Why Don't People Appreciate Studying Abroad In Different Places? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why Don't People Appreciate Studying Abroad In Different Places?

There should be an equal appreciation for students' study abroad choices regardless of where they choose to be on the globe.

197
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFYeDOBKlY/
@irynahashem on Instagram

This upcoming fall I will be studying in Amman, Jordan. As an Arab & Islamic Studies major, I knew that I wanted to spend a semester abroad in the Middle East; I figured that my exposure to an entirely different culture and lifestyle from my own would not only hone my Arabic language skills but also offer me the opportunity to experience life in an Arab country. Although I could not be any more ecstatic for this new journey, I have encountered vast amounts of negativity regarding my study abroad choices.

One of the most common responses that I hear whenever I tell someone that I am an Arabic major about to spend a semester in Jordan is a long, awkward pause. I understand that my choice in a host country is extremely different from the majority of my friends who have chosen popular European countries, such as the U.K., Ireland, Italy, etc. But I immediately notice that my extremely different study abroad choice affects the way people engage with me in conversation. After the long, awkward pause usually comes a solitary, "Oh" response. Sometimes, people will say, "Wow!" or "That is so cool!" And while I welcome and appreciate the positive responses, it is important to acknowledge the disproportionate amount of negative attention that choosing to study in the Middle East has led me to experience.

Another common response that I hear is, "Why don't you go to (insert European city name) instead?" Although the question seems harmless, the individual who asks me this usually does not realize its underlying ignorance. There should be nothing wrong with studying abroad in a different place, especially because not everyone's study abroad experience is the same nor should it be. Additionally, there is also nothing wrong with choosing a location that is a common study abroad destination, such as London or Florence. These cities have different things to offer for different people and choosing to spend a semester abroad anywhere in the world is a wonderful thing.

I just think that there should be an equal appreciation for students and their study abroad choices wherever they may be on the globe. My choice to study abroad in Amman deserves the same praise and excitement as choosing to study abroad in Rome. Furthermore, a reason why I chose Amman is that study abroad seems like the only time in my life that I will be able to fully immerse in a country that I never considered traveling to before, so why not take advantage of this opportunity?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

85743
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

11303
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments