Going into studying abroad, my identity impacts how I see the world because I believe that it has led me to be more open and accepting of those different than me. I identify as a young African American woman who is a student at a college where multiple cultures are celebrated. I also identify as someone who is on the reserved side and can be quiet at times. In doing so that makes me more observant of my surroundings and those around me. In my opinion my identity affords me advantages because instead of living a fast-paced life, I tend to take a step back and really get to know where I am at. Studying abroad in a city such as London provides a great opportunity for my identity to be presented because I will be playing to my strengths.
Other identities that I expect to encounter abroad are some similar to my own and others that are completely different from me. London is filled with people from so many places and learning more about them and their experiences will only help to expand mine. The people that I meet abroad might experience the world differently than me more than likely grew up in a different environment and have different belief systems. Having a different belief system relates to one’s identity because it can ultimately influence how they identify themselves based off their surroundings.
I think that the advantages that their identities might afford them is that they are willing to grow and expand their beliefs and lifestyles because staying in a large city like London, and they are bound to meet other people. Those other people that are much different than them and may not see the world as they do. On the opposite side the disadvantages that their identities might afford them is that by being so accustomed to their culture and only identifying with those they know; it can prevent them from understanding what leads others to behave the way they do. What I mean by that is how they may greet one another, what and when they eat, and how they present themselves.