3 things I learned from Traveling Abroad Post-Trump

During the registration process, I discovered my new home would be Dublin, Ireland.

Last year, I got to study abroad in Italy for three weeks. It was absolutely amazing. And at the end of my experience, I could not wait to book a whole semester abroad. During the registration process, I discovered my new home would be Dublin, Ireland.

But in between these two adventures, the election happened. And when I arrived in Dublin, I noticed many differences from my last experience.

1. YOU WILL GET ASKED ABOUT DONALD TRUMP. A LOT.

Some people may try to make jokes, some may ask who you voted for, and some may immediately sniff out the American accent. My teachers are all intrigued by the election and often mention it in their lectures and classes. At points, it can be super uncomfortable. Random strangers ask me who I voted for, people at pubs sometimes tease me. Once, even, a man wanted to make my takeout order under “Donald” since I was from the United States.

2. YOU GET A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON HOW THE U.S. IS PERCEIVED AROUND THE WORLD.

Once I got past the initial culture shock and confusion of being questioned by curious onlookers about the United States, I began to use that questioning and interest as a growing experience. So many people outside the U.S. are curious and want to know more about us. With all of their jokes and questions comes intrigue and interest. I realized that I could see my culture through another culture’s eyes, and learn more about how other countries see the world.

Related: Students studying abroad have their own election struggles

Most of the time, many of the topics millennials read in the news are just about American culture or politics, and when there is something global going on, we don’t really understand it. However, being in Europe while an American election and change of power are taking place helped me to understand the way European cultures view the world. By sharing opinions over something more relatable, I have found that it is much easier to understand the viewpoints of people from outside cultures.

3. YOU LEARN HOW SMALL THE WORLD REALLY IS

Understanding topics from other perspectives also helps to realize just how small and connected the world is. Every country and culture and even person is connected somehow, and learning more about how different people see the world helps me realize that in my own world we’re all linked.

Studying abroad is a lot different than it was a year ago. And for students, the spotlight on America makes this a prime time to learn more about the world and get a global perspective.

By
Alexandra Mullane