I am not from the US I am from Jamaica so I am already pretty familiar with being away from home and living in a new place. Studying abroad in England presents a new opportunity to learn and grow in a new space. Jamaican culture is very friendly yet direct. Whether you are walking into a room or walking past someone on the street there is an exchange, some form or greeting or at least a smile. It makes you feel seen and respected. It is friendly yet direct, there is no beating around the bush. Family is also a big part of the culture and family is defined in broad terms as friends and even neighbors are often considered family and treated as such. People look out for one another and share with one another. The directness and how we look out for one another are some my favourite aspects of Jamaican culture. We tell it like it is and say how we feel. I personally appreciate that approach as you know where you stand with people and how they feel. Some people who are not used to this may find it rude or impolite however so it is something I am aware of. I also love that in my culture you never feel like a stranger even if you do not know the other person. We address one another, say “good morning” and ask how the other is doing.
I have been going to school in the US for about 5 years now so I have experience adapting and assimilating to new environments. I know not to expect what I am used to and know the importance of being open to new perspectives and ways of being. I have learned to value my experiences and culture but to also not allow them to limit me. Going to England in many ways feels like starting over as I have gotten accustomed to being in the US but I know it is not anything I haven’t done before and grown from. However, I also do not want to oversimplify or underestimate this new experience since I have already gone through something similar. I want to honour it for what it is and take it as it comes. People are who shape our experiences and teach us. I look forward to meeting new people and learning new ways of life. Not only will I get to meet and interact with new people in their home country but also new peers who are also embarking on this experience. We all bring our individual cultures as we navigate life in a new one. Understanding this helps me to practice compassion and empathy with myself and others as we adjust. I do not really want to set any expectations, high or low just take the experiences as they come. I can “prepare” as much as I can but it really comes down to living it and going through it. Experience is the ultimate teacher.