pre-departure preparation

It is Monday. I leave on Saturday. Between now and then, I have four days at TFS, a going away party, packing (ahhhhhhh! only one suitcase and one carry-on), and making sure everything is taken care of while I'm gone (someone needs to water my daisies). While abroad, I'll be fulfilling the requirements for CORE 200 (a required class unique to Meredith College that teaches culture...I'll have no further comment on this class), and in doing so I'll be reading Maximizing Study Abroad: A Students’ Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use. This book provides activities and readings for reflection during the study abroad experience. In my pre-departure preparation, I have chosen words that describe a significant part of who I am and how I choose to identify myself with others. I chose woman, Meredith College student, Spanish major, pre-service teacher, Catholic, friend, sister, and daughter.

If I had to pick just one identity, I would pick daughter. Friends always come and go, but my mom and dad will always be my mom and dad. Through my 21 years, they have provided stability and meaning to my life. If I had to pick just two identities, I would pick daughter and friend. Though friends come and go and often disrupt the rhythms of life, I have learned a lot from their company. Being a daughter and being a friend are the most important to my cultural identity because both my parents and my friends have played a significant role in making me who I am today.

I think it was difficult to identify myself with only eight characteristics. I could have gone on including identities such as after school care counselor, middle-class, white, American, English speaker—first language, Spanish speaker—second language, ice skater, golfer, retired softball player, etc. The list of defining characteristics can go on. From this exercise, I have gained insights about myself such as what is important to my character and what simply adds to my flair.

I don’t think people readily recognize my Catholic identity, as I try to practice the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” This kind of behavior doesn’t stand out here in the south, where I find a lot of Bible thumpers and condescending religious folk. It is frustrating, but I can only stay true to myself and my beliefs.

Do I think I’ll add new identities while I’m abroad? Yes. I hope to add cosmopolitan world traveler, and maybe even Mexican-Wannabe. While I am in Mexico, I think I will be judged at first by the stereotypical American. While I fit some of the stereotypes (fast-paced and time is of the essence) I do not fit some of the others (lazy and overweight). It will be difficult, but my goal is to keep an open mind and hope that those I encounter will do so as well.

I think the biggest piece of cultural “baggage” I will be taking abroad with me, is my view of monochromic time—the idea that every second counts and something important must be done with it. Word on the street is that most countries don’t share this American punctuality. It is going to make my experience abroad frustrating, but I can only worry about things I can control. I can’t control everyone else; I’ll just be able to control my reactions to them. I just hope I don’t lose my sense of punctuality when I return home!

In a completely non-reflective tone, I've wondered many things about Mexico. Do they have True Blood? Can I watch Asiz Ansari host the MTV movie awards? Will I walk or take the bus to school? Will I have enough time to Skype back home? Will I even want to Skype back home? Have I sufficiently base-tanned, or will I burn to a crisp once I get there? Who is my host mom? Is she married? Was she married? Does she have children? Is she old? Young? Will I be able to understand her accent, or will we stare at each other awkwardly not understanding a word the other is saying? Will she let me freeze bottled water in ice cube trays, or will I be forced to drink all beverages warm? How often, if at all, will I be sick with the runs? Do Mexicans like Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias as much as I do? Will I want to come back home right away, or will I want to stay forever?

Paige, R. M., Andrew D. Cohen, Barbara Kappler, Julie C. Chi, and James P. Lassegard. Maximizing Study Abroad: an Instructional Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use. Minneapolis, MN: Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, University of Minnesota, 2009. Print.