Okay, so maybe I am a bit biased because although I always planned to study abroad, it did not end up happening. So I never went through the "culture shock" in France, nor did I "find myself" in Italy. Going abroad sounds like an amazing time, and any one who did it is lucky to have the amazing experience and memories, but come on now, coming back hating America is just wrong. If going to another country makes you hate it that much, then by all means, please just don't come back. We'll be better off without you. What is so amazing about Spain that you have to complain for months about our American ways? The answer would be... nothing. Take a day or two, situate yourself and then get back into the swing of things. It's amazing to hear, "I wish I was back in Australia," months after coming back to the states. No one sits around whining about how they still wish they were in preschool all day. Get over it.
What's even worse is when these people begin to compare the U.S. to the country they studied in abroad. "I am so annoyed, a drink only cost $2 in Argentina" or "Europeans are so much more sophisticated; they drink red wine with every meal." As awesome as that is, there is a reason that we all live in this country, so let's enjoy it, and not make everyone else miserable.
At least most people I know have passed through this phase and finally accepted America as their homeland once again. On the other hand, there are those who now cannot get enough of the world and must conquer it all. While going abroad was supposed to be a way to earn more college credits while having a fun time, there are also those who now wish to drop out of school and spend more of their parents money hiking through Asia. These people are so worldly and mature, it is just beyond someone like me to understand.
Some of them may not drop out of school, but instead finish as fast as they can to join the Peace Corps. Obviously, I could never say I hate the Peace Corps, but I can say that I hate many people who join the Peace Corps. How self righteous can we get people? I'm sorry but these are the same people who stop showering and shaving (if they haven't already in high school- I think we all know some of those), and come back with permanent dirt under their fingernails, serious dreadlocks if they still have hair, and arms full of tribal bracelets that will never be removed. Gross. Take a shower. And, yes I understand that there are starving kids in African who need clean water, and that every time I leave a light on I am damaging the ozone layer. And I really do care. But I'll save the world in my own way, perhaps by writing a blog. America. Fuck Yeah.
1 comment:
Can't complain until you try it.
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