World Travel No Substitute For Cultural Immersion

Emily Willis, United States

When I arrived in the United Kingdom from the United States, I was not worried about culture shock. I had been to Europe three times before, both for travel and study. I had travelled through six countries across two continents and was fairly fluent in a foreign language. I'd seen London, and I'd seen France. And, only if you're an American will that last sentence make you laugh. Although not an expert, I considered myself to be an educated and confident world traveller. I soon learned that traveling internationally is much different than living internationally.

First, I learned that my internship at the University of Sheffield is actually called a placement. I waited in a queue for a cash point rather than in a line for an ATM. I also threw away my rubbish in a bin rather than a trashcan. Even though I speak English, I quickly learned there is quite a language barrier to overcome between American English and British English.

Even though people can try not to be too influenced by the media, sometimes it is inevitable. What we understand about different places comes at least in part by what we see on television and in the movies, or pictures. But, watching The Full Monty, Harry Potter and Bridget Jones' Diary did not prepare me for living in Sheffield more than watching FRIENDS will prepare someone for living in America. In planning to live, work or study in a new country, it can be valuable to disregard stereotypes from the media.

Another difference between my experience in Sheffield and other international travel is that for the first time I am totally immersed in a new culture. I am living and dining each day with an English family in an English neighbourhood. I am working with English professionals at an English University. Outside of the few other American students here for placement, I am living and working in a completely different culture. No travel experiences can substitute for such a full cultural immersion.

In experiencing a new culture, I have also found the small things often make the biggest differences. When you live in and experience only one place, there are certain understood truths. Essentially, information you take for granted. At home, I know to call 911 in case of emergency. In Sheffield, 911 would do little good as the emergency number is 999. Two numbers. It's a little difference that makes a huge difference. Take getting dressed as another example. In America, one might wear pants, a sweater, a raincoat and rain boots on a rainy day. In Sheffield though, you'd need trousers, a jumper, a water proof and a pair of wellies.

Two countries divided by the same language.

In the end, I am glad to have been challenged in a new environment. I have learned as much about myself, my country and my values through this experience abroad than through any other experience in my life. So what's it really like? Different. Different, exciting, challenging and the opportunity of a lifetime.

Emily Willis, United States