Response 1

[zippongu1]

Many things came together this week to change how I view this class. As of last Tuesday I had only the vaguest of ideas about how I would study abroad. During the course of the week one of my program professors announced that she would be leading a trip to Egypt and Jordan this summer and that it would be possible to extend our stay in the country if we so chose. In addition to this announcement, I had a long conversation with a friend who has just returned from spending six months in Central and South America and is about to leave for Hawaii. Both of these events got me thinking much more specifically about the experience of studying abroad, as well as affecting the way I viewed the reading. I find myself skimming over some of the uglier points thinking, “I won’t do that!” The truth is that it is very possible that I might emulate any one of the rather unfortunate behaviors common to Americans traveling outside of their country for the first time. I did not find it reassuring to have it so calmly announced that I will make a fool of myself, perhaps many times over. It is not an experience I enjoy. And while I have a sense of humor, it can take me a while to get comfortable with people.
My goals for this class are to learn how to structure my own study abroad independent contract, learn how to plan for a course of study and experience in another country, and gain some tools for dealing with culture shock