Where would you study abroad?

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Where?

  • Spain

    Votes: 9 8.7%

  • France

    Votes: 7 6.7%

  • Italy

    Votes: 10 9.6%

  • Germany

    Votes: 4 3.8%

  • United Kingdom

    Votes: 21 20.2%

  • Other European Country

    Votes: 8 7.7%

  • China

    Votes: 4 3.8%

  • Japan

    Votes: 14 13.5%

  • Other Asian Country

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Mexico

    Votes: 2 1.9%

  • Peru

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Argentina

    Votes: 4 3.8%

  • Other Latin American Country

    Votes: 9 8.7%

  • Other.... Specify

    Votes: 12 11.5%
  • Total voters
    104
I'm probably going to study a semester abroad in Japan junior year.
 
I would love to study in France; went there in 07 and it was the most amazing country I have been to outside the U.S.
 
bannie22 said:
where else but japan? what country in the universe can possibly be better than japan?

*drools*
Click to expand...

I think the US, but I'm a tad bit biased I guess.

But Japan is a great place, and I would LOVE to visit sometime.
 
bamtuba said:
I think the US, but I'm a tad bit biased I guess.

But Japan is a great place, and I would LOVE to visit sometime.
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heh. ive only been lucky enough to transit at narita. and even then i already liked japan 😀

you cant vote US if ure American 😛
thats not even going abroad..... well unless you are not American!

😀
 
Lived in Madrid, Spain for 6 months in the Fall of 2002, after getting my undergrad in 2001. Had a second major in Spanish but was unable to study abroad undergrad due to strict class requirements for my business degree. Best time of my life. Also highly recommend Guatemala for anyone interested in studying in Central America.
 
The UK or France. Fish-n-Chips or smelly cheese, yum.
 
bannie22 said:
where else but japan? what country in the universe can possibly be better than japan?

*drools*
Click to expand...

What's up with all the girls being obsessed with Japan. I think it's highly overrated. Don't get my wrong I like manga, their cities. That's about it. You also have to take into consideration that their culture is highly racist to outsiders. More so than other countries.
 
StormingWynn said:
What's up with all the girls being obsessed with Japan. I think it's highly overrated. Don't get my wrong I like manga, their cities. That's about it. You also have to take into consideration that their culture is highly racist to outsiders. More so than other countries.
Click to expand...

I disagree completely. Being Chinese, I have never felt "racism" during my interactions with Japanese people. And my friends have also had amazing experiences during their travels.

You have obviously not have enough contact with Japanese culture to come to such a stereotypical westernized conclusion.

🙄
 
Took a theatre class in England & Ireland. Best class ever. We stayed on the West End & just went to plays all the time, then did sight-seeing trips as a class 👍
 
...Africa?!

I am planning to study abroad and study biology in Africa. Freaking awesome! I can't believe none of you pre-meds want to go to that continent
 
United Kingdom. I've just always wanted to visit England. They seem so classy over there.
 
Poliscidoc said:
Australia.. Ozzie Ozzie
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This. What an amazing country.

In my summer off before medical school, I'm going to South Africa for the World Cup. Two friends are going to be studying abroad there that semester, so that'll be really convenient for them. Depending on when you want to go, coordinating with special events like that would be pretty neat (London for the next summer Olympics, for example).
 
bannie22 said:
I disagree completely. Being Chinese, I have never felt "racism" during my interactions with Japanese people. And my friends have also had amazing experiences during their travels.

You have obviously not have enough contact with Japanese culture to come to such a stereotypical westernized conclusion.

🙄
Click to expand...

Really? Japanese hate Chinese and Chinese hate Japanese. It's a fact. I've had many Chinese friends tell me so and Japanese friends tell me so as well. 😱 And these people I speak of have just recently come to US. No so much the stereotypical westernized American is it? I'm just saying. But to all his own. I'm just recounting the anecdotal evidence I've collected. I've also seen cases where Japanese hate other countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, etc because they fell they are inferior to them.

But then again, there is racism everywhere. This might be changing in Japan, but also take into consideration that Japan is a very homogeneous population.

I come from Mexico and up until recently, the racism against other peoples was very rampant and visible.
 
Last edited:
we used to have journalism study abroads with Cuba. that's the way to go.

Either that or an African country or a South American one. The rest you can really visit anytime.
 
I'm kind of thinking about doing a summer semester in Japan...We'll see what happens, I guess. I've been taking a class in the language this semester, and I really enjoy it. The language can be somewhat difficult at times, but it's worth it...Truly fascinating culture.
 
Russia...I studied there after Junior Year in high school.
 
bannie22 said:
I disagree completely. Being Chinese, I have never felt "racism" during my interactions with Japanese people. And my friends have also had amazing experiences during their travels.

You have obviously not have enough contact with Japanese culture to come to such a stereotypical westernized conclusion.

🙄
Click to expand...

There is pretty strong xenophobia. Especially if you're brown skinned (blacks have it worse).

You know how crowded trains get in Japan? Well if you're brown or black, people give you more than enough room...our of fear...it's kind of funny, actually, in a weird sort of way.
 
StormingWynn said:
What's up with all the girls being obsessed with Japan. I think it's highly overrated. Don't get my wrong I like manga, their cities. That's about it. You also have to take into consideration that their culture is highly racist to outsiders. More so than other countries.
Click to expand...

Don't be hatin'. Japan is pretty freaking awesome.

chman said:
North Korea.
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I've heard they loooove Westerners and it's definitely recommended that you explore the city on your own to get a feel for the culture.

rockaction said:
United Kingdom. I've just always wanted to visit England. They seem so classy over there.
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I wanna go too and be able to say Cheerio! without looking like a weirdo. Actually, I think that would happen regardless.
 
StormingWynn said:
Really? Japanese hate Chinese and Chinese hate Japanese. It's a fact. I've had many Chinese friends tell me so and Japanese friends tell me so as well. 😱 And these people I speak of have just recently come to US. No so much the stereotypical westernized American is it? I'm just saying. But to all his own. I'm just recounting the anecdotal evidence I've collected. I've also seen cases where Japanese hate other countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, etc because they fell they are inferior to them.

But then again, there is racism everywhere. This might be changing in Japan, but also take into consideration that Japan is a very homogeneous population.

I come from Mexico and up until recently, the racism against other peoples was very rampant and visible.
Click to expand...

You just need to broaden your horizons a bit more. 👍

It very much depends on the type of people you are hanging out with too (judging by most of your anecdotal evidence)

Racism exists everywhere. Its only whether one sees it as crossing a certain threshold and maybe you have not travelled broadly enough yet.
 
johncalvin said:
There is pretty strong xenophobia. Especially if you're brown skinned (blacks have it worse).

You know how crowded trains get in Japan? Well if you're brown or black, people give you more than enough room...our of fear...it's kind of funny, actually, in a weird sort of way.
Click to expand...

But is that racism? Or could you (or any other individual) just be overly sensitive?

😳
 
I'd go somewhere we the US dollar is worth something. Watch those exchange rates...they really add up quick!

I didn't get to do study abroad, but I did spend a summer over in Germany, Luxembourg, Brussels, and the Netherlands. Personally, I loved that region.
 
bannie22 said:
You just need to broaden your horizons a bit more. 👍

It very much depends on the type of people you are hanging out with too (judging by most of your anecdotal evidence)

Racism exists everywhere. Its only whether one sees it as crossing a certain threshold and maybe you have not travelled broadly enough yet.
Click to expand...

I'm not saying it's a bad place. Don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is that a lot of people seem to be fascinated with the culture without having been there. I've talked to people who have been over to Japan and most have told me that it wasn't what they expected. It was more like NYC then anything. Very crowded.

By the way, I've traveled abroad a lot and I have to admit that there is more racism here in the United States then there is in any of the places I've been to.

Also, what do you mean the type of people I'm hanging out with? Teenagers my age?
 
Hello there,
I went to England, more specifically, Brighton to study english for two months when I was 17 years old. I loooved it. Is that considered studying abroad?
 
StormingWynn said:
I'm not saying it's a bad place. Don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is that a lot of people seem to be fascinated with the culture without having been there. I've talked to people who have been over to Japan and most have told me that it wasn't what they expected. It was more like NYC then anything. Very crowded.

By the way, I've traveled abroad a lot and I have to admit that there is more racism here in the United States then there is in any of the places I've been to.

Also, what do you mean the type of people I'm hanging out with? Teenagers my age?
Click to expand...

I have only been to Narita Airport and that in itself was a fascinating experience as the grounds staff were so terribly polite!

Perhaps you do not like the crowd and prefer a quieter location. I would say I am a cosmopolitan, and I enjoy really accessible and big cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and to a certain extent Toronto and New York City.

Most of my friends who have been to Japan have fallen in love with the place, and I in fact fear, that my extremely over they sky expectations (in med school sense, it would be greater than Harvard and Johns Hopkins and Stanford combined) would lead me to not be as thrilled when I finally do get the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of Japan.

I think its important to understand that many of your friends might have been unable to speak the language, and going anywhere with a language barrier is inherently difficult especially when the people in Japan are well-known for being shy and keeping to themselves.

Not teenagers, but just the people you hang around with. People that think alike come together (beginner's Psychology), so it is very likely that your thoughts are influenced by your peers, which in return influences your peers...

Everybody is different, and I think your views are valid, its simply a different opinion. I will tell you more about it once I explore it... which will only happen if I get into med school! haha 👍



On the other hand, I dont feel it is appropriate of you to stereotype all Chinese people as Japanese-hating, and vice versa. Its not a very good mentality to have. It is basically discrimination. Your experiences are yours and yours alone, and its not fair to generalize a good half of the world as haters.
 
Spain, hands down. I traveled to a handful of the other places on the poll and Spain was by far the best. Go to Madrid, have the time of your life, meet attractive Spaniards, and run with the bulls in Pamplona. PM about it if you have any questions.
 
bannie22 said:
I have only been to Narita Airport and that in itself was a fascinating experience as the grounds staff were so terribly polite!

Perhaps you do not like the crowd and prefer a quieter location. I would say I am a cosmopolitan, and I enjoy really accessible and big cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and to a certain extent Toronto and New York City.

Most of my friends who have been to Japan have fallen in love with the place, and I in fact fear, that my extremely over they sky expectations (in med school sense, it would be greater than Harvard and Johns Hopkins and Stanford combined) would lead me to not be as thrilled when I finally do get the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of Japan.

I think its important to understand that many of your friends might have been unable to speak the language, and going anywhere with a language barrier is inherently difficult especially when the people in Japan are well-known for being shy and keeping to themselves.

Not teenagers, but just the people you hang around with. People that think alike come together (beginner's Psychology), so it is very likely that your thoughts are influenced by your peers, which in return influences your peers...

Everybody is different, and I think your views are valid, its simply a different opinion. I will tell you more about it once I explore it... which will only happen if I get into med school! haha 👍



On the other hand, I dont feel it is appropriate of you to stereotype all Chinese people as Japanese-hating, and vice versa. Its not a very good mentality to have. It is basically discrimination. Your experiences are yours and yours alone, and its not fair to generalize a good half of the world as haters.
Click to expand...

You're right. It was bad on my part to generalize the entire populations over a few anecdotes. Also, I'm a very city person. I love being around people of all views and opinions. It gives me something to talk about and explore my choices. Also, have fun when you go. I'll also disclose that I would like to visit Japan as well. Their culture is unique and I want to explore as many cultures as possible. I was just wondering why so many girls are just so fascinated by that place? I think it's a great place, but there are way more interesting cultures out there. Personally, I think Japan is just an American culture with an Asian twist to it.
 
bannie22 said:
On the other hand, I dont feel it is appropriate of you to stereotype all Chinese people as Japanese-hating, and vice versa. Its not a very good mentality to have. It is basically discrimination. Your experiences are yours and yours alone, and its not fair to generalize a good half of the world as haters.
Click to expand...

Agree..I'm Chinese and I don't hate Japanese. As a matter of fact, my favorite teacher was my Algebra teacher from high school and he was Japanese! 😀

By the way, I love "Detective Conannnnnnnnnnnnn"! And I grew up watching Japanese Animeeee. 🙂

I made a deal with my parents. If I can get into med school next year (going to apply next cycle), they will let me go to Japan for the summer..alone! Yay, I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I won't be disappointed 😀
 
zetabetazeta said:
Agree..I'm Chinese and I don't hate Japanese. As a matter of fact, my favorite teacher was my Algebra teacher from high school and he was Japanese! 😀

By the way, I love "Detective Conannnnnnnnnnnnn"! And I grew up watching Japanese Animeeee. 🙂

I made a deal with my parents. If I can get into med school next year (going to apply next cycle), they will let me go to Japan for the summer..alone! Yay, I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I won't be disappointed 😀
Click to expand...

I have to call you out on this. Why do you need your parents permission to go somewhere abroad alone? You're an adult. If it were me I would not let my parents stop me from going somewhere I love/want to go to. But that's just me. I'm sure you have a perfect reason, but I just found it kind of odd. Also, wouldn't you want to go with someone? Like friends or someone you knew? Or do you just want to try and "totally alone" sorta thing?
 
StormingWynn said:
I have to call you out on this. Why do you need your parents permission to go somewhere abroad alone? You're an adult. If it were me I would not let my parents stop me from going somewhere I love/want to go to. But that's just me. I'm sure you have a perfect reason, but I just found it kind of odd. Also, wouldn't you want to go with someone? Like friends or someone you knew? Or do you just want to try and "totally alone" sorta thing?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know what you mean. I pretty much grew up in an Asian community and I'm the only child in my family. My parents are way too protective. They just wouldn't let me go. One time I went home late. Well, it was not that late though, probably like 12? And they waited for me until I came home. They were so worried. My stepdad got dressed and was going to find me. It might sound unbelievable to you guys but that was what happened to me. My stepdad is Caucasian but he is more conservative than my mom (my mom is Chinese by the way). I'm grateful that they take good care of me. But to be honest, I'm not independent at all 🙁 I want to go to Japan alone! I think it's time for me to learn to take care of myself and it's time for my parents to let me go..
 
zetabetazeta said:
Yeah, I know what you mean. I pretty much grew up in an Asian community and I'm the only child in my family. My parents are way too protective. They just wouldn't let me go. One time I went home late. Well, it was not that late though, probably like 12? And they waited for me until I came home. They were so worried. My stepdad got dressed and was going to find me. It might sound unbelievable to you guys but that was what happened to me. My stepdad is Caucasian but he is more conservative than my mom (my mom is Chinese by the way). I'm grateful that they take good care of me. But to be honest, I'm not independent at all 🙁 I want to go to Japan alone! I think it's time for me to learn to take care of myself and it's time for my parents to let me go..
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I've heard that in Asian communities, what we Americans consider adults is actually more like 24 to a lot of Asian cultures. Don't worry, they day will when you're fully independent. To be honest I sometimes miss my parents.
 
Im an Indian born living in Australia almost all my life and coming to the US in 2011 and I cant wait
 
i would've LIKED to have studied abroad in italy (love art history and authentic italian food/wine)
 
.................

I could have sworn that a continent called Africa existed? No, maybe I am wrong. That huge continent south of Europe is obviously an illusion and people would never want to study abroad there (even though nowadays many more students are showing a growing interest in Africa than before). 😎
 
StormingWynn said:
You're right. It was bad on my part to generalize the entire populations over a few anecdotes. Also, I'm a very city person. I love being around people of all views and opinions. It gives me something to talk about and explore my choices. Also, have fun when you go. I'll also disclose that I would like to visit Japan as well. Their culture is unique and I want to explore as many cultures as possible. I was just wondering why so many girls are just so fascinated by that place? I think it's a great place, but there are way more interesting cultures out there. Personally, I think Japan is just an American culture with an Asian twist to it.
Click to expand...

And guys can also be fascinated by that place. Since i'm a guy and I have lots of male friends that love that place too. 😳
 
But is that racism? Or could you (or any other individual) just be overly sensitive?
Click to expand...

Yes, it is wrong to stereotype others based on anecdotes, but it is equally wrong to overlook/ignore societal problems based on your own experiences as well (aka it never happened to me so it must not exist!).
 
bookfreak89 said:
.................

I could have sworn that a continent called Africa existed? No, maybe I am wrong. That huge continent south of Europe is obviously an illusion and people would never want to study abroad there (even though nowadays many more students are showing a growing interest in Africa than before). 😎
Click to expand...


this ^

what is this Africa you speak of? 😱as is clear from the poll no one would ever want to go to said place

seriously OP what's up with that?
 
zetabetazeta said:
Agree..I'm Chinese and I don't hate Japanese. As a matter of fact, my favorite teacher was my Algebra teacher from high school and he was Japanese! 😀

By the way, I love "Detective Conannnnnnnnnnnnn"! And I grew up watching Japanese Animeeee. 🙂

I made a deal with my parents. If I can get into med school next year (going to apply next cycle), they will let me go to Japan for the summer..alone! Yay, I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I won't be disappointed 😀
Click to expand...


Wohahaha!!!
I love detective conan too. Do you watch the anime or read the manga?
I watch English subs so I'm on 555 right now... hahaha!
I cant watch DC without subs... his hypothesizing is way too difficult to comprehend in japanese 🙁 not that my japanese is anywhere near good in the first place.
I dont think there is a good on-going anime at the moment. 🙁

wow. thats pretty cool! i decided to go home instead of japan this christmas. maybe japan in the summer for me too!
 
bookfreak89 said:
Yes, it is wrong to stereotype others based on anecdotes, but it is equally wrong to overlook/ignore societal problems based on your own experiences as well (aka it never happened to me so it must not exist!).
Click to expand...


I do not think I ever mentioned that racism has never happened to me and so it does not exist....

I believe I said something along the lines of
"racism exists everywhere"😳
 
StormingWynn said:
I have to call you out on this. Why do you need your parents permission to go somewhere abroad alone? You're an adult. If it were me I would not let my parents stop me from going somewhere I love/want to go to. But that's just me. I'm sure you have a perfect reason, but I just found it kind of odd. Also, wouldn't you want to go with someone? Like friends or someone you knew? Or do you just want to try and "totally alone" sorta thing?
Click to expand...

Depends also on whether you have the money I guess. If the money comes from her parents... I think they get to call teh shots 😛👍
 
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