Of Rice and Studies - Topic: Study Abroad

I feel an incredible gratitude for having had the opportunity to study abroad. This wasn't something I had planned to do during college, but it is one of my best decisions I have done in my life. When I applied I was low on money, I had a promising job and I was finishing my third year of college. Little did I know it was a perfect timing. Today, I'm in the workforce and saving for money for a vacation is very challenging. I also don't envision an opportunity to live abroad or even in another city anytime in my near future. The opportunity to grow by quite literally leaving your comfort zone becomes harder as time passes. I strongly believe studying abroad is a must have experience for every student. The inaugural side-segment article "Of Rice and Studies" is meant to persuade those who are indecisive, those who are currently telling themselves they can't do it and to guide those who mentor perspective college freshmen. I hope that this article gives you some insight into the benefits of going abroad.

Introduction

To a son of immigrant parents, going abroad was something far-off, surreal and always seemed like another dream. That dream became reality when I received the acceptance letter from Maastricht University, School of Business and Economics. The letter came at a perfect time, right before my last summer vacation, right before senioritis kicked-in, and most importantly when motivation was stagnant. This blog is really a reminder that dreams are possible and taking risks sometimes brings about the best experiences one can have. Perhaps someone will be inspired by my experience and decide to set off on a journey of their own.

Maastricht and Maastricht University. I choose this school because I had a friend from college who decided to do your exchange there. I followed her on Instagram and was able to see her experiences and learn a lot about Maastricht. Ultimately, it was her persuasion that made me apply for the next semester. It was the only university I applied for and I was accepted. The University of California (UCEAP) arranged a two-week introductory program where all the students from all the UC's (who were accepted in this exchange program) where able to spend time together. I was happy to see that our group of thirty was mostly women. During those two weeks, we traveled together to Amsterdam, Delft, Zaandam, Margraten American Cemetery and were given classes on the language and history on The Netherlands. Maastricht University didn't have special classes for us, instead exchange students are enrolled alongside actual students. The city of Maastricht is beautiful, small, lively and intimate. It is the perfect place to study, you will find peace in the city which is perfect when coming back from your weekend adventures and when it is time to focus in school work. (Maastricht article coming next week!)

A New Perspective

Before I arrived in the Netherlands I didn't know what to expect. I thought I was going to continue the same introvert habits as I did in the United States. I thought I would focus on school over socializing and traveling. I lived off-campus since the start of college, I did not have the experience of living in a dorm until I left for the Netherlands. As a result, it was very difficult to make friends, during the first few semesters at UC Merced I would just go to class and then go straight home. I did not stay on campus for longer than needed, and I always had envy to those who were able to live on campus for a few years. That mentality quickly changed during the first few weeks abroad. I made many friends quickly who were also on exchange and I found myself surrounded by outgoing people who wanted the full European experience. Their energy, mentalities, and goals influenced me to seek some for my own.

One of these influences came in the form of traveling. I always traveled with a group of five friends or sometimes my best friend Felipe and I decided to conquer a new country together. In the end, I visited nine countries and explored over twenty cities. This travel experience is something that is a part of me now, it is always a conversation piece and it inspired me to create this travel website! To this day I continue to travel, and I have returned to Europe twice after my exchange. The people you meet abroad are one of the highlights of the experience! They are like-minded, they are as scared as you are, they want the same things you do and often times in a similar situation. With the new group of friends you make abroad, you will grow and experience the exchange program together. They will become friends you stay in contact with the most post-graduation.

I will forever be grateful for the academic challenge I faced abroad. Maastricht University believes in "problem-based learning" where students essentially teach themselves through peer led case-study discussions similar to that found in UC graduate level education. Not having lecture, or a teaching professor was a big shock, I found myself in a classroom of 15 or less students who were all accustomed to this style so I had to adapt quickly. My classmates were knowledgeable, they did all the readings and they came to class prepared. Participation in the discussion was part of your grade and what you said was graded by a Procter. I failed my first class ever abroad in my first quarter. This was due to the fact that a failing grade in the final exam becomes your final grade for the class regardless of completion of homework, essays, or participation. I was a top student in my classes back home so I was definitely humbled by this experience, I had to dig deep and find adjust for the next quarter to come (I passed 3 of the 4 classes in the end). This was a big learning experience, I was challenged at a new and higher level academically and it is something I still hold close today. No matter how good you are, there are other people out there working harder than you. The race isn't finished so never stop growing, never stop challenging yourself!

Countries visited: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The Experience isn't All Sunshine Either

Behavior and Communication. The Dutch and German norm is for people to be very open in their discussions, more so than in the United States. They do not like to waste their time, they like to hear things and say things as they are, almost coming off as if they do not care about sounding arrogant or disrespectful. In the US, we are accustomed to hear things in a more considerate way. Thus, one has to remember they are in another country, things will be different and most likely they do not mean it in the way one receives their comments. The Dutch and Germans also care about time punctuality. In my college experience, I have never seen people running to class or for open spots in the library. Back home, students realizing they will be late for class they would still take their time to arrive, or go back to bed. Their attitude toward this is also frankly discussed. I have heard comments that directed towards people from Latin America not caring about being punctual. "That something that I hate about them", "that is why I do not like to have them as friends" and "that is why I do not want to do my exchange in those countries." These may have been some bad apples, no matter how competitive you are, you should never be that disrespectful. Regardless, I learned a lot from them. They are challenging classmates to have, they encourage you to work harder to be a good representative of your country. People management is an important skill to master in anticipation of entering the workforce where you will encounter countless types of personalities. The Dutch and German are nice people, during my exchange I felt that both groups wanted to be my friend and we even keep in touch to this day!

Being Chicano Abroad. I have encountered many situations were their comments were blatantly offensive and personal but I believe it is a result of "innocent ignorance" since they don't fully understand American and specifically the Latino culture. Thus not being aware when their comments are offensive. I also believe in "accidental racism/stereotyping" (as a result of innocent ignorance) I can recall two experiences, one occurred in Utrecht, Netherlands and the other in Munich, Germany. In Utrecht, my friends and I encountered a woman who worked as a ticketing receptionist in a museum. She informed us it was sold out for the day and then proceeded to ask us questions of who we were. Her curiosity was nice to see, as it is common for people in Europe to be very interested in foreigners especially Americans. She asked where we came from and of what backgrounds. In her mind she was playing a guessing game to see if her idea of where we came from was correct. When she asked where I was from I told her I was from California. She then went further and asked where I really was from implying the color of my skin wasn't of a typical American. I responded "I am Mexican American" she then immediately shouted "I knew it [...] I can always tell when people are Mexican!!" with a big smile of her face. Although her response was in a friendly manner she didn't mind the fact she had racial profiled me. I didn't take it personal because by this time I had experienced similar situations before and labeled it as accidental racism from being innocently ignorant. In another case, I was standing in line to enter Oktoberfest (the largest beer festival in the world) in Munich, Germany. The security guards were also interested in who are group was, and were we came from. We again asked where I really was from, and again replying "I am Mexican American" the man replied "wow [...] where is your hat?" Again although it wasn't funny to me I saw it as a result of Accidental Racism given innocent ignorance. The Chicano experience abroad can be very interesting. Whether you decide to go to Mexico or any other country, you will find that the United States isn't the only place where you will be questioned about your background. It is definitely a learning experience, and It is helpful to develop your people management skills for when you encounter these situations later in life.

The Personal Impact of the Experience

My exchange program was only one semester roughly six months. I was the second student from UC Merced to attend this exchange program. This was something I did alone, none of my friends were able to go and other went to different countries. This helped me get out of my comfort zone, the realization of this didn't hit me until I landed in Amsterdam Airport and literally not knowing anyone on that side of the world. I am originally from Los Angeles, I had moved out of my parents’ house at 18 for college and at 21 I was going further and experiencing yet another adventure alone this time out of the country. Part of the experience is to also examine the effect going abroad has on you. The confidence I gained of this is something that continues to help me today. Whenever I feel I cannot do something, I think back to this time where despite not knowing the landscape, language or the food - I persevered through it. At 21, I felt mature and responsible. I believed I was mentally ready for the experience and being able to handle the emotions and scenarios I would encounter. Looking back now a few years later, I have an appreciation of my decision. I believe going abroad by myself helped in my personal development. I truly feel it was important for my growth as it presented many situations that I haven't been tested with. I found myself in a new country, how do I interact with new cultures and people? How do I adapt to the different lifestyle and education? How are my behaviors being observed as a foreigner? - These are the personal challenges you may experience abroad.

Reasons that Discourage Students

There are many reasons why people don't take this opportunity. One of those reasons is Money. To that I say things have a funny way of working themselves out. Maybe your family can help you, maybe you have enough in the bank to take a risk, or perhaps you are able to obtain scholarships. In my case, I had to dig into my savings, take out my first student loan and I was lucky to have financial assistance through FAFSA (federal & state) grants. This may seem very irresponsible but this is an expense you will be able to pay off fairly quickly and it is definitely an investment in yourself. I graduated with only $10,000 in debt for my undergrad, 80% of which funded my semester abroad. I suggest you consider a loan If you are currently in similar situation, no current student loans and have a promising job when you return. Yes this isn't the best logic however I strongly believe the experience you get abroad is an investment in yourself and in your growth.

Other reasons that discourage students is keeping a current job, love interests and friends. You can always find another job and your friends and/or partner will still be there when you return. Remember you are young, you will probably have around a dozen jobs throughout your career! Do not be afraid of leaving the current job you have (assuming minimum wage). If you are lucky like I was, my employer kept my position vacant until I returned from my semester abroad but it was definitely something I thought about before I was reassured. Your friends can also apply with you (I knew of a group of 3 went together) and if they do not they will be waiting for you and following your adventures through social media! If your relationship is strong, going abroad will not destroy it. If anything it will give you insights in its integrity, and strength. Truly, the only reason that can potentially stop you is family. Whether it is the desire for them to see you walk the stage, if someone is ill, or if they depend on you financially.

Last thoughts - In retrospect, was it worth it?

Yes, going abroad is worth it! If you're are reading this post and you're considering taking this journey, I think you already knew that. Whatever is on your mind that is making you believe you cannot go, I hope you truly believe that and that is it your choice. Talk with those who support you and those you are your role models. Ask these people for help and for advice if you need it. Maybe you can find solutions to those reasons that are holding you back. This is one of those "once in a lifetime" kind of decisions and experiences so definitely take some time to think about it. In the end, you may have to just take a leap of faith maybe things will work out better than what you expect. As for me, it had an incredible impact in my life and it is something I will never forget. I learned a lot about myself, I strengthened my personal confidence that will help me going forward and memories I will cherish forever. I am happy today that when I look back at my decision, I have no regrets.

Feel free to email me at ofriceandcities@gmail.com, I will be happy to help you in your decision and answer any questions you may have. I recommend Europe and especially The Netherlands as the best exchange program destination.

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