Importance of Being Open-Minded when Abroad

Being Asian American allowed me to experience life in America differently from what is depicted in movies. During the past couple months abroad, I have been able to experience the richness of Spanish culture from the history to the food. Being in the middle of both cultures and studying abroad in Seville, Spain, it was interesting to compare and contrast the similarities and differences of the three cultures and how it has shaped my thoughts and behaviors. Through the similarities and differences between the three cultures, I have learned the importance of being open-minded. Something that I immediately noticed when arriving in Seville was the emphasis on leisure time and spending time with loved ones including family and friends, as seen by the amount of time Spaniards spend both eating the meal and socializing after as well as the idea of siesta, taking breaks in the middle of the day. Growing up with the goal of achieving the American Dream, I was taught to be hardworking in order to move up in the social ladder naturally creating this competitive [individualistic] nature and this need to hustle. In the article linked below, it mentions more than half of Americans believe that hard work can often lead to success. In the corporate environment, it is typical to see a person work from 9 AM - 5 PM whereas throughout Sevilla and Spain there are breaks during the day. In Asian culture there is a philosophy of humility where it is preferred to keep a low profile in regards to achievements and status. This philosophy challenges Western ideologies where people are publicly proud of their achievements. Asian culture is similar to Spanish culture because the ideologies behind filial piety in Asian culture align with Spaniards spending time with loved ones. Filial piety is a set of moral practices (respect and caring) for an individual’s parents/elders. During my time in Seville it has shown me what values from the two cultures I resonate with and ones I do not. I learned a different definition of success not measured by material wealth but rather a balanced lifestyle through quality of life and happiness. From this experience, it has taught me one valuable lesson – to be open-minded. The ability to be open-minded has allowed me to adapt more easily to Spanish culture and has taught me a lot about the two cultures that I am a part of.

https://www.aei.org/op-eds/the-us-still-believes-in-hard-work-and-upward-mobility/#:~:text=In%202019%2C%2039%25%20believed%20that,but%20a%20clear%20directional%20change 

Photo: Topic was a bit broad so here is a photo I took!

twins and triplets in Seville, by Claire Reilly

For some reason I find that I see far more twins, or triplets in Seville than anywhere else. Many times, while walking down the street or even in my own apartment complex I tend to see two children that look the same age, similar and are typically dressed in similar outfits. For me, this topic brings up the question of the nature vs nurture that we discussed in class and whether we can attribute certain traits to genetics or how someone was raised. It also prompted me to watch the movie “Three Identical Strangers” about the triplets separated at birth and raised in different households. Although the data from the study has not been published the similarities and differences found between the three are very surprising. Additionally, I found an article (linked below) that states that Spain is a frontrunner in Europe when it comes to multiple births. The primary reason cited would be fertility treatments, “in fact, between 1983 – the year in which fertility treatment was introduced in Spain – and 2014, the number of twins has tripled”. 

The only photo I can include are faraway shots of a family living in my building that have twins as I don’t feel totally comfortable taking pictures of other people’s children to post on the internet.

https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/05/24/inenglish/1464091799_416132.html

Making friends, by Sophia Smith

I wanted to write about making friends in Sevilla. Due to the language barrier, it at first was awkward when talking to people my age from Sevilla. I quickly learned that “going out” settings were the easiest way to talk to people! Everyone is more approachable when they have a couple of drinks in them, and in settings like bars and clubs, when there is a lull in the conversation, you are able to just dance or listen to the music! This was also helpful for my friends and me, because we would often make mistakes with our Spanish, so it would be much less embarrassing having to repeat ourselves when we were out. We eventually would stop embarrassing ourselves and began to make friends! The picture attached is a taco night we did in the Youniq residence with some friends! Their names are Carlota and Marta. They go to the University of Sevilla and are from Cádiz! This experience of mine concurs with Social Learning, especially social learning theory. Obviously, the culture in Spain is much different from the culture we are used to back in the United States. Especially in terms of going out. It took a few test runs, but my friends and I eventually adapted our own behavior to those of Spaniards our age so we were able to acculturate, imitate, and make friends!
The Link I attached has to do with social learning in the workplace. But I think so much of what it has to say can be applied to making friends as well!

https://maestrolearning.com/blogs/how-social-learning-helps-you-focus-on-your-people/