Global Citizenship and the Purpose of Study Away: Paris (LT)

Brockington and Wiedenhoeft explained that study away programs were important to foster the identity of global citizenship. But unlike Byers they define global citizenship as the knowledge and understanding of others. While in Byers’ speech he brings up many fair points about what the term ‘global citizen’ could mean, starting from being aware to the political problems of the world to taking an active role in stopping the injustices and closing the gap between the inequalities. However he ended it all with encouragements for everyone to take the term and “make it what you want it to be”. This really resonated with me because I really do believe that study away is a very individual experience. With help from programs like the Kalamazoo’s College’s Integrative Cultural Research Project and our own Cross-Cultural and Communication course individuals who are studying away are encouraged to actively and continuously reflect on all aspects of the cultural experience throughout the abroad experience. I have found this to be very helpful, but in reading all the blog posts and listening to other people in my program it has just made me more aware of how differently people can see the world and this influences the different ways that everyone truly does make the experience what they will.

For me this semester, the purpose of my Study Away has truly been a personal mission. I grew up overseas and attended only french schools before moving back to the US and starting into the American schooling system. Living in Paris for a semester has allowed me to reconnect with the language that I grew up speaking and had started to lose in the American public school system. Coming here has also allowed me expand my understanding of the french culture. In my time in Paris I have spent a lot of time observing the people around me in many different settings. I’ve explored museums and art galleries, I’ve sat in cafes and restaurants, I’ve wandered through the street of many different neighborhoods and have ride on many metro trains. I have been observing the members of the community in which I find myself and asking lots of questions of them to better understand the many differences in our two countries. 

In my Program I get to participate in an internship that has taken me across town away from the area that I usually find myself in, away from the tourists and large monuments to a neighborhood that is alive with life and a diverse group of people. Here I work in the community center in the youth program so while I’m in the office I get to observe a professional setting that is very different than that of back home. I choose to participate in this program specifically for this hands-on experience, because although I know it is great to study abroad and attend school abroad, I personally wanted a little more. I wanted to learn about the professional setting here and professional relations and in coming to Paris I really feel that I have accomplished that.

I think that as a result my definition of Global Citizenship may differ from that of my peers who are also abroad. I personally feel that global citizenship means opening doors, keeping an open mind and an open heart to people of all backgrounds. Being open and conscious to the political problems and the cultural differences and accepting others for who they are and not trying to change them. It means that through observation, active learning and active curiosity that one can work towards being a better global citizen.