More Comments from Students on Their Time Abroad

NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Abroad View, the global magazine for students, hosted an annual essay competition, inviting recently returned U.S. undergraduate study abroad participants to submit compelling stories that articulate how their undergraduate international experiences have helped meet the United States' need to understand global situations and compete in the global arena.

2007: A Selection of Quotes

2006 Student Diplomat Essay Competition: A Selection of Quotes

"It is our responsibility to shape the global perception of Americans, and our responsibility to live up to our own expectations of what it means to be an American. Studying abroad made a profound difference on how I think about my personal life, as well as how I see American culture. It was a life-changing experience and an invaluable one."

"More than a grade, however, I gained a newfound respect for the world around me."

"While I arrived in Sydney a "sustainable tourist" – a responsible traveler who conserves the environment and supports the well being of local people, I returned home a “world citizen” – a free lance ambassador committed to representing my country positively, respecting human rights, and actively protecting the environment."

"Looking back on my study abroad experience in Córdoba, I recall how the life-changing experience has shaped my identity as an American in the world. I learned not only about myself, but also more about what it means to be an American in this global community. Although proud to be an American, I have come to realize that there is more to the world than just the United States. Studying abroad has given me a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and society. My eyes are now wide open to the world."

"I might be just one voice, but each new generation is sending more and more individuals overseas. Our voices will come together and it will be louder than a whisper. Maybe then it will finally be loud enough for everyone to hear. Americans are not in this alone, and if we don’t find a way to all work together on a global level we all will fail. We are all connected, all the countries of the world, and we are only as strong as our weakest link. Sometimes we may need to be the teachers and sometimes we may need to be the learners. We have to be willing to do both to truly understand the global situations that we face as humanity."

"Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to be ambassadors of sorts, and show people that the stereotypes that exist about Americans are not true of everyone. We live in a world today that is more interconnected than ever before, and we must learn how to interact as well as learn from each other. Each individual, no matter what country they come from, has the obligation to engage the world as best they can. In the end, we are all the same, no matter what language we speak, what religion we practice or what politics we follow. We all have the same fundamental needs and desires, and so none of us can claim superiority to the other. We must all work together as a community and bring effective change to the world. I believe that study abroad programs are an important first step to understanding and engaging new and different cultures in order to affect that change in ourselves and others."

"As a college senior, I have countless memories from my time as an undergraduate, but my study abroad opportunities are the experiences I treasure the most. Living abroad has helped me to put the world into perspective and has challenged me to embrace differences in people and cultures to make me a more complete person."

"My study abroad experience left me with eyes wide open, fully awake to the concerns facing the world and the varied international components and public opinions that must be taken into account. I came away very proud to be an American, and honored to come from a country that has such influence and capacity to help others. Most importantly, I returned to the U.S. fully cognizant of my responsibility to apply what I had learned to my future endeavors."

"My time in Florence was an incredible experience that taught me about the world and helped me to appreciate other cultures and ways of life. I think that my presence also helped to teach other people about my culture. In this way, my experience contributed to cross-cultural dialogue and the elimination of anti-American sentiment abroad."

"I assert that the effectiveness and openness of communication is greater when one is abroad and out of his comfort zone. Because communication increases understanding and acceptance, consider that going abroad and working to enlighten yourself and others is the best way to protect your country. By positively representing your nation and its ideals, you can disprove stereotypes, reduce anti-American sentiments, and promote peace."