Global Citizenship and Purpose of Study Away: Paris, France (RLN)

• I think that the purpose to study away is for students to not only experience another culture but also ingrain some of that culture into themselves. This is usually done through a foreign language component of the program which will assist the student in utilizing that language on a day to day basis. In order to explain to friends and relatives I will manly focus on the stories that I have of what me and my new friends have done in the country but when it comes to employers I will attempt to market it as a valuable experience that will help me work better for them. I will do this by explaining to them what language skills I have and the office experience that I am having here through my internship and how it is a testament to my work ethic that even in a completely french language setting I work past the barriers and give it my best. As for graduate programs, I will explain to them how my work ethic was increased through studying in an intensive program that was purely in french and how that improved my language skills. 
• When it comes to the reading I have to say that I agree in a general way with Zemach-Bresin. Every individual is different so I cannot speak for every American student studying abroad but in my experience and from what others have told me their experiences American students are usually the last ones to integrate into the society when compared to students from other countries. This comes through when Zemach-Bresin says "I was a foreigner in all respects" and that her foreignness shown brighter than all of the candles in the Dalai Lama's temple. I see this most of the American students here who regardless of if they are loud and outgoing or reserved and quiet, all create bright boundaries whenever in public as most Parisians will immediately pick you out as an American before you even speak. However, I also believe that it can still be an extremely rewarding experience, especially if you do it through a reputable and intense program that isn't simply a vacation semester abroad like some American students do.