Before embarking on my overseas learning adventure, I was unsure of the world. It felt like an exhibit in a museum that was neatly labeled. My comfort zone? A comfy chair within that exhibit, studying through books and documentaries. However, walking onto foreign soil was like opening the glass and crashing into a tumultuous, exciting, messy, and exhilarating world. MS in US did more than just instruct me; it reshaped my perspective, breaking my bubble and creating an array of perspectives.
The power of the monsoon tore off my cultural blinders. Dining with people who spoke different languages, traversing chaotic streets with various traditions, and celebrating holidays under a hazy sky weren’t just tourism experiences; they were a crash course in understanding and empathy. Imagine explaining your daily rituals to a friend from a nomadic community or laughing at your naive attempts at mastering chopsticks with a Korean roommate. These experiences weren’t just fun but bridges that crossed the cultural divides, requiring me to reconsider my beliefs and see the beauty of differences.
Second, my academic horizons expanded like the universe on a clear night. The classroom changed from a sterile lecture hall into a theater for global ideas. Imagine arguing about economic models with students from Argentina, delving into the complexities of Shakespeare with a British professor, and discussing the theory of political science with a Nigerian student who’d experienced the effects of colonialism. These were not just exchanges of ideas. They were windows to different realities that challenged my assumptions and revealed the many facets of knowledge.
Then, my comfort zone faded into memory. Moving out of my bubble required embracing the unknown by overcoming obstacles with determination and uncovering a secret source of strength. Imagine being lost in the confusing Tokyo subway, struggling through a meeting in broken Spanish or rushing home in a jolt that might crack the asphalt. These weren’t just annoyances; they were experiences that tested my character, fostering resilience, resiliency and a heightened confidence in my abilities to take on life’s challenges.
Study abroad wasn’t only about learning; it was about finding the ability to see the world through a different lens. It was about recognizing the interwovenness of diverse cultures, understanding the diversity of perspectives and accepting the continuous development of our understanding. This wasn’t a vacation but a move and a shift in my intellectual and personal plates of tectonics.
My worldview today is no longer an exhibit. It’s a thriving marketplace and a vibrant mix of sounds, sights and memories. Education abroad didn’t just improve my resume. It also added layers of compassion, resilience, and an international perspective, which I wouldn’t want to lose for the world. If you’re thinking of making a move, I would say accept the uncertainty, take on the challenges, and prepare for having your perspective not only broadened but also shattered and rebuilt into something more prosperous and nuanced. It will be inexplicably beautiful. The world is waiting and is far more stunning than any museum display could ever be.
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