What?
Spring semester was an academic blast. I was part of an honors seminar titled “Dubai: Art + Culture” where we traveled to the United Arab Emirates over spring break to immerse ourselves in the culture, as well as follow an art-based itinerary. Every Tuesday night, sixteen students met in the halls of DAAP with four faculty members to learn how in 50 short years, Dubai became the world renowned city it is today. Weekly readings and lectures lead us through the history of the Middle East to the idea of Orientalism, ending on how Dubai transformed from a small fishing town to the City of Gold. Many friends were met, many memories were made, and many perspectives were changed. The class discussion that stood out to me the most was when Kris emphasized how we needed to unlearn the preexisting stereotypes to be able to fully understand the culture we were about to experience.
So What?
This trip abroad was unlike others I have experienced, as I had never traveled with peers before. I quickly caught myself taking advantage of this aspect when I asked Molly her thoughts on why “love” was the center of that black painting or when Ryan and I vowed to go to a different coffee shop each time we craved caffeine (which was quite often). I cherished their insights, their perspectives, and their opinions, especially in situations when theirs varied from mine. I appreciated feeling uncomfortable in the Grand Mosque. I craved the knowledge behind why Emirates wear certain dress and act a certain way. These feelings kept me grounded and aware of my surroundings, so I was able to vibe with most of the situations we were in. I returned with an experience of the country that was quite expansive because I was able to talk through my emotions and gain insight from peers with varying levels of traveling experience.
Now What?
I am increasingly aware of my surroundings. I usually brush off the “reverse culture shock” but no doubt, I experienced it this time around. I catch the microaggressions others casually mention and notice how Americans use dress to express pieces of their personality. Most of all, I learned to understand someone before I start making assumptions about their background.
Spring semester was an academic blast. I was part of an honors seminar titled “Dubai: Art + Culture” where we traveled to the United Arab Emirates over spring break to immerse ourselves in the culture, as well as follow an art-based itinerary. Every Tuesday night, sixteen students met in the halls of DAAP with four faculty members to learn how in 50 short years, Dubai became the world renowned city it is today. Weekly readings and lectures lead us through the history of the Middle East to the idea of Orientalism, ending on how Dubai transformed from a small fishing town to the City of Gold. Many friends were met, many memories were made, and many perspectives were changed. The class discussion that stood out to me the most was when Kris emphasized how we needed to unlearn the preexisting stereotypes to be able to fully understand the culture we were about to experience.
So What?
This trip abroad was unlike others I have experienced, as I had never traveled with peers before. I quickly caught myself taking advantage of this aspect when I asked Molly her thoughts on why “love” was the center of that black painting or when Ryan and I vowed to go to a different coffee shop each time we craved caffeine (which was quite often). I cherished their insights, their perspectives, and their opinions, especially in situations when theirs varied from mine. I appreciated feeling uncomfortable in the Grand Mosque. I craved the knowledge behind why Emirates wear certain dress and act a certain way. These feelings kept me grounded and aware of my surroundings, so I was able to vibe with most of the situations we were in. I returned with an experience of the country that was quite expansive because I was able to talk through my emotions and gain insight from peers with varying levels of traveling experience.
Now What?
I am increasingly aware of my surroundings. I usually brush off the “reverse culture shock” but no doubt, I experienced it this time around. I catch the microaggressions others casually mention and notice how Americans use dress to express pieces of their personality. Most of all, I learned to understand someone before I start making assumptions about their background.