Admiration for Transformation
As a study abroad alumna in my senior year of college, it is safe to say that going abroad is the best decision I have ever made. I traveled to Rome, Italy with the Global Passport Program, offered to first year students, as a freshman in May 2015. I then headed to Paris, France with the Staten Island Vice Provost Program as a sophomore in January 2016. Since these were only one week programs I was not expecting for my life to be impacted the way it was. I often find myself looking back into the thrilling blur of those week-long programs and catch smiling. How had I become so fortunate to be presented with an opportunity such as this? St. John’s has given me ample resources and possibilities for an enriched college and future career, but studying abroad has to be my highlight. It has enhanced my own personal growth and has given me a taste of the large world we are a part of. I decided to become a Global Studies Ambassador to pass along my knowledge, experiences, and profound gratefulness for study abroad to my fellow students. Although I have vastly grown due to my study abroad experience, there are several specific qualities I have attained while gallivanting through Rome and Paris and engaging the local cultures in my short time abroad.
In New York, we are lucky to be surrounded by different cultures, languages, customs and religions. Being and acting different is a part of what makes up our society. Abroad, it’s a whole other ballgame. You are in another country, another city, and you must be conscious of their society. In Paris you will draw attention by simply talking too loudly. There is often the stereotype that people may be rude or simply not like you in some places because you are an American. Yet, there are many people in other countries who actually love Americans! In Rome people would greet me and my classmates with kindness, joy, and even speak to us in English, knowing right off the bat that we were American. People would tell us stories about when they had gone to America or how much they wish to go. Always research the location you will be staying in to gain greater perspective and preparation of their culture. Did you know that most Italians, would never order a cappuccino after breakfast time (usually 10:00am)? Going abroad, you must learn to adapt and assimilate in order to be respectful but also for safety reasons. You want to have fun and an impeccable experience, but also to stay safe. Studying abroad has helped me gain adaptation and assimilation skills in unfamiliar situations which will be skills I’ll be able to use for the rest of my life.
While being away from home and out of your own comfort zone, there is definitely more independence but also responsibility thrown your way. You might have to learn to navigate without Google maps or your parents’ directions, wash your own clothes if you don’t already, enhance your decision-making abilities (especially when it comes to your finances) and be courageous in a place you have never been. Although that might seem intimidating, do not be afraid to go alone. While gaining self-sufficiency and fulfilment, you also gain life-long companions. People bond through the experience of something new and unfamiliar. I vividly remember walking alone through the Rome campus on the first day, past a group of my peers that I had never really spoken to. One of them looked at me and asked if I had lunch yet. When I responded “no”, they invited me to go eat with them and we were inseparable the rest of the trip. Some of us ended up going to Paris together the following year. I still remain in contact with them and we love to reminisce about our memories abroad. They made the trip even more unforgettable and I utterly cherish their friendships to this day.
As I reflect on my experience I recognize the consciousness and appreciation I have gained for the world. There were countless times I would stand in awe at the breathtaking sites before me. I can still feel my relaxed and serene state of mind every time I look through pictures or even think about my time abroad. The experience was absolutely surreal and a once (well, twice!) in a lifetime opportunity. While going through our everyday lives it is easy to lose track of all that is out there in the world. My problems become smaller as I think about the bigger world we are a part of. Heading off into the world of “adulting” you realize there is less time for soul searching and more time for soul selling. I was truly at peace and had become one with myself during my short time traveling. I am forever indebted to St. John’s for giving me that opportunity and fulfilment. My ONLY regret was not doing a full semester abroad because I feared all the responsibilities and things I would be leaving behind. My advice, be daring. Take on all opportunities presented to you. You will regret it if you don’t.
Angelica Rios, Staten Island Global Ambassador.Spring 2018.