There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance. -John C. Maxwell

Pride is not just positive or negative. I usually see it negatively, often relating it to the "bad pride" like Maxwell explains it, the debilitating connotation of pride that keeps a person from humbling themselves to learn, experience new things, and be relatable. Pride can also be defined in a positive sense, like the "dignity and self-respect" that a person needs to have in order to avoid being taken advantage of. Truthfully, I'm bringing my pride because I want to good to come with me. The bad is sure to come with me, but I'll leave it in my suitcase and don't want to drag it around.

"Bad pride" is especially incapacitating in the context of new experience or culture. For example, if I have enough pride to keep me from ordering at a restaurant, or asking for directions because I'm afraid of looking like a incompetent tourist or a rude American, I'll be sure to end up hungry, lost, and without any more positive experiences or adventures that when I'd started. So the key is enough awareness and sense to choose worthwhile opportunities while having enough humility to just try my best and watch the outcome. I've been surprised already how freeing it can be to set aside my bad pride, keep a bit of my good pride, and with wide eyes, take the events of my study abroad as it comes.