Rachel's Paideia Blog

Study Abroad Blog

If Paideia is all about putting yourself in situations you wouldn't otherwise consider and seeing things from unique perspectives, it makes perfect sense for an Intercultural Experience to be a part of the program. By going to a foriegn country and living in another culture, one would have no choice but to learn about it and see things through another lens. Studying abroad will force the student to achieve what I see as many of the essential goals of the Paideia program.
I'd like to learn the french language, and I honestly believe that the only true way to do so is through immersion. In addition, I've always been interested in French culture (music, food, literature, lifestyle) and would like to learn more. More than anything else, I want to grow as an individual, and I feel the best way to do that is alone in a situation I'm initially uncomfortable with. It's cliché, but it's true.
As a student of a liberal arts school, I hope and expect to get a very broad education. I know everyone changes tremendously as a result of their study abroad experience, and I think it would lead me to become a more cultured, learned student. Southwestern's slogan is "Engaging minds. Transforming lives." and I feel that studying abroad goes hand-in-hand with that idea.
In terms of concerns, I've got a lot! I'm terrified of leaving home sweet Texas for a country where no one speaks my language or knows my name. I have lots of close friends and family here, and would undoubtedly struggle with not seeing them for several months. These are challenges I'm willing to face though, because I'm confident it'll be worth it.
Like I said in my previous blog, I want to study in France. I was considering somewhere in Nice, but it seems like most of the schools there are more business and technology oriented--quite the opposite of what I'm interested in. In any case, I'd like to go somewhere small and beautiful in France where I can ride my bike, eat good food, and write write write. I thought for certain I didn't want to go to Paris, but I'm reconsidering. I think I'd rather go somewhere a little less...dirty? I think I'd like to go for one semester, probably fall of next year.

posted by Rachel @ 4:58 PM