Study Abroad

May 25, 2007, 4:15 AM

If you had the option to study abroad, would you do it?

I mean, think of the possibilities that you can get just by studying in another country. You're totally immersed in a totally different culture, if you're unlike me whose already been born in another culture

.

You also get to meet new friends, it's just like moving, but to a totally different society than what you're used to.
Not to mention you get to soak in the sights.

My Character Profiles · May 25, 2007, 4:25 AM

Yes, as a matter of fact I would. But I think that my fiance would wind up coming with me. XD
If it meant obtaining a masters in a very high paying work field...yes I most certainly would. XD

May 25, 2007, 4:31 AM

It's not all fun and games, though. My friend went to France to study for her undergrad in French. Even though she speaks decent French she found it impossible to get along there in daily life.

The people speak the language too quickly, the accents are different, and everybody looked at her weird because she was a Chinese woman speaking French.

She was taken advantage of quite a few times, because she was so unfamiliar with the country, and had no real friends there. She got lost often, got unseasonably ill.

In the end, she hung in there and prevailed, and plans to return to France once more to pursue a grad degree in French Literature.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booger

If it meant obtaining a masters in a very high paying work field...yes I most certainly would. XD

Money isn't the world, love. However, it does make it go round...

Warm regards,
~The Legendary Wullfe

May 25, 2007, 4:38 AM

Yeah, that's the only problem --- the unfamiliarity, I mean.
I admire her determination though.

Which is why I tend to keep away from strangers!

I'd rather they approach me!

May 25, 2007, 4:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbourne

Which is why I tend to keep away from strangers!

I'd rather they approach me!

Are you asking me to hit on you, War? If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, no means no!!!

As far as the unfamiliarity, when she reflects on her experiences in France, she often credits her major successes in her academic and professional life to the times she spent there.

She now works as an interpreter for a global bank. Due to her her experiences there, she's one of the most highly regarded (and youngest) professionals in her field. Not only can she speak the language she studied, but because she was so immersed in their world, she also understands their culture.

Warm regards,
~The Legendary Wullfe

May 25, 2007, 4:56 AM

I would definitely take the opportunity. I think that studying abroad could really widen your range of language and give you the personal experience in whatever you were learning by witnessing it first hand.

May 25, 2007, 7:00 AM

Oh yeah, definitely. I love learning about other cultures, and I would most especially love to study abroad in Japan. Like Scribby stated, I agree that you'd learn many things out there and would broaden your horizons. In a way, I'll probably feel like a completely different new person in the end and have a sense of satisfaction in me.

And of course, there's the attractions and sight-seeings in many different countries. All beautiful and stellar. And it's not like you'd be spending the whole day with your books and school work - you'll need to get out and see the place for yourself. Only then can you truly understand the people, culture, and their way of life - then hopefully share those knowledge to others.

May 25, 2007, 7:16 AM

The college which I plan on attending (I am just finishing up my Junior year in high school) has a great study abroad program in Japan, which I would absolutely love to use for a semester or two. I am not viewing it as a vacation, but rather an opportunity which I may be able to use to bring my understanding of Japanese to new levels.
I think that studying abroad is a great idea that expands the horizons of one's knowledge beyond that of his or her culture in ways that could not be taught in a classroom. I really hope to make it into this program (and I really should be able to), since I think it would be infinitely more educational than a major in the target language/culture.

My Character Profiles · May 25, 2007, 7:16 AM

Something tells me that a white person wouldn't be so welcome in Japan. I think the Japanese see Americans as...stuck up, greedy and glutonous.
Which is true for the most part, but still...
I'd rather just go to England where people can't tell me apart from the rest so long as I keep my mouth shut. =]

May 25, 2007, 7:28 AM

Having been born in England, I can tell you that if they can sniff you out, they have quite a similar perception of Americans (not everybody, but a lot of people do). I think that most countries that are not as mixed as the US tend to be a bit xenophobic, and as long as good manners are displayed, and a bit of xenophobia is expected, you shouldn't end out feeling completely rejected anywhere.