Allegheny College Study Abroad Fall 2008

The biggest thing I found difficult to get used to here was the absolute lack of personal space but the utmost, rigid sense of privacy. How is it that the French function by getting so close to another`s face but saying absolutly nothing of depth? For example, the bise. This is the kissing on the cheek that so many americans find not only uncomfortable, but disgusting. They kiss you and you barely know them, if at all. In America, its absolutely necessary to know someone well before you try anything like this, but here its absolutely normal to do this even on the first meeting as long as you are introduced by another person. They do it in the store, the home, the restaurant, even the workplace. But after the two/three/four kisses (depending where you are and how well you know them° conversation ensues. The French are very private, so any early conversations with them, especially adults, is difficult. You will leave the conversation with absolutley nithing new about the person. You know how their day was and how the person down the hall from them was dressed, but their likes, dislikes, histories, expereinces, etc are sill mysteries. And this can go on for a while until they feel they know you well enough. And forget about their homes! They are almsot sacred, and even if you are living with them, they are still very uncomfortable and nervous about you in certain rooms. Some people I know weren`t even allowed into the rest of the house by some unspoken, unconcious rule of privacy. And the bise isn`t all. When they are talking to you, they will deliberatly put themselves very close to you for two reasons: 1) they are used to the tight, cramped, crowed spaces of Europe and 2)v they are trying not to talk loud enough to be overheard or be a nuisance. They hate loudness and they love the privacy of their own conversations. Never easedrop in France because if you are caught, its a big taboo. I think that is why they have such a hard time accepting Americains. We are the exact oposite. We love hugs and can be friendly and open, even with strangers, but we are very uncomfortable with physical closeness, a throwback to our puritanical origins. So while the food, the fashion, and the cold were difficult to get used to, you could learn to just eat the food presented and learn to like it, buy something black, and put on a coat so no one could see your fashion because you weren`t going to take it off all day any way. For me, it was and still is the strangness of opposite comfort zones that throws me off when I meet those new faces.

Posted by Emily Benz at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The most striking difference between the US and UK I've noticed is the prevalence of nuclear power plants here, especially in the north. Although this is not unique to the UK, the number of plants per unit area seemed unique to me. Aside from this, all outlets here have an off switch which allows one to conserve power by ensuring that no power is wasted when one is outside of one's room.

The best way, it seems to me, to promote civic responsibility is to have an informed populous. Although many people are certainly well-informed in the US, I would say that the frequency and extent of political discussion tends to be much greater here. The environment is pulsing with an air of civic responsibility. And with the NHS and other similar programs people have a direct incentive to be engaged, that is, the government takes care of many of their basic needs.

Posted by Michael Peroski at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I would say that the most interesting interaction et large I've had with students from my host culture was at Thanksgiving. As part of a group of students from the US, I cooked the turkey for the celebration. It was neat to experience what was the first Thanksgiving for all of the students from the UK and to discuss why we celebrate the holiday each year. We shared part of our culture and history and received unbiased outside perspective on the holiday from them. It was nice to spend Thanksgiving with what has become a second family here.

In interacting with people in my home culture, I've learned a lot about the philosophy that drives programs like the National Health Service and the educational funding for all students who pass A levels. There is this notion and sense for all people, given a certain academic ability, being afforded the right to attend university and for all people to receive health care. This has been a particularly rejuvenating exchange for me because this philosophy is the same that I hold and because the perspective one receives here also comes with real experience of what living in such a system entails.

Posted by Michael Peroski at 8:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greetings All,

While studying abroad at Oxford, two differences became apparent quickly. The first was representative at all stores, but first apparent at restaurants. Those of you who have worked at a restaurant know how hard and annoying it can be to serve the person who walks in at 9:59PM when the restaurant closes at 10:00PM. Here, staff avoid this all together. How? By closing the service in the restaurant before the published "closing time." I recall being one such annoying customer with a group of friends in my first week. We attempted to visit a restaurant for a late night snack about twenty minutes before the published closing time only to be told that they were closed. To us, this might have been cause for discontent, but it is common practice here, and something to which one must adapt.

The second is in interactions, which tend to be more formal. This is the case in meetings, discussions, introductions and emails. Strikingly, this zeal for formality even extends into insults and complaints. Anyone who has watched debate in Parliament or heard a scholar condemn some academic topic at Oxford knows exactly of what I speak. As one friend, of British descent, remarked, only we can make you feel privileged to receive a gripe. Nevertheless, I am finding everything enjoyable and have been fortunate to only receive welcome and pleasant greetings.

Posted by Michael Peroski at 7:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Every one always told me that studying abroad would change my life. They always said that it would be the experience that I would never forget. They always said it would be the trip of a life time. And you know what, they were right. It did change my life. Everyone on this site has said it, but its true, you do become more independent and respectful of other cultures and peoples. To steal Brittney`s cooking example, I made a Thanksgiving dinner. Now for those of you who know me, you might remember me 1) setting water on fire (didn`t know there was oil in there) 2) over cooking one half of an egg while undercooking another 3) blowing up soup OUTSIDE of a microwave. I see an oven and the house is doomed. But, I was able to make this dinner wiht only a few words of wisdom from my mother and a rather unfamiliar measuring system and grocery store contents. Even though my apple pie looked more like an apple calzone (apparently it takes more than 6 French apples to make a pie because they are smaller), I was able to cook. Me, the terror of the kitchen. Not only is that a new skill, but also an independence and a risk taking that I, an only child, had never known. Its only gotten better. When I got to France, I was too afraid to wander the town, fearing I would get lost (and those who know Angers would know how ridiculous that sounds) and I was too uncomfortable to go to a cafe or grocery alone, so I ate a twix I had brought from home for lunch and dinner, and stayed in the hotel watching French tv I didn`t understand. Now i go places alone all the time and am far less afraid of the unfamiliar. I can use the trains like a pro and can go days without the internet! All in all, this experience has been a real eye opener and I can genuinely say that it is an experince I will never forget and will be difficult to top. Lets see if the next semester in Paris can beat it.

Posted by Emily Benz at 2:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I wasn`t going to respond to this topic because I am going back to France to study for the Spring Semester in Paris, but I feel like this topic may be useful to reflect upon and apply when I go back. An ambassador must be many things, but above all he/she must be the voice of their homeland and its people. Many believe that the French hate America, but that simply isn`t true. I completely agree with many of the people on this site that the French are quick to critisize the government and the politics of our nation, but are just as quick to point out that they love Americans. How can this be? you would think that after all the ambassadors from our school and others that their opinions of the nation would be at least affected by their view of its people, but they continue to look poorly upon our flag while the chat personably with our selves. even the election of Obama, about whom they are so hopeful and enthusiastic, still hasn`t done much to change their image of the USA. Some would argue that actions speak louder than words and that the French are objecting to concrete policies and practices of our government and the view from Hollywood that we ourselves project to the world: an image of sloth, over indulgence in food and commerce, and a pride bordering on self-absorption. Yet, I would argue that we as ambassadors have been building an image based on action as well, an action far more first-hand than anything holywood or the press can create through the televison and news stands. It seems that all of our hard work just isn`t paying off. And then I think, maybe they are attempting to put aside their misgivings and prejudices to judge us, and in so doing, cease to see us as ambassadors of anything but ourselves. I`m not sure that I don`t prefer this. It`s what we have always been taught was the proper thing to do. Don`t judge a book by its cover or its origin, I guess would be the motto. Now whether this is true, I don`t know. I don`t think even the French have thought about it that far, or if they would even do so conciously. It would explain how they are seeming to separate the experiences with the people from their image of the country. Can we say that this is what we are doing? Has my image of France changed now that I have met the people? I think that it has. I no longer believe that all the French are snobby, well dressed artists and musiciens that hate America and worship food. Now they are polite, well dressed professionals who don`t know what to think about America and worship food on a level that is frankly astonishing for a fast-food american. Have I been the ambassador or have they?

Posted by Emily Benz at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My time at James Cook University in Australia was an experience that will never be forgotten. While I was there, I made sure to try and speak with as many Australians as possible and join in activities/go on trips that would not be possible elsewhere. Although it was very difficult to keep up with my studies with so many distracting things to do (such as getting my scuba diving license, traveling to Sydney, sailing the Whitsundays etc.) I did my best. I believe that I represented Allegheny College very well while I was at JCU. I ran into a few Australians who would ask me where I went to college back in the states. When I said Allegheny, there response was normally along the lines of, "Oh ya, I've met people who have come here in the past from Allegheny. They are great people." I believe that I as well as the other girls I studied abroad with from Allegheny, kept up this image while in Australia.

Posted by Emily Hoar at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As you prepare to leave your host site/country, can you reflect on how you have fulfilled the role of either Allegheny College ambassador, or American ambassador, or both? What did this entail, and what were some of the challenges of fulfilling this role. Again, specific examples are always an interesting read :)

I left Australia in early December. It was a rough departure since I felt as though I had made so many connections to people there that I knew I would not likely see again. However, I also left with the feeling that I had gotten the most out of the experience and had left a lot behind as well (and not just the hair straightener the next Allegheny student will get to use).

My dorm on campus was a small one which just opened this year, so staying there in the first year was a unique opportunity to be a part of creating traditions and making Western Courts what it was. As an ambassador, I tried to demonstrate my open-mindedness and to participate in everything I could... I ended up getting the "spirit award" for most involved international student. I think it was really good that the Australians we met were able to compare us to the stereotypes that they had based on all the American TV which is shown. I tried to tell them all about Allegheny whenever someone would ask, and I had a few conversations about the different way things such as health insurance and the government in general worked. Almost all of the time, being an ambassador was a very interesting and fun experience.

There was one instance I can remember where I was waiting in line for an ATM and I think the people behind us heard our accents. I think they were drunk, but they started yelling at us for being dumb Americans and ruining the world's economy. That was a little hard to hear, since most Australians were very nice and interested to talk to us. It was an isolated incident though, so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Overall, I loved being in Australia and hope that I left behind a good impression of Americans...I have promised my futon to many of my friends who want to come visit here! :)

Posted by at 1:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

During my time in DC, I think that I represented myself very well. In terms of being an Allegheny ambassor, I think that everyone who was at American University from Allegheny displayed nothing but positive attitudes. It was funny because not only were the students in my program from colleges and universities across America, but from across the world as well. Inevitably, one of the first questions asked of a new friends was "So, where's your home school?" Interestingly, most of us came from smaller schools, and so had never heard of each other's colleges. I have nothing but respect for the home schools of most of my classmates, and I'm sure thats how they feel about Allegheny.

You may think that because I spent my semester in DC, I didn't have the chance to be andAmerican ambassador. You would be wrong. Alot of the students in my specific program were from Norway, and I became very close with a few of them. One day we were talking about the differences in our cultures. I asked a few of the Nords (as they came to known) if they thought the American stereotypes were true. One of the girls said, "Well, you all are a lot louder than we are." Which, I admit, I contribute to. But then another explained one of the differences she liked. Apparently, Americans are much more friendly than Norwiegans. She said that we hug a lot more, and become friends a lot quicker. Then she used me as an example. If someone inquires about an item of food on my plate, I have a habit of asking them if they'd like a taste. My friend explained that in Norway, that isn't really done and that she was pleasantly surprised by American friendliness. So, through my normal social interactions, I'd say I was a pretty good ambassador for the US as well.

Posted by Elizabeth Tuttle at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last blog. Better late than never (and lucky that it arrived at all, with dial-up serving as my principle connection to the internet).

I left my host country a month ago. December 13th, 2008, I was back in America. And looking back at this journey, this epic study abroad sojourn, I find myself thinking... All in all, it really wasn't that much different. Nearly everyone spoke English (with the exception of my host family, of course), so it's not like I was out of my league. I suppose, as an American ambassador, I did help some people with their English. But it's not even like they required my assistance. Europeans as a whole speak English better than some Americans, I think.

As for being an Allegheny ambassador... I never met any college students or fellow German peers on my trip, so I can't really speak for that aspect. I didn't have the chance to be a representative from an American college. No one knew what or where Allegheny College was, so it's not even like I could brag about it.

However, as an American ambassador... I do have quite a few tales. As I have generally noticed, most Americans traveling abroad in Europe are complete idiots. Okay, that may be too harsh; many people travel to Europe who are incredibly intelligent and wonderful. But it seemed the only Americans I met on my travelings applied to the first category. For example, let me take you to Fuessen, Germany. Home of the Castle Neuschwannstein, probably most famous medieval-esque castle in the world. A common attraction site. A breeding ground for stupid Americans.

I was here with my fellow study abroad companion, Jen. We were staying in Munich for a few days on fall break, and had decided to come see the castle. We got our tickets, and were waiting on the impressive castle grounds for our tour to begin, when we hear... English. Not only that, but... American English. Could it be? Fellow Americans also here to see the magnificent but unfinished castle?

Our tour begins, and we ascend a short flight of stairs in order to get to the second floor of the castle. As we reach the top and wait for our tour guide, we hear again an American-accented voice begin to complain.

"That was a lot of stairs. Woo, I'm out of shape!" And finally, we spot the Americans. They appear to be in their late twenties, and are dressed... well, typically American. One man is wearing a torn and ratted jersey of some sort without sleeves. The others were dressed slightly more casual, but it didn't really help. They were all panting hard - surprising, for it was only about two flights of stairs. Comparing this to the walk up the mountain to get to the castle, it was nothing.

The tour begins, and we tried to separate ourselves away from the Americans. They talked loudly throughout the entire tour, and were generally disrespectful - taking pictures even though it was forbidden by Bavarian law, reaching around barriers to touch artifacts, and swearing and cussing at menial inconveniences.

When we finally reached the end of the tour, and were able to separate ourselves for good, Jen and I came to a realization - we were much better ambassadors than the Americans we had seen today. Although we were not always the model ambassador - I have strong memories of screaming Phantom of the Opera at the top of my lungs in front of the Reichstag, or German parliament building - at least we knew when to act appropriately.

Overall, I think all of my friends and I were good ambassadors. We varied from the crude and boisterous Americans that so often flocked to the touristy attractions in a way that was most definitely good. Instead of trying to stick out and be recognized for that difference, we tried to fit in. We tried to act cultured. We tried to learn instead of just see. Because of that, I think we represented the American people much better than, for example, the Neuschwannstein hooligans.

Posted by Kristy Snyder at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)