| FALL 2003... |
Notes to Home
Reflections of a Student Abroad
Students from foreign countries often experience culture shock when they
come to study in the United States, but American students studying abroad also
have their own periods of adjustment to contend with when they are in a faraway
land.
 Penn State Altoona junior Juhanna Rogers, a major in the
College's four-year bachelor of arts degree in integrative arts with
concentrations in business and public relations and minors in entrepreneurship
and dance, is currently learning firsthand about the language, history, and
contemporary society of Spain by studying there during the fall semester.
Studying abroad has been a dream of Roger's since she began her Penn State
education and she was able to fulfill that dream this semester.
"I wanted to gain a better understanding of myself, my country, and my
our society. I have heard many people say that learning about how others live
can shape you in ways that you never thought were possible, and I'm finding that
to be true. Being here has helped me realize the importance of family and how
that is the only thing that matters. Everything else is secondary." Rogers says
of her reasons for wanting to study in another country.
She notes that the separation from her family in New Jersey and her
friends has been the most difficult aspect of studying abroad, and that has also
caused her to reevaluate her plans for the future.
"I am lonely a lot. I am not fluent in the language so when a lot of
people are around, it is easy to fall into the background and disappear. I
realize now how important my relationships are with my family and friends.
Before coming here, I thought I wanted to move far away from home and live in a
new place. After being here for only two month, I have changed my mind. Home is
where your family and those you love are."
But the time she's spending in Spain is allowing her to gain valuable insights into the Spanish culture and lifestyle.
"Young people here are very close to their families and daughters and
sons live with their parents until they are married. While at home the parents
do everything for them: cook, clean, wash their clothes. All they need to do is
go to school and then work when it is time to do so. My family here eats every
meal together. People live within walking distance from one another and help
each other begin and raise their families. It's a beautiful thing and this makes
their society more compassionate and tranquil. Hopefully, when I return to the
States I will remember the things I have learned here and use them when I start
a family of my own."
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