My tendency is to ignore things I don’t understand or can’t relate to. We all do it: focus on our own lives, staying happy and healthy and productive. But we lose so much when we don’t seek to experience new things. I keep this poster in my room as a much-needed reminder to look past the narrow realm of my experiences and out into a world I can only dream of. The poster also sums up why I want to study abroad.
When I was 13, I read Thomas Freidman’s The World is Flat, a book which examines the increased globalization of our economy in the 21st century. (If you’re interested in more reasons to study abroad, read it!) Freidman’s book convinced me that it’s no longer acceptable to shut ourselves in the “box” of America. To thrive and succeed, individuals and our country must push outwards and become global citizens. So I’m studying abroad because I believe that to succeed in a globalized world, I must acquire a globalized perspective.
After World War I, the allies met in Paris to draw up the borders of post-war Europe and the Middle East. After the fall of the Ottoman empire, creating new countries in the Middle East was their priority. They failed to create thriving countries, and the ramifications of their failures are felt today, most notably in Palestine and Israel. I believe that the allies failed because they looked at the places they were changing without understanding their cultures or traditions. So I’m studying abroad because, as I want to work in foreign policy, I believe it’s essential to experience other countries so profoundly that their culture becomes part of you in order to make informed policy decisions.
Lastly, I’m studying abroad to grow. Studying abroad is way outside my comfort zone. I’m not comfortable leaving the convenience of my life in America to re-integrate into a different country. But the process of unfamiliarity with Moroccan culture will force me to mature in ways I can’t imagine. Plus, I just have an adventure bug! I can’t wait to form experiences that, right now, I can hardly dream of.
It’s time for an update! Here in America, me and my fellow YES-Abroaders are finishing up school and getting ready for our departure. Our Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) is coming up in one month, so I’ll be traveling to DC again! I’m looking forward to getting to bond with my fellow students going to Morocco, and to our visit to the State Department. My dream job is with the State Department, so I’m excited to visit!
Sorry, this post got kind of heady for a second there! Next time I post, I’ll be talking more about Morocco specifically. I’m supposed to get my pre-departure handbook in the mail any day now, so I’ll have more to say then!