Living within different cultures has made me reflect a lot about my own perceptions and reminded me to try to separate people from their government, because someone’s own beliefs and desires does not make them her/his government. Rather, we are all born in whatever country we were born in by chance and now we have to make the best of our circumstances. This doesn’t mean we have to think less/more of other cultures, but rather see other cultures as “ins and outs of different world views”.

For example,

I did not do much to have access to so many opportunities, like studying abroad in South America fairly easily (I didn’t even need a visa to be here!!!!) other than being born in the US, a successful world power at the moment. Whereas it would be much harder for a student from South America to do the same in the US. I however, do not think this means that  certain educations  and opportunities in the US are better, considering many countries in South America have free universities, offering equal access to education, as well as more accessible health care.

Here’s a screenshot of what American Privilege looks like:

Link to source: https://abagond.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/american-privilege/

In short, my time living abroad has humbled me completely and I never want to take what I have learned and experienced for granted. I will try to do whatever I can to share this knowledge…I have no idea what that entails, but I know I will do so :). What incredible captured instances!!