Mentor Advice
Question
Did you have any concerns about study abroad before you did it?
3 Replies from Mentors
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DaphneGraduate AdvisorStudent Government at North Carolina State UniversityAs a first generation college student born in rural South Carolina, I experienced many obstacles along the path to college and studying abroad. The concerns I had about studying abroad included funding (how I was going to pay for the trip), cultural perceptions (How I would be viewed abroad as an American), and how I was going to gain my family's trust in knowing that the experience was well worth my time and money. My family did not understand the significance of traveling abroad and feared that I would be transformed mentally to dislike the culture that I am accustomed to in the United States.
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KemiProgramming and Outreach Coordinator at an independent film co-opVictoria Society of Independent Film MakersThere were a few common misgivings that I had about studying abroad which often serve as deterrents for marginalized students. For the most part my reservations revolved around financial limitations, as well as concern about personal well-being and being accepted. Too often, before embarking on a new venture, I allowed myself to reflect on language barriers, safety concerns; (being an African American female), and fear of acceptance.
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NancySenior Year StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityI had plenty of concerns-money, family, the life I was going to leave behind for 2 months, the whole idea of traveling on my own. I went with a friend, so I felt a little safer. I was concerned about not being able to speak the language at all, and getting accustomed to a culture that was completely different from what I grew up in, both American and Mexican.
I am the youngest child in my family and the only girl. I’m also the first to do anything this crazy-my brother had gone to Paris for a week, but that was with our church. By studying abroad I was breaking the traditional values of my Latin@ family where the girls don’t usually leave home until they are married. My father’s health was also a concern, I was worried about leaving him behind because I am the one who usually schedules his appointments and takes him around. I had to find help for him-I relied more on my brothers and godfather. I also worried about who was going to be taking my mom around, handling grocery shopping and household duties. My mom was worried about me being miles away by myself, and wanted to make sure I behaved properly! I got encouragement from my brothers, especially the one who had traveled to Paris. They helped out a lot more while I was gone, so that I could go and not worry so much about what was happening back home.