American students traveling abroad this semester are doing so during a very interesting period of world history. The world is watching the United States, its new administration, and the nation’s new policies and practices that are emerging every day. All political affiliations aside, it is a time of uncertainty and change which can be both exciting and challenging to navigate; we’re here to share with you some general tips.
You may be surprised at how well-informed people in other countries are about United States politics. Consider expanding your scope of news sources by reading international editions of reputable publications.
Learn to engage with people who have different views than you.
Talking about politics may be more commonplace in other cultures. Similarly, there may not be a strong emphasis on “proving” one’s point over exchanging ideas. Author and Consultant Judy Ringer offers some ground rules for engaging in difficult conversations:
Step 1: Check in with yourself. Stay in touch with your emotional energy and the reason you are engaging in the conversation. What is the emotional level of the person you are talking with? What is your goal? What do you hope to gain? What might their intention or purpose be?
Step 2: Cultivate an attitude of discovery and curiosity. Pretend you are talking with someone from another planet and want to discover everything about their world and their views!
Step 3: Acknowledge what they say. Really listen to the other person. It doesn’t mean you agree, it just means you heard them.
Step 4: Explain your point of view. Calmly talk about where your viewpoints differ. The goal of the conversation isn’t to change each other’s minds; it’s to clearly state yours and even see what you might have in common.
Step 5: Problem-solve. Find something you like in what they said and build on it. Great solutions and understanding come from people talking and working together, even when it’s hard!
You are no longer just a citizen of the United States, or even of the state that you live in. You will always belong to your country, but you have taken the first step towards joining a small, special community of people who live abroad. Embrace this new perspective.
Even when you’re among friends and colleagues, traveling abroad for an extended period of time can take a toll on your intellectual and emotional well-being. Know who you can reach out to when you need support and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
As always, reach out to your on-site director if you need additional support, and check out our Let's Talk Program.