An international experience symbolizes an opportunity to see, to taste, and most importantly to live in a world previously unknown to oneself. From May 8th to May 28th, in hopes of engrossing my senses during an exploration of a foreign lifestyle, I travelled with approximately twenty additional Ohio State student’s on the International Affairs Scholars Program’s May Study Abroad to Mexico’s historical Yucatan peninsula. I had the opportunity to experience a cultural experience like no other. I initially set out in hopes of seeing an ancient civilization’s ruins, tasting famous indigenous dishes, and experiencing the culture of the Yucatecan populace. In reality, I was able to achieve all of my hopes for my education abroad trip and more. Continuously studying and immersing myself in a culture that was not my own, this particular education abroad experience was even more of an enlightening opportunity than I expected. With my academic peers by my side, I was able to observe the striking similarities, differences, and interconnections you have encountered between the Yucatan peninsula and the United States of America. Additionally, I was able to personally develop an ability to function effectively within the region despite some obstacles. In the end, on the International Affairs Scholars Program’s May Study Abroad to Mexico’s historical Yucatan peninsula enriched my academic and personal experience as a student of the Ohio State University. Reflecting back upon my education abroad trip, I do not believe I would have been able to fulfill my academic and personal goals without this experience. Thus, I am forever thankful to the host institution, coordinators, and the Ohio State University for this opportunity.
Overall, my education abroad experience to Mexico has enriched my academic and personal perspective on life. Before leaving for the trip, I made the decision to graduate next year with the Class of 2017, a year early. This study abroad program has afforded me the opportunity to supplement my domestic business curriculum with an actual international perspective on the Mexican economy. I was able to make observations regarding the tourism, retail, oil, and transportation industries in the Yucatan peninsula. With a first-hand account of the facets of the Mexican economy, I believe my business degree has more of an international perspective that I could not put a price tag on. From a personal perspective, I believe this experience has allowed me to grow as a global citizen through cultural comprehension. This trip has motivated me to continue to strive to understand how other cultures function financially and culturally in hopes of developing lasting relations with other global citizens. I really enjoyed the opportunity to bond with twenty motivated, culturally diverse students that were also striving to be global citizens. We bonded by getting to know the culture of the Yucatan peninsula. Additionally, in my personal time, I was able to develop personal relationships with my host family, students at the university, and people I met at a salsa dancing class. I hope to continue these relationships to practice my comprehension of the Spanish language and culture and to further develop as a global citizen. Reflecting back, I have loved my education abroad experience in the Yucatan peninsula. I have truly had the opportunity to to see, to taste, and most importantly to live in a world previously unknown to oneself.
