- Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three
sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.
This past spring semester, I was given the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Here, I was immersed into a new culture where I got out of my comfort zone by taking classes that related to my surroundings while also traveling the world to various places.
- What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the
world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or
two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.
Before going abroad this past semester, I had some idea, or at least I thought, of what to expect. I have a couple of friends who studied abroad; thus, I was able to hear all about their experiences. After listening to them and their stories, I assumed that I was going to have the same exact ones. However, this was not the case, and I was naïve to think that it would be.
While I was in Europe, there was a major culture shock. Growing up in the United States my entire life led me to assume that what was ‘normal’ for me was most likely close to “normal” for others. I knew that there were differences in the way of life throughout different parts of the world, but I did not realize the extent and the capacity these differences would be. My assumptions and my view of the world was altered and transformed after my time abroad for many reasons, and I am very thankful for that.
- What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature
Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those
affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences
completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.
As mentioned previously, I came into the study abroad experience not truly understanding the differences that I would encounter. Since I knew multiple people who went abroad, I heard their stories of the differences they saw in the culture and everyday life, but I assumed that it wouldn’t be a super large change or that they were just exaggerating. This was not the case at all. During my daily life in Florence, I had class four times a week. During this time, I would make sure that I would make the most of my day by going out and exploring different areas of town and try to meet as many people as I could. While doing this, I was encountered with differences in culture and the ways in which people interact.
One particular type of interaction that surprised me was when I would be walking around town. In the states, it is often thought of as awkward, weird, or rude to stare someone down as you are walking by them. In Europe, however, this is completely normal, and I was not ready for it. I would be walking down the street and get stared at for the longest time, and I was informed that this is very common and not at all rude. Additionally, I was shocked by the fact that you sometimes pay for your food before you order it, as this is not very common in the United States. Additionally, I was caught off guard with the table service while dining. In America, it is common for your waiter or waitress to come over and check on you often. In Europe, it is a more relaxed and laid-back culture, thus, as the customer, you must be the one to flag down your server if you’re wanting to bill.
Various interactions with people were not the only things that challenged my assumptions and view of the world. I also got the amazing opportunity to go on many adventures, such as sailing and hiking in a city called Sorrento. Here, I was with a small group of other study abroad students where we learned about differences in cultures while being asked questions that challenged our thinking about what it means to have freedom. I had never really thought about this before, since in America, we are told that freedom is represented solely by the color of our flag and what that stands for. After this trip, I was able to learn about a different point of view that expanded the way I had previously interpreted the idea of freedom. I loved getting to listen to the different ideas, as it truly reflected the Italian culture. We talked about how freedom can be represented by being who you want to be without being judged and being able to love on those that you are around. In my mind, I connected this concept to the ways in which Italians value social interactions with others by sharing ideas and food. I was opened more to the idea that freedom is a concept that can even be reflected through things that don’t relate mainly from a political standpoint, unlike in America.
These interactions and experiences are just a fraction of what I was able to learn about myself and the world while abroad. It is amazing to reflect on all the wonderful people I met and the amazing experiences that came with it that truly expanded my knowledge of cultural differences.
- Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or
two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your
academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.
This change/transformation was very significant and valuable for my life because I became more empathetic to the world around me. Before abroad, as mentioned, I did not have a super enriched understanding of other cultures. I had traveled outside of the United States, but I feel as though I was not appreciative of the experiences that I was getting and the people that I was meeting. Living in an entire new city, country, continent for many months was the absolute best way for me to truly appreciate the differences that cultures have. Coming back home to the states, I feel changed in the fact that I make sure to try and appreciate and respect different conversations or interactions that I have with others that don’t share the same lifestyle as me. My assumptions of what the “normal” thing to do is has altered, and I feel more open minded than ever before.