What is the meaning of culture? Why studying abroad is fun!

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Cultures are related to diverse traditions, practices and perspectives. It is how we approach life and its social, political, historical, economic, and environmental demands. Everyday we construct viewpoints of each other, institutions, and governments (shout out to my Global Studies professor Fall 2016! She taught my class this topic.). A few months ago in Global Studies 101 class, I learned that borders are artificial. They divide and categorize people based on common language, religion, or beliefs. 

 What forms a hierarchy among nation-states? Power? Determination? Foreign policy?
What forms a hierarchy among peers in an American high school? Athletic skills? Good looks? Good social skills? Conformity? Academic intelligence?

 Cultures are part of our essential well-being. Without them, we would feel disintegrated and lack of pride in our overall community or state. Tourists flock to other nation-states to experience the life of a local in their short time there rather it be exploring the Amazon jungle or the African safari. The experience gained will increase tolerance and reciprocal understanding among people thanks to cultural interaction.

 I highly support studying abroad (for high school or college students) or non-governmental organizations in charge of carrying out programs dedicated to anyone who wants to learn more about other cultures abroad.

 However, most of the time, locals or tourists will experience wrong labeling aka stereotypes based on Hollywood/Bollywood/foreign movies, personal experiences, or assumptions from elsewhere. Stereotypes impede one from understanding the other person/people. It is important to have an open mind and not conjure stereotypes in one's mind when greeting a foreigner or entering a foreign land.
Share below in the comments any stereotypes you've heard before whether it happened to you or your friends or acquaintances. (inspired by a specific university's Study Abroad office articles)

Here are a few travel quotes I love:

  1. “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous
  2. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
  3. “I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett
  4. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag

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