“Living Abroad Also Means Loving Abroad”

“Living abroad also means loving abroad”

This statement, claimed by Mariana Meijer during her TED Talk titled, “Why Study Abroad"rings true for those who have had the privilege of studying and living abroad. In this talk, Mariana discusses how she became the person she is today because of her study abroad experience. She honed in on the topic of identity and how any new culture, with new new language, food, smells, people and experiences you change. She described that these new experiences not only shape you, they shape you for the better.

Perception and unique cultural identity are overarching themes contained within her talk. She tells the audience that at the heart of studying abroad, it is all about being in the moment and practicing experiential learning. It is through this interceptive learning that individuals are able to find different types of people that in turn, show them different parts of themselves. Perception comes into play regarding a dual approach of how you perceive yourself verses how others perceive you. Mariana discusses that it was not until she left her native country of the Netherlands that she was truly aware of her own identity. She learned this through defending her home country and answering questions. She saw significant personal growth in adapting her new identity based on foreign experiences. This is an area that impacts all those who chose to study abroad. No matter where you are from, you will always be foreign to someone else yet familiar to another. The quest for yearning and discovering information about unknown lands naturally sparks questions that may feel degrading or harsh. Yet, it is through these experiences in which individuals are truly able to reflect on their home country. That realization of what makes their homeland so special to them provides them with the confidence and insight to discuss it with others.

As we evolve, we create new identities throughout our lives. We make large decisions in terms of where to go, who to become and what will impact us most positively. Studying abroad will always enhance personal growth and while challenging at times, it is incredibly rewarding.

According to Mariana there are three main things you can do to make your study abroad experience the most fulfilling: Get experiences and dive into new adventures, make new friends and follow your heart. And we couldn’t agree with her more.

Check out Mariana Meijer’s insightful TED Talk: Why Study Abroad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Zha2CrJZ0