WHY THE UNITED KINGDOM?

 I have always dreamed of studying or living abroad since I was a child. When I heard about this trip I jumped at the chance to join and study intracultural communications. This experience seemed like the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door with going aboard. I grew up watching British Television and dreamed of going "over the pond" my whole entire life. I believe that having the opportunity to learn from different culturally different from their own. I am hoping to have a career in Medicine so having good communication skills with individuals from different cultures is crucial to build those relationships between patients and provider. I believe that through the lessons and experiences from the local community service, British professors, and experiencing England's very historical buildings and important cities, will allow me to gain insight on how to truly understand how communication across cultures can be hard but is so important. 

I do think that by going to the United Kingdom will not only have a lasting impact on my effectiveness on interacting with people from different cultures and countries outside of the United States, but also within the different cultures of the United States. By living and studying in England will not only challenge me to move beyond any stereotypes or assumptions from different social norms, values, humor, or communication styles. While experiencing life in a place such as Harlaxton and London, I will develop the cultural sensitivity and adaptability to different people and culture. 

Before diving into this amazing adventure, it is important to clarify any terminology that are used interchangeably by many Americans. 

We all use "England", "United Kingdon", and "Great Britian" to describe the same location. However, according to CIA Factbook, England is one of the four countries within the UK, located in the southern part of Great Britain. Great Britain refers only to the island that contains England, Scotland, and Wales, but not Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom, or UK, refers to the island of Great Britain including England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland. The UK is made up of those four nations, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which were joined together at the beginning of the 19th century. 

As we all know they are many cultural differences between us here in American and the British. These are important to know and take note of while studying abroad. I do think that the biggest this that separates us Americans from the Brits is our social etiquette. British social etiquette is known for being polite, and reserved. One of the most noticeable differences lies in social etiquette. According to British Culture and Social Norms, British social etiquette is known for being polite, reserved, and structured. Queuing is taken seriously, and cutting in line is seen considered highly disrespectful. Being punctual is also a very important, especially in professional or formal setting. Many Brits do prefer a degree of emotional restraint in public, which may come off as reserved or distant to many Americans. 

American culture on the other hand tends to favor directness, openness, and more informal, expressive communication style. Americans are more comfortable with self-disclosure and casual conversation, with almost anyone. This behavior may be perceived as intrusive or overly familiar in parts of the UK and may seem as overall too friendly. 

Another big difference between Americans and the British is the use of eye contact. In British culture, extended eye contact is often perceived as intrusive or confrontational. While yes, maintaining some eye contact is very important in conversations, staring too long is seen as uncomfortable. In the U.S. prolonged eye contact is seen as a sign of sincerity or confidence, the social norm in Britian is more subtle, brief eye contact. 

According to the British Culture and Social Norms, by understanding these subtleties can help visitors avoid any awkward social misstep and foster more respectful interactions is the British. This helps prevent miscommunication and foster more comfortable, respectful exchanges. 

As these are still generalized statements, I do think that it is important to not assume that everyone is same across all of the UK. Just like in the United States, each city within England/UK is a wide mix of different people and cultures. By doing this research just allows me to get more comfortable and best connect with the people I interact with and talk to. 

As I go on this amazing journey to this new country, I hope to grow with in myself, to truly connect with my heritage, and a fuller experience. I am so excited to go on the plane on Sunday, to truly open my eyes to what the world can offer.