Am I ready to go to Queen Mary University of London for three months? Well… for many their semester abroad comes to them as a new challenge, but I consider myself lucky due to the fact that I’m actually quite used to this already. The first time I lived abroad on my own I was…
Pre-Departure Rome
Identity is one of the key foundations of humanity. It has caused wars, shaped political climates, built and broken barriers, and boggled the minds of most of the world. Our beliefs, values, and judgements all stir together to form the core of our identity. Typically causing more strife than peace, identity has been integral in…
Before Going Abroad
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…
Pre-departure: London
Upon reflecting on my identity, I believe that my identity provides both advantages and disadvantages toward my world experiences. Being an American allows me to the see the world in a very broad perspective. Being that the United States is the third largest country in the world, I get to see so many diverse people…
Pre-departure Shanghai
Identity is not only forged by the way a person were parented but also, by the society in which that were raised. By adding gender and race to this mix, then one could clearly see the layers of identity and conditioning building up. Now all of these different aspects of identity combine to determine how…
Pre-Spain Departure
As a young male I see the world as a very inviting place that is full of opportunity. The catch is that those opportunities will only lead to success if you are willing to put in the time and effort. I also identify as an athlete; therefore, my main source of entertainment and feelings of…
Pre-Departure from Australia: Newcastle
It’s a strange feeling. Thinking that I am going to be 14,000 + miles away from home, barely, knowing anyone, and barely knowing what my life will be like abroad. I haven’t really put a lot of thought into imagining how my time will be in Australia because I don’t want to make myself too…
Pre-Departure Blog
In two weeks, I’ll be heading to Lancaster, England. Lancaster is in the north between Manchester and Liverpool. In departing I wonder how my American culture will alter how individuals in England view me. In applying to the program, I highlighted my Hispanic culture, my LGBT presence and my star sign, Aquarius. Since applying, I…
Thoughts before the Take off
As excited as I was to be spending my fall semester in Australia, as I am approaching my departure date, I am definitely beginning to have second thoughts. Although I know being in this foreign country is going to be the experience of a lifetime, all I can think about is what i will be…
American Identity in Australia
There are many different areas that I identify with, such as being christian, multicultural, a student, a daughter, sister or friend. Often times, there are identities that I forget even exist within me, such as my nationality. Growing up and living as anAamerican has become such a subconscious part of me, often times I forget…