate to Korean culture and history in order to help complete my degree. The OU Political Science department offers very few classes that relate to Asia, so this is a great opportunity for me to take classes on the region about which I am most interested, while directly observing the culture. Additionally, I will take a Korean language class required by the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) study abroad program, which would count as an elective …show more content…
People from my culture are highly traditional; sexism is prevalent. In this patriarchal society, females are expected to depend on male family members. While this mentality has improved somewhat, Southeast Asia is still behind in empowering women, and therefore it is uncommon for women of these countries to participate in study abroad programs. Having immigrated to America, my parents are relatively modernized but still have the mentality that girls should not be ‘too independent,’ so they are wary of my participation in this program. However, for me, conforming to these cultural standards is not an option, but instead, I strive to be independent. This opportunity will provide me with a new experience: living away from my parents. Navigating this new challenge will help me develop practical and cultural skills, emotional maturity, and my own