STUDY ABROAD

It can be said that one may not realize the power of culture until they experience, first hand, one that differs from their own. Immersing oneself in another culture is not only a way to learn about other ways of life and traditions, but also a way to better understand oneself and others. When an individual is forced outside of their comfort zone, they may experience a world that they may have never known existed in the form of differing cultures. According to “Constructing Image Based Culture Definitions Using Metaphors” by Elizabeth Teleja, “...knowledge is affected by society and culture based upon an individual’s environment and interaction with others” (Tuleja, 2017). Therefore, it can be concluded that interaction with those that have different cultural norms allows an individual to learn and grow. Cultural experiences are therefore a necessary experience to understand oneself and others on a deeper and more meaningful level. 

 

Some cultural differences that I found intriguing while studying abroad in Lyon, France were small, and some were large. When I first arrived in Lyon, I was surprised by the small differences like how semi trucks were flat on the front and how disposable water bottles had a flip cap instead of a top that screwed off. I was also intrigued by the bigger differences like having Wednesdays off of school and the norm to have a 10 am coffee and snack to break up the work/school day. These cultural differences opened my eyes to seeing and experiencing life in a new way. I was able to be pushed outside of my comfort zone, and embrace all the changes that came with experiencing a culture that was different from my own. I had many class discussions with classmates from around the world about the differences that we experienced in spending time in France, compared to our home country. I was also able to learn about the cultures of other countries from my classmates. We discussed everything from native traditions to family norms. We were put in small groups in class that were composed of individuals from around the world and discussed traditions and norms of our home country. It was such a unique experience to be able to hear first hand accounts of differing cultures and traditions, rather than presentations based on one perspective, not necessarily from a native of that culture. While a lot of similar values were shared between my classmates and I, I was also able to learn about how our cultural experiences affect the choices that each person makes in life, in big and small ways. Being able to learn about each unique perspective has given me a better understanding of individuals from different parts of the world, and I have a lot of respect for cultures that are different from my own. 

 

In terms of academics, I also noticed some cultural differences. There were differences in the times that class took place, the way the classes were taught, and the expectations of students differed from what I was used to. One thing that stood out to me was the time that classes started and ended. I am used to more classes for a shorter period of time. In France, I had one course from morning until around lunch time, and then went to my second course after lunch until around 3 pm. This lengthened class time was a bit of a challenge to get used to, but had its benefits. Additionally, the way that the courses were set up also differed from what I was used to. I had two different instructors that alternated days and teaching times. This was confusing at first, but turned out to be a really cool experience to have been taught by teachers with differing perspectives and experiences. Finally, student expectations were another thing that stood out to me as different from what I was used to in attending class in America. My professors expect students to do the majority of their work in class, and we had very little work outside of class. This structure was a bit of an adjustment for me, as I am used to having a large amount of work to do outside of class. Having less work outside of class gave me more time to explore the city and take in the culture around me. 

 

My academic and cultural experiences abroad are something that I will never forget. Living in a foreign country for a month really allowed me to experience native practices and ways of living in a different country. I was able to learn how to use public transportation on my own, navigate the nuances of a foreign grocery store, communicate and collaborate with classmates from all over the world, and interact with many native speakers in a variety of different settings. The cultural differences that I experienced have further proven the value in new experiences and differing perspectives.
 

After completing an intensive study abroad program in Lyon, France, I believe that I have become a more empathetic and understanding individual with a more global perspective. I had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with students from many different cultures from all around the world. Each person had a unique background and culture that contributed to their opinions during discussions in class. Being immersed in a learning environment like that opened my eyes to how intricate and unique each culture is. In addition to gaining a new perspective in the classroom, I was also pushed personally to grow and change. I experienced quite a bit of culture shock upon arriving in France. I had to overcome personal obstacles to obtain success in such a new and different environment than what I was used to. Being pushed mentally to overcome these battles, while still maintaining academic success has prepared me to tackle challenges in my future career. These experiences have led me to develop tenacity, more compassion and perseverance upon adversity. In a future career as an Occupational Therapist, these skills are not only necessary to overcome the ever changing nature and obstacles of healthcare, but will also allow me to be a more empathetic and compassionate healthcare provider. Having had these experiences abroad, I feel as if I will be able to relate to and understand patients that come from different backgrounds and cultures than my own. My time abroad has given me a global perspective on life, and has made me a more compassionate and understanding individual. The experiences that I had abroad certainly have influenced my time at Clemson, and I hope to take the lessons that I learned into my future career as a healthcare provider. 

 

Works Cited 

 

Tuleja , E. A. (2017). Constructing Image-Based Culture Definitions Using Metaphors: Impact of a Cross-Cultural Immersive Experience. Taylor and Francis Online. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1080/08975930.2017.1316226