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!