Reflection

          As a part of the University of Florida’s International Scholar Program, I was able to think critically regarding global and intercultural differences. The International Scholars Program has allowed me to interact with individuals of different cultures, whilst making personal connections with individuals of different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. The international courses and clubs I have been a part of have molded me to think critically in different situations as well. Because of certain classes, I am now cognizant that all cultures are different, and the preservation of these cultures and ways of life that are different from ours are extremely vital. The international scholars program has also influenced me to study abroad in Fiji, studying humans in their environment and sustainability. Through learning about different cultures, the friendships I have made with international students, and studying abroad, I have developed a deep sense of appreciation regarding the cultural and linguistic differences across cultures. 

          Whilst studying abroad in Fiji, I had the opportunity of studying humans in their environment and sustainability. During our homestays, we had the opportunity to live with native Fijians in the Komave village. We had to be able to communicate effectively with our family, while sharing and appreciating our differences in cultures and linguistics. Our breakfast involved us sharing our different love for sports, and how we use entertainment. As the day went on, we had opportunities of participating in different village chores. Being able to experience the daily life of a Fijian Villager was an honor and humbling at the same time. Experiencing another culture is vital for the development of any person. Understanding our differences comes from experiencing our differences. If everyone had the opportunity to experience another culture, we would be much more understanding of different cultures and less xenophobic.

          I have always had an innate fascination with different cultures, and used this passion to develop a career path for myself. In the future, I would like to open a nonprofit healthcare clinic located in areas of desperate need. In Fiji, one of the things I learned was the disconnect between individuals in developed countries and lesser developed countries. We often take for granted our access to electricity, cars, and safe housing, and fail to acknowledge the alternatives to this that some individuals do not get to experience. My international experience has allowed me to be more sympathetic and understanding to other individuals, without taking on a mindset that we are better because of our development. 

           Because of the International Scholars Program, my international courses and clubs, as well as international colleagues, I have developed the ability to understand different cultures without judgement. Being an anthropology major, it is vital that I am able to interact and communicate with individuals of different backgrounds. Before this program and my anthropology endeavors, I viewed other cultures as “weird,” but I now know how threatening this mindset is, as well as ethnocentric. By learning about various cultures and practices, I now realize that our differences are important for the preservation of history and culture. If everyone thought other cultures were weird, there could be an imminent blending of cultures, which would threaten the historical value of our differences. Preservation of culture is vital for humanity. Each culture has their own perspective on the Earth and it's issues. If we had one culture, therewould be no alternative if something does not work out. For example, Eastern culture has had a significant impact on farming, using crop rotation and terrace farming. If there was only one culture, we would potentially not know about alternatives that would pose a greater benefit on humanity.

           The experiences I have gained through the International Scholars Program and studying abroad will undoubtedly influence my professional career. I will use the things I learned and translate them into my professional life, allowing me to be an effective communicator and team player with individuals of other cultures. This experience has taught me fundamental life lessons; we are all different and there is nothing inherently wrong with that. Our differences is what makes human history and international studies so intriguing. Because of this program and the opportunities that have come my way because of it, I have truly found a passion in multicultural and intercultural affairs.