“Mindful Wanderlust: Unveiling Transformative Lessons through Global Immersion”

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Judith Obregon

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Judith Obregon

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hola! <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> Georgetown University <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2023 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Barcelona, Spain <i>Program provider:</i> Georgetown University <i>Major/minor:</i> Marketing & OPIM (Operations and Information Management) with minor in Entrepreneurship <i>Demographics:</i> Hispanic, Non-Traditional student, First Gen, Peruvian-American <i>Future career aspirations:</i> As a social activist with an entrepreneur mindset, I have many aspirations in life. I would like to work in the international development sector to reduce global poverty. Further in the future, I have a great commitment and dream of someday being a global enterprising woman and use business as a tool to create a better world. Indeed, I visualize myself as a person who will empower the powerless and reduce the barriers of inequality by creating a foundation that encourages STEM education to support low-income children, so that they can access quality education. I hope that the less favored children can grow up with a dream and know that people like me support their intellectual and personal development. I also believe that a cumulation of high-quality education, and activities will provide me with the optimal learning experience to make me eligible to succeed in my career goals. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> 1.-I would like to have a transformation in my personal and professional life by experiencing a different academic environment, gaining a global perspective, and challenging my own cultural frame. 2.-My main goal is acquiring the fundamentals to understand marketing strategies and their impact on the company’s performance, and how organizations operate, and determine the major opportunities and problems facing the organization accordingly. 3.-I would like to immerse myself in this beautiful culture and learn more about its rich history, art, food, and social norms.

The experience of studying abroad is a remarkable journey, a transformative path that leads to profound personal growth and cultural understanding. It is a voyage that invites us to immerse ourselves in a different world, to explore the depths of our own social identity, and to forge connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My own study abroad experience has been nothing short of inspiring and mindful, as it has deeply impacted my understanding of my social and cultural identity as a Latina, nurtured my personal growth, and ignited a profound appreciation for cultural diversity.

Studying abroad has provided me with an extraordinary opportunity to fully embrace and celebrate my rich cultural heritage. Living in Switzerland and Italy allowed me to witness the beauty of cultural diversity firsthand. I found myself surrounded by people from all corners of the world, each with their unique stories and backgrounds.

In these foreign lands, I embraced my identity with pride. Being away from home made me appreciate my roots even more. I found myself sharing stories about my culture, traditions, and family values with newfound friends, deepening not only others’ understanding of Latin American culture but also fostering a deep sense of belonging within myself. It was a beautiful exchange of knowledge and understanding, breaking down stereotypes and fostering genuine connections. In the embrace of these meaningful exchanges, I have not only enriched my understanding of others and the importance of celebrating our differences but also discovered a profound sense of pride in my own social identity as a Latina. Instead of feeling like an outsider, I felt a sense of unity and connection with people from diverse backgrounds.

In essence, the study abroad experience is a profound catalyst for personal growth, cultural exploration, and the deepening of our social and cultural identities. By immersing ourselves in a different cultural context, connecting with diverse individuals, and sharing our heritage, we can cultivate a profound appreciation for our own social identity while actively contributing to the promotion of cultural diversity and understanding. My study abroad journey has been a transformative odyssey of self-discovery and personal growth, and I firmly believe that it possesses the power to shape the lives of other students in similarly profound ways. I wholeheartedly encourage every student to seize this life-changing opportunity, to embark on their own voyage of exploration, understanding, and personal empowerment. May your study abroad experience be a mindful and inspirational chapter in the magnificent story of your life.