Collegiate Times

While not everyone dreams of working for the State Department and may not consider themselves to be a representative of their country, the hard fact is that we are, whether or not we like it. When Americans, especially students, travel or study abroad, they are viewed with scrutiny, and compared (perhaps unfairly) to stereotypes set by that respective culture or even our own images of America conveyed in our movies, on MTV and in TV programming.

Studying abroad has taken a new importance, not just for selfish reasons, or to help secure a great job, but also to try to compete with the negative portrayals of our society abroad. In conversations with many Swiss, Germans, Italians, and Britons, it is clear that many differentiate between Americans as a people and America as a government. In fact, some fellow Hokies and I met an Australian in a hostel who sheepishly admitted that "you four are the only Americans that I've ever liked".

Some may argue that it may be too little, too late, and that one person cannot change people's minds, nor really make a difference.

I encourage you, if you have ever considered studying abroad, to do it, and not only have the time of your life, but also to chip away at the wall of misconceptions.

Look, not everyone will want to argue politics with foreigners, but even by being kind and respectful of their rules and customs will make a small difference.

You may very well become that American that "was different" or was liked by that town or that guide. Not only will you appreciate other ways of life and culture, but you can return to the U. S. with a lifetime of memories, experiences, and the pride that you carried your nation's name in a positive light. So go do it.

Tech has an excellent study abroad office, and they can easily tailor a program to your needs. In fact, Tech runs several programs with Tech professors and Tech credit, and they work for a variety of majors.

To find out more about how you can study abroad, check out Tech's Education Abroad website at www.educationabroad.vt.edu and make the best decision of your life.

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