Studying abroad is a gift. This gift not only gives students incredible experiences and stories, but more importantly, a new perspective, a new worldview, and a new appreciation for other cultures and people. When I daydream in anticipation of setting off to South Africa, which is quite often, I think about the natural beauty, the ocean, the animals and the people. Not only that, but I ponder what I will be like when I return. What lessons will I have learned? What will my perspective on the world be? These questions excite me. The reason is that I know that this upcoming semester will change me for the better. I am aware that I am fortunate enough to be gaining an understanding of the world that I cannot attain in any other way. I will be
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I have lived in California for my entire life. It is my home and I love my home, yet it is a bubble. This bubble is safe and pleasant, but I know I am ready to encounter the joy, the difficulty, and the change that comes from breaking out of my comfort zone. Living in a different country is pretty far from the comfort zone, but when one leaves their home, there is abundant opportunity for growth. I want this growth in my life and I know it can help me in my academics and my career. The reason I chose South Africa is because the culture is vastly different from America, yet super interesting and diverse. Staying in the same place, it is easy to be consumed by thoughts and events within that place. One can completely forget about the surrounding world. Study abroad provides an understanding of the world and the people within it. It is beneficial to students academically because it promotes awareness of global issues and politics. Receiving an outside view of one’s own country is also brings valuable and unique knowledge. When living in a different culture, one loses the attitude of their culture being dominant and superior. Even being in Haiti for a single week caused me to realize that in any country and lifestyle, people are still people. We are all the same, growing and living in different contexts. This tolerance and understanding for people in all backgrounds is something I want to be pertinent to my
I have lived in California for my entire life. It is my home and I love my home, yet it is a bubble. This bubble is safe and pleasant, but I know I am ready to encounter the joy, the difficulty, and the change that comes from breaking out of my comfort zone. Living in a different country is pretty far from the comfort zone, but when one leaves their home, there is abundant opportunity for growth. I want this growth in my life and I know it can help me in my academics and my career. The reason I chose South Africa is because the culture is vastly different from America, yet super interesting and diverse. Staying in the same place, it is easy to be consumed by thoughts and events within that place. One can completely forget about the surrounding world. Study abroad provides an understanding of the world and the people within it. It is beneficial to students academically because it promotes awareness of global issues and politics. Receiving an outside view of one’s own country is also brings valuable and unique knowledge. When living in a different culture, one loses the attitude of their culture being dominant and superior. Even being in Haiti for a single week caused me to realize that in any country and lifestyle, people are still people. We are all the same, growing and living in different contexts. This tolerance and understanding for people in all backgrounds is something I want to be pertinent to my