Since the ERASMUS program is still going on here in Europe, the students from European countries are given the opportunity to study at other universities throughout Europe, which essentially is promoting a lot of exchange between the countries. Makes sense, right?
I myself have been benefiting from this as well, getting to know people from Spain, Italy, the UK, and France (in particular), as well as others from around the world.
The most amazing thing to me is all of the things that are cross-cultural and completely universal. Finding someone that speaks the same native language as you is always exciting. Trying to figure out things in a foreign language is always complicating. Looking for a room in a building that you've never been in will always put the confused look on your face. Seeing someone you don't know their name but do know they were in the same orientation meeting with you makes you feel more comfortable to try to talk to them, regardless.
I also think the perceptions of what the United States is, where Michigan is, and "who" Americans are is also very interesting. I've had such responses:
Q: Where are you from?
Me: Michigan.
Response: Oh, that's close to Texas, right?
Makes me realize that no matter how much we try to promote our state through our hand-shaped map or we think we're awesome because of our amazing lakes and views, people don't really know where Michigan is!
In that same conversation, I apologized for not knowing the Spanish Providences, which they said they didn't really know either.
As much as we're all different, we all are the same! It's one of the most important things to experience while on exchange, proving more than ever, that communication isn't only what you say, but how you say it! Widening our understanding of not only ourselves, but of those from other cultures will only help to strengthen international relations!
 |
| England - USA - Italy |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.