The class discussion and activity regarding study abroad made me think a lot about my own experiences, since I have known for a long time that I want to study abroad. The perspective of the reading made me have to think critically about my approach to studying abroad, since I felt that maybe, if I were interviewed, some of my answers would have been similarly criticized.
I recognize that I am very privileged to have had international experiences in the past and the opportunity now to spend a long period of time studying in another country, and that one considerable motivating factor behind my desire to study abroad has been my past experiences. I do feel that spending time abroad can encourage a lot of growth in the student, but the perspective of the reading made me consider how that aspect should be emphasized in a balanced manner with the other parts that are involved in an experience abroad.
However, the group activity served to highlight the complexity of the issue, since once we were in the role of “fixing” study abroad we realized just how complicated that is, and how even though the issue seems clear that there doesn’t necessarily exist a clear answer. It reminded me of an ethics class I took in the past, where we had to consider moral systems and how to act based on a variety of factors. Although the “correct” answer might have seemed obvious to me in a situation, it was an entirely different challenge to support it with a consistent system of established ethical thought. I felt this connection between the courses because when a student is living independently in another country, much of what they take out of the experience will be based on their attitude going into it. It might seem obvious to them how they want to proceed with their experience, but a challenge of the study abroad organizations is to instill in the students a perspective that encourages them to pursue education both inside and out of their classrooms abroad. As I begin my personal planning for my abroad semester, I will keep in mind the goals we had set for these hypothetical students, so that my connection with my destination is deeper than just “having wanted to go” for a long time.
