I can see the flip side as well. There seems to be a large number of Americans, only saying this because I am american, who travel to Western Europe for a good time. But from what I have been hearing is to not be around these people. You make your experience what it is.

I have been to Jamaica and South Africa on study abroad and look forward to a “European” experience. Being that I am also black, my experience will be different from my fellow white and asian students.

Good Article overall!

I just wanted to say great article, and I really do agree. I did my first study abroad in Senegal actually (funny that you mentioned that one) and my second one in Malta. In both experiences I had to relearn everything from how to go to the toilet properly to dealing with so-called “Mediterranean mentality”. I loved the challenge of living in these places and feel like I’ve gained a strong understanding of simply how to navigate and adapt to unexpected circumstances or ways of thought. I also think that learning the process itself is applicable to trying to understand Western Europe, and, honestly, since both countries were former colonies, I was given the chance go understand Western Europe from a post-colonialist perspective as well. Sure, the trip I took around Western Europe after leaving Malta felt so incredibly easy, but at the same time it meant I had to invent more and more creative ways to go about it, which included trying to see the connections between, well, everywhere.

Anyways, thank you for putting this bit of advice out there, because I would say the same.

I understand both sides of this ongoing argument, however it surely comes down to the person going abroad. Some Americans are completely happy in their clubbing and drinking visions of the common Western European study abroad experience. And that is that. I believe that if someone knows they want to travel in the future, they will choose to study somewhere less common, maybe a little unsafe, though mostly unknown. They wouldn’t want to wait to explore more distant lands, and would do so while in College.

I would think most of the visitors to this website, who read articles like this in spare time, would be more understanding of the benefits of being guided through drastically unknown territory, and how lucky it is to have that knowledgeable guide. Otherwise one may never have that experience in fear of going it alone.

Of course, the most important thing is to put yourself into another culture, at least for a moment, and widen your horizons as far as you wish.

I appreciate that Sarah has written a thought provoking article.

Studying abroad in Asia (China, India, Nepal) was right for me then,
but my current interests have shifted towards Western Europe.

I will be studying the Bauhaus and Dada art
through a historical lens in Germany next month,
and boy am I excited!

I feel that choosing a country for study abroad
should ultimately reflect your personal and academic interests,
and that’s different for each traveler.

If France and Germany are what you have
your mind set on, then go for it!
If Asia, South America or Africa are what interest you,
then go for it just the same!

I found the article above HOT and SPICY but I wasn’t really swayed by it. But of course, the article is a good read since it shows a different take on W. Europe. )

Do I have to say that some American people think europe is a country? That just means that you people don’t know Europe as much as you think. So, if you wanted to study in France or germany, go and do it. There’s no problem about that