Andrea Monteiro

Tasche Bryant
Writing 104
Portfolio

Get Out Of The Country

Can getting out the country cure the
lack of global knowledge?

According to a survey done by the National Geographic

forty eight

percent of the teens surveyed dont know where Mississippi is on the map and
one third of the surveyed teens cant find Louisiana (National Geographic
Paragraph 2). If these students dont even know where the states in their own
country are imagine their knowledge of the world. This survey also states that
seventy four percent believed that English is the primary language spoken in the
world. Many teens do not know what is going on in their country or the world
outside. Their problem is that these American teens are lacking global
knowledge.

The Disease

Based on the results of the National Geographic survey, the conclusion

has been made that most teens are globally illiterate and lack cultural
competence. The definition of cultural competence given by the National
Association of Social Workers (2002) is A congruent set of behaviors, attitudes,
and policies the enable a person or group to work effectively in cross-cultural
situations; the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully
and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic
backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes,
affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities, and
protects and preserves the dignity of each (Farmer paragraph 2).

The

summarized definition of Cultural Competence is the ability of being open to

learn/share your culture or the culture of others. Being educated on different
cultures can reduce the likelihood of culture clashing, accidentally offending/
disrespecting another culture. Understanding the other way people live their lives
can improve who we are as people. According to the article Global Literacy At
The Local School Library by Lesley S.J. Farmer global literacy stresses the
connections between societies (paragraph 3). Understanding each other will
bring the communities together.
The Oregon Department of Education defined global literacy as the ability
to demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural, linguistic, and artistic expressions

and apply a global perspective to analyze contemporary and historical Issues

(Farmer Paragraph 3). A survey found that some students do want to learn
more (Erik Robelen Paragraph 5). Students know that they are a bit oblivious to
world events. It is not like the tools to help fight the lack of global incompetence
are not available to teens. T
here is instant access to internet to help students
further their knowledge of the world. With the internet around we can access all
the information we need in seconds. Though that is a superior solution there is
one that is more effective.
Students dont know much about the world because they dont explore it.
Yes, we live in the world that anything is possible.There is a way to understand
this world. To understand the world the student needs to go out into it. There is a
way to solve this dilemma. A solution for this problem of lack of global
knowledge is studying abroad/traveling.

The Cure
Studying abroad and traveling in general comes with different benefits.
One of the benefits of studying abroad is getting to know a different culture.
Every culture has a different norm. According to an article from the University Of
Missouri stated culture affects human behavior (Kelsey Jackson paragraph 2).
By learning about other cultures we can be more understanding and accepting
people. Therefore, in the long run, we will become better people.

Another one of the many positive effects of studying abroad is learning a

new language. Learning a language in a different country is more effective than
learning in school. In one of his article Go West, Young People! And East!
Nicholas Kristof talks about a test he gives to bilingual people. The test had one
question which was how to say the word doorknob in the language the person
spoke. Kristof found that more people who studied/lived abroad did better than
the ones who learned in a classroom. (Paragraph 7)
A third benefit of studying abroad is the student can become more
confident. Studying abroad can affect the way someone might interact with
others. Dr. Julian Zimmermann conducted a study and Dr, Franz Neyer
conducted a study comparing the personality development of students who
studied abroad for at least one semester versus students who have not studied
abroad at all (Kira Shaw Paragraph 4). The outcome of this study was that
students who have studied abroad were generally more extroverted than the
students who decided not to travel abroad (Shaw Paragraph 5). According to the
research the people who traveled enjoyed being around company and trying new
experiences while the non travelers did not (Shaw Paragraph 5).
Another benefit of studying abroad is that students can become more
independent. While being abroad in a foreign people will most likely find
themselves in situations they have not been in before. The traveler will have to

think on their own to get out of these situations. The traveler will also learn how
manage their own finances on their own (shaw). They will be able to figure
everything out on their own by the end of their time abroad. It is part of the
experience.
This leads me to the next benefit of studying abroad. This benefit is the
gain of new experience. Gaining the new experience can be the product of
almost all of the benefits.Traveling abroad will allow students to try new foods,
getting involved in the culture, meeting new people, trying new activities, etc.
These are all part of the being abroad experience. The traveler will constantly be
learning something new. Even the stress of getting ready to travel helps you.
According to the article Travel as Health Regimen by Josh Noel he stated that
the stress from traveling engages the brain (Noel paragraph 8).
Studying abroad is quite important. In an interview with Elena Maker
a teacher at Blackstone Academy Charter School and someone who has done a
healthy amount of traveling in her life she told me why she felt it was important.
She said it really expands your understanding of the world and it puts someone
in uncomfortable positions and pushes individuals to grow as a person. It makes
the traveler an interesting person. It teaches empathy, the individual can view
people in different situations and how they Live. As someone who has been
abroad I know what she is referring too.

Only about less than ten percent of american students study abroad
(Nicholas Kristof paragraph 4). The reason being it may not be accessible to
everyone. In an interview I had with the International Studies Director from
Council on International Educational Exchange in Maine Kerry Palleschi she
informed on ways to make it more accessible. These method are fundraising and
searching for scholarships. Fundraising is a helpful to help cover the costs of the
trip, but it also shows that the student is serious about wanting to go abroad.
Finding scholarships can also be a big help. Studying abroad /traveling abroad
comes with many positive effects. It is the best cure for the lack of global
knowledge.