Academic status: Anthropology major with a minor in history of visual art and culture
Where did you go and for how long: Mara studied human rights for seven weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina and six weeks in Santiago, Chile.
What was the most culturally shocking thing you experienced or observed? Mara became aware of a lack of diversity in Buenos Aires, specifically that many Argentinians in the capital are white. For Mara and the other study abroad students who came from diverse backgrounds, whether being around or of a specific ethnicity, the lack of diversity was shocking.
What was the most economically shocking thing you experienced or observed? Mara learned that because of heavy inflation, compounded by an already expensive city, a wealth gap had developed. Called “Villa Miseria”, these shanty towns or slums were prominent on the outskirts of town. Mara had never “seen so much poverty in one place to that huge an extent.” These areas would be one of many stark reminders for Mara of where she came from in comparison to this part of the world.
And the most rewarding part? Practicing and developing her Spanish and learning how to navigate public transportation as well as a foreign city were some of the ways Mara’s skills of independence flourished.
How did learning another language (before or during your trip) prepare you? Mara has few regrets of her trip, yet one thing she wishes was different was that her program was taught in English. Fortunately, Mara knew some Spanish previously and learned quickly what she needed to know to get the most out of her trip.
How did anthropology prepare you? Anthropology taught Mara to be hyper-aware of other peoples which was essential in learning about herself. Mara believes that whereas previous trips may have been better, coming from an anthropological background was crucial in the understanding of different societies. As an anthropologist, Mara believes, there are truly no “bad” trips, because as long as one is mindful of other cultures, one can still get the most of their trip.
Explain some details about what your program taught you. Talking about what her study abroad courses taught her, Mara says that she was “hyper-aware that the content was catered to American students.” She elaborates that what the study abroad students were taught was often different than what locals would learn in school such as details of South American dictatorships. Once again Mara became aware of the privilege that American students have in comparison to South American ones and that knowledge is one of many things which can be withheld from a population.
What should other anthropology students know before going abroad? “For any student traveling that feels out of their comfort zone, give it time. Things are tough at first, but it’ll be okay.” Mara stresses that culture shock is real, momentary depression is real, but it is natural and temporary. A student can seem to have a mean host mom (which Mara did) but sooner rather than later students will be happy of where they are and love what they are doing. Specifically, to anthropology students, Mara explains that not all courses can count as major course credit and that many countries don’t even offer study abroad anthropology programs. Mara, always the optimistic, says, “Wherever you go and do, it will relate to your major. While you travel, you can always have that anthropological perspective.”
Where, where, and for how long: Mara studied human rights, as part of sociology, for seven weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina and six weeks in Santiago, Chile.
What was the most culturally shocking thing you experienced or observed? Mara became aware of a lack of diversity in Buenos Aires, specifically that many Argentinians in the capital are white. For Mara and the other study abroad students, who came from a diverse background, whether being around or of a specific ethnicity, the lack of diversity was shocking.
What was the most economically shocking thing you experienced or observed? Mara learned that because of heavy inflation, compounded by an already expensive city, a wealth gap had developed. Called “Villa Miseria”, these shanty towns or slums were prominent on the outskirts of town. Mara had never “seen so much poverty in one place to that huge an extent.” These areas would be one of many stark reminders for Mara of where she came from in comparison to this part of the world.
And the most rewarding part? Practicing and developing her Spanish and learning how to navigate public transportation as well as a foreign city were some of the ways Mara’s skills of independence flourished.
How did learning another language (before or during your trip) prepare you? Mara has few regrets of her trip, yet one thing she wishes was different was that her program was taught in English. Fortunately, Mara knew some Spanish previously and learned quickly what she needed to know to get the most out of her trip.
How did anthropology prepare you? Anthropology taught Mara to be hyper-aware of other peoples which was essential in learning about herself. Mara believes that whereas previous trips may have been better, coming from an anthropological background was crucial in the understanding of different societies. As an anthropologist, Mara believes, there are truly no “bad” trips, because as long as one is mindful of other cultures, one can still get the most of their trip.
Explain some details about what your program taught you. Talking about what her study abroad courses taught her, Mara says that she was “hyper-aware that the content was catered to American students.” She elaborates that what the study abroad students were taught was often different than what locals would learn in school such as details of South American dictatorships. Once again Mara became aware of the privilege that American students have in comparison to South American ones and that knowledge is one of many things which can be withheld from a population.
What should other anthropology students know before going abroad? “For any student traveling that feels out of their comfort zone, give it time. Things are tough at first, but it’ll be okay.” Mara stresses that culture shock is real, momentary depression is real, but it is natural and temporary. A student can seem to have a mean host mom (which Mara did) but sooner rather than later students will be happy of where they are and love what they are doing. Specifically, to anthropology students, Mara explains that not all courses can count as major course credit and that many countries don’t even offer study abroad anthropology programs. Mara, always the optimistic, says “wherever you go and do, it will relate to you major. While you travel, you can always have that anthropological perspective.”
