The Melting Pot

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Recommended: Abstract in cultural diversity

The USA may be a melting pot of cultures, but it seems as if it expects only other cultures to assimilate. Not only are most of my family's multiracial traditions forgotten, but I am also ignorant to cultures outside of the USA. I have never been able to live or visit outside the box of my country. I don’t wish to see such a tiny view of the world. Even though I live in a western culture, I don't know how other western cultures live. As a country, it feels as if the USA is too young to even begin to comprehend world culture. By studying abroad, it is my hope that I can begin expanding my understanding of the world. I also wish to learn about my home country in a new light. I await making new friends, and I expect that studying abroad will open my mind and deepen my longing to learn about other cultures. This experience is one which will lessen my narrow minded cynicism. Studying abroad will ignite my independence, confidence and excitement for life.
For ten weeks I will be attending the University of London. I will enroll to take fifteen credits. I chose this program because I wish to compare British college quarters compared to my own college’s quarters. It is my hope that I can start to recognize and respect cultural differences. I will have with a travel pass with unlimited access to travel across London through buses and underground trains. I am fascinated by the concept of the Tube of London. Because of my study abroad program, this is the first time I have heard of London’s underground transit system. When I first arrive in London, I will meet staff members of the American Institute for Foreign Study. These advisors will be able to provide me with plenty of information and personal counseling. I will also attend a workshop o...

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...d a debt that weighs down on me. Seeing the amount of stress that bills place on my mom scares me because stress deteriorates her health. It still scares me that my studying abroad may burden my parents. As a start to meet with this issue of money, to maintain receiving the financial aid that I do at my community college, I must maintain my GPA. Over the next months before traveling to London, I am going to apply to full-time jobs and save my earnings to pay off my own expenses. If I really want to achieve my dream of studying abroad, I don’t have to depend on the money of my family and worsen those issues. Preparing to study abroad is already an experience that wakes me up to some realities of spending money. I will come home from London with an even greater sense of responsibility. I will come home ready to help my family and myself leap over life’s hurdles.

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