Author: Jayden Behnken
The above image demonstrates a component of studying abroad that has had a profound impact on me: the importance of personal and community health, having an open mind, and taking advantage of new experiences. Throughout this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study and live in the ancient coastal city of Paphos, Cyprus, I’ve developed an enhanced understanding of the power behind a friendly smile and the willingness to connect with others. Due to my innate curiosity and respect regarding foreign cultures, understanding the perspectives of those whose cultural lenses differ from my own has always been an intrinsically motivating factor in my life.
However, and unfortunately, this approach to traveling abroad hasn’t been historically expressed by Americans, thus contributing to the preconception that American tourists are disrespectful, arrogant, ignorant, and entitled. Although this stigmatizing perception of Americans exists for a valid reason, I have found that showing a genuine willingness to cross-culturally connect with and learn from the locals can expunge the preconceived biases and prejudices they may have towards Americans. Whether it’s saying “thank you” in the local language or showing a genuine interest in their culture, I’ve learned that, setting cultural differences aside, we humans are not all that different from one another. On a fundamental level, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, religious beliefs, etc., as human beings — we seem to instinctually recognize the familiar warmth of kindness, respect, love, authenticity, selflessness, community, and gratitude. These seemingly universal values not only facilitate cross-cultural engagements, but they’ve personally shown to enable the creation of lifelong memories with others who speak a language that differs from my own.
Although I’ve only been in Cyprus for less than two weeks, I’ve fallen in love with the hospitable, friendly, and laidback milieu that creates a culture centered around kindness, reciprocity, community, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. This is embodied in many of the local Cypriots I’ve smiled, waved, or spoken to throughout my time here, as I will always receive a friendly gesture of acknowledgment in return–something I don’t routinely experience in Columbus. Lastly, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the pro-health lifestyles of the Cypriots, something that’s displayed in many facets of their culture. One of myriad examples of this pro-health disposition is their version of the American/ English “cheers.” In Cyprus, we say “Yamas,” which means “to our health” in Greek. The expression “yamas” is heard prior to sharing meals, drinks, or in moments of celebration with others. It is also embodied while eating healthy, locally sourced meals, when sharing laughter with friends or family, and, as depicted in the image above, when going for a long, spontaneous sunset stroll along the seafront with a group of friends who were merely strangers just a few weeks before.