Reflection

Throughout my time as an undergraduate student at Florida International University, and especially as an International Relations student, I have strengthened my ability to take other points of view into consideration when making decisions, obtained greater understanding of world issues and how they interconnect, and became more enthused to involve myself in international and intercultural problem solving.

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Although I pride myself in my ability to approach ideas and problems using several perspectives, it was not until I began studying the cultural values of other nations and the unique challenges that people of other countries face that I became aware of how large the scope of viewpoints really is. Being challenged to think critically and dig deeper in the various courses I took helped crack open my mind, allowing me to leave behind a stunted way of thinking. My experience abroad in Japan also allowed me the unique opportunity to interact with locals face-to-face, discussing topics ranging from mundane to socially imperative, giving me the chance to see different concepts through new sets of eyes; a gift that made me get out of my comfort zone.

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Apart from gaining new perspectives, I also had to learn how to adapt when I went to Japan. One change that was really hard for me to adapt to was the high-context culture. For example, my direct form of communication is common among Americans, but is often interpreted as impolite in Japan. Trying to establish rapport with others was difficult when jokes and banter were misinterpreted, and realizing that in the first place was also difficult due to the Japanese value of harmony influencing their custom of conflict evasion. Thus, I needed to learn to become perceptive to subtle social cues that often communicate more than what is literally being said. Due to these experiences, I can now establish rapport quickly despite cultural differences and language barriers.

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Classes like Contemporary International Problems especially helped me learn of just how interconnected we all are in this era of globalization; the local affects the national, which then affects the international, and these effects stream back down, as well. The ideologies pushed in one nation could have consequences for its neighbor. Problems in the environment, for example, can lead to problems in the economy, and subsequently security, stability, and so on. These lessons on global awareness are what have allowed me to adopt a wider range of perspectives. They have also made me more mindful of the domino effect that different decisions or inactions have.

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All of the experiences I have had in my undergraduate coursework, language study, internship, and study abroad program have made me even more excited to further my engagement in International Relations and Politics. My short term goals are to participate in the JET program shortly after graduation; I hope to gain even more professional experience as a global citizen by teaching English to Japanese grade school students, as well as learning about their unique experiences and points of view. After the JET program, it is my desire to continue my education by enrolling in graduate school, which will further prepare me for a job in foreign service.