One thing that I noticed often while living in Athens that is very different from living in the United States was that there were countless stray cats and dogs around on the street. There were certainly more cats than dogs, and dogs were only in certain areas, but this was still very strange compared to…
blog post #1 – pre-departure
One of the significant characteristics I have noted about American culture that I have noticed is the aspect and importance that American’s hold with individualism. People generally care about themselves and their comfort more than the common good. This is heavily rooted in our idealisms as a country; liberty and justice for all. These freedoms,…
Blog #1 Pre-Study Abroad
There are several factors that make up the U.S culture such as vast opportunity, the idea of the “American dream,” as well as a strong sense of independence. Equality for the people of America is a defining value the country strongly advocates for. The democracy in America allows for options and choices to be made…
Pre-Departure
Before one can fully immerse themselves in another country’s culture I find that you need to know and analyze what is prevalent in your own country’s culture. In the United States we cherish this idea of individualism, where people are expected to be independent and self-reliant. This contributes to the push towards individualistic success that…
Oviedo Predeparture
One aspect of US culture is individuality and emphasis on work. Most people in the US grow up with a high focus in their career, and therefore spend most of their time towards achieving their career goals. With this being said, during their working years, there is often a higher focus around the work environment,…
Irizarry’s Pre-Study Abroad
Timeliness is an important value and characteristic of American culture that I’ve always noticed. Americans value their time. “Time is money,” as the famous phrase goes, is taken seriously, and Americans live by it. When Americans talk about time, they are not referring to a broad estimate, but to a specific expectation. In the United…
Homecoming
It has been less than a week since I returned home from London, but I already miss my time there so much. While I was in London, I fell in love with the city, the independence I experienced for the first time, and the friends I made in my church community while I was there….
Pre-Departure Blog
One important aspect of U.S. culture is the importance placed upon work, productivity, and accomplishments. These three elements are a large part of one aspect of U.S. culture, which we will call work ethic. Culture involves behaviors, attitudes, and values. American culture, like others, is vast, and the work ethic aspect of American culture is reflected through the behaviors and…
See you soon, Amman
After an amazing semester in Jordan, I am back home in Orlando, struggling to re-adjust to my home life and culture. When I was departing to begin my semester, I thought that leaving my home behind would be one of the hardest things I’d ever do. During the last few weeks I spent in Amman…
ISA: Rome Final Blog Post!
An aspect of my host culture where I was confused and had to adapt was the traditional values and ancient technology throughout the city of Rome. Unlike America Italy and Europe in general can be more behind in certain areas of technology. When moving into my apartment in Rome it was confusing and difficult to…