Studying, interning, coaching or volunteering overseas is a choice which is harder for others than for others. When choosing to take the plunge, it’s natural to have certain hesitancies and concerns-from the language and currency used to knowing social and cultural expectations, students who move to another country usually find themselves surrounded by many unknowns.
When students go abroad it’s unavoidable to struggle with misconceptions. And, how do we treat that? Why do we treat alternate assumptions like those that threaten our identity’s intersectionality? They also identify with our racial / ethnic origin, ethnicity, disability, class, orientation, or something else. It can be terrifying and daunting to travel abroad to other countries that do not recognize or accept our different identities.
Nonetheless, we want to make sure that whilst a trip abroad is not completely exempt from adverse experiences from time to time, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in the decision to travel outside. Dealing with prejudices overseas coincides by understanding the culture and history of the people with whom you’ll live. So, if you know where you are going, are you doing any work on that country? Whether you are going to a plan offered by your school or a different organization, they will most likely give you some information on where you are going to live.
Be yourself, and indulge in a conversation that will test your preconceived notions. While you may not be able to represent a whole community of individuals, speaking about your own perspectives that inspire others to reconsider what they think of the personalities they know.
There are very, very specific guidelines on how to treat prejudices. So much about coming to terms with the stereotypes that we face abroad has to do with how strongly we identify with each other. It’s important to accept who you are, and be proud of who you are becoming, but be conscious that other people that have fewer encounters with aliens like yourself. Your time abroad will certainly be unforgettable and meaningful, as long as you do your homework, have an open mind, be yourself and establish a support network.
0 Comments