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Robert Gonderinger
Robert Gonderinger is an Ambassador who studied abroad in London.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
One event while in London that really struck me culturally was one day while I was riding on the Underground on a day when there were extreme delays due to service works. A ride normally taking 10 minutes took closer to a half hour. But across the seats from me were two gentlemen in suits conversing with each other in accented German. Never before going to London would I have ever had that experience of listening to native members of another country. Despite not having the slightest clue what they were saying, I was mesmerized by them. I took it as a chance to really experience multiculturalism at its finest.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad so that I would have the chance to experience life from a different perspective and culture. I had never really had the chance to move beyond my comfort zone or really see beyond the United States, and even not much beyond the Midwest. By going abroad, I was looking to broaden my horizons and get a new look on the life I've always had and taken for granted. I specifically chose London because, as an English Major, I find it as the epicenter of that language and the culture that came from that language. I also wanted the chance to experience the culture the city of London had to offer. The opportunities in the arts, tourism, and other attractions were things I could not wait to experience for myself.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Going to London ultimately teaches you how to be completely independent and live in a foreign country. You develop the ability to make your way through the city of London on your own, plan and arrange travel on your own, as well as learn to budget in a responsible way. You have the opportunity to really engage a new culture and all that it offers, such as the arts, entertainment, and social opportunities. The best thing that I experienced in London was that there was always something to do that was new and exciting, and something that you couldn't otherwise do back home.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
Because of studying abroad, I find myself more accepting and interested in different cultures. I want to learn more and understand how and why cultures have their differences, where they originated from, and how that affects both the people living there and the rest of the world as well. Furthermore, I have also found that I have become more able and willing to be much more independent. I had already considered myself fairly independent, going to college out of state from my hometown, but to have the experience of living more or less on my own in an entirely different country has furthered that trait. Additionally, I now have the confidence to travel and arrange trips on my own with friends. I found a new appreciation for the amount of work that goes into what seems to be just a simple weekend trip.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
The most important thing to remember as a student thinking of studying abroad is to not go in with a preset answer of 'no.' There will always be something new you've probably never even thought of before, but you have to give things a chance. If you assume you won't enjoy something, you won't. If you think it could have a chance, then it's likely you'll end up loving it. Even if you don't, you at least had the chance to try something new and possibly strange.