Born in Dresden, Germany, my time in the U.S. was a study abroad. Culture and identity have always followed me in my life. My Dad is Dutch, and my mother is German. Living in a household where cultures are different, one learns to accept the differences and enjoy them. Living in several countries and travelling,…
Looking within the U.S to Better Understand Rome
An aspect of US culture is overconsumption. In many different aspects the United States has a tendency to over serve or consume. When it comes to meals our portions are large and it is common to find buffets, all you can eat and deals on maximizing the amount of food you get. This is also…
Blog Post 1
America is a capitalist country. Americans are born and bred to start looking for work from the moment they come into the world. People look at a newborn baby and wonder what career it will have, and then that said baby is asked for the first time what field they would like to enter around…
Time is of the essence and living to work
Something quite unique about US culture that I’ve noticed is the strong emphasis on time. Americans tend to place a high level of importance on their time – being on time, saving time, and scheduling time. Even the language around time indicates how much it means to us, and that it is a resource that…
Preparing to Study Abroad in Rome!
Preparing for departure to live in a never-visited and different country has produced mixed emotions– excitement and curiosity mainly. Will I understand the language? Will it be too hot? Will I like it? How are the people? Is the food as good as they say?.. these are all questions that have overwhelmed me moments before…
Pre-departure Post #1
A characteristic of American culture that promptly comes to mind is our fast-paced culture. We are expected and pressured to get as much done in a day as possible. Additionally, we believe that the level of success we achieve is based on how much work we are able to get done in a day. This…
Pre-Departure Blog #1
My name is Faith Philpot and I am studying abroad with the CAPA Program in London for the fall 2021 semester. I have always wanted to go abroad during college and I am beyond excited that it is finally happening. One of the main reasons I have always wanted to study abroad for a semester…
Pre-Departure – Blog #1
Since I was young I have loved to travel and see and experience different cultures throughout the world. Finally, after applying to study abroad 4 different times and having trips being canceled due to COVID, I am able to experience living, studying, and working abroad. I could not be more excited to finally be able…
Reflections before Departure
At a young age I started to feel as if I was standing with one foot on both sides of a cultural line. I was both too Chinese and too American to personally feel that I held claim to either. Some days this played to my advantage. I could switch languages on whim to talk…
Pre-departure to Athens, Greece!
The food culture in the United States is a relative piece of life. It is very common to eat quick meals, especially at fast-food and drive-thru restaurants. Being a society that moves at a very fast pace and has a large emphasis on success can often push meals aside as an afterthought. Because there are…