Suzetti Ueno-DaSilva
Studying abroad in both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was one of the best experiences I’ve had while at Northwestern. Leaving America, leaving my friends and family behind was incredibly daunting, but reflecting about the study-abroad experience, before, during, and after the trip, allowed me to process everything that happened during my experience.
Museum of Yugoslavia: View outside the entrance of the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, Serbia
I initially was concerned about how my identity would be perceived while in the region; prior to my arrival I did research about the racial demographics about both countries, realizing that Balkan ethnic groups dominated each country. However, I had really positive experiences in each country that I visited, often encountering people that were culturally curious, repeatedly wanting to learn more about American culture.
The Comparative Public Health: Serbia & Bosnia-Herzegovina program offered courses about the histories and cultures of each nation, while the public health courses offered insight about the public health infrastructures and struggles that each nation endures. Importantly, these courses were taught so that we were made aware of the sprawling effects that the Yugoslav Wars had on both countries; professors often spoke of their own experiences, offering anecdotal sentiments about the decades of political and social instability that they faced. These courses and their experiences also shaped the questions that I asked myself.
These experiences, coupled with preconceived notions, drove my decisions to constantly reflect about my experiences. Acclimating to a foreign country is incredibly difficult, but by constantly reflecting about my experiences, allowed me to feel more engrained within each nation. Surprisingly, my reflection process allowed me to grow closer with my family. Both of my parents immigrated to the United States, my own study abroad experience allowed me to better understanding my parent’s unique struggles with acculturating to American culture.
Kravica Waterfall: Visitors swimming in the Kravica Waterfall in Ljubuski, Bosnia & Herzegovina
I want to offer some of the reflection questions that I asked myself, to anystudent interested in studying abroad, as this process deeply enriched my experiences.
1. What have I learned about myself in this new environment? I initially thought that I was a relatively independent person, however this experience forced me to rely on my communities in American and to form new connections while abroad.
2. How do I perceive my own culture differently after living here? While abroad, I was hyperaware of my identity, unlike anything I had
experienced whilst in America. This experience allowed me to explore new facets of my identity, allowing me to become more confident in my own identities.
3. How has learning about my career field in a different country changed my perspective about my future career? As this program is geared towards healthcare, we spent time with many healthcare professionals, hearing about their careers and the challenges they face. Currently, I plan on pursuing a career in healthcare, and these experiences allowed me to ensure that this was truly a career that I want to pursue.
4. How has this experience changed my understanding of global issues or current events? The Yugoslav Wars and their impact
Belgrade City Hall: Belgrade City Hall in Belgrade, Serbia
were a central component of this program, however prior to studying abroad, I knew very little about this conflict. This program allowed me to learn more about this crucial time in history, enabling me to draw parallels between these wars and current global conflicts.
5. What traditions, practices, or values from this culture do I admire? Being an avid coffee drinker, I was excited to explore the café’s in each country. In America, iced beverages and to-go drinks are extremely popular, while in both Serbia and BiH, it is expected that customers sit and spend time at the café, taking time to decompress and to thoroughly enjoy their drink. I also admired that every local that I encountered was incredibly patient and understanding about the language barrier and cultural differences. Every person that I encountered while abroad shaped my experiences for the better, even if I did not realize it at the time.
Neretva River: Mosque overlooking the Neretva River in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
My experience while aboard has continually shaped my future pursuits, both culturally and academically. This experience has proven to me that I can explore global cultures, purposefully engaging with the world around me. My time abroad was enhanced by the Gilman Scholarship Program, which provides eligible students funding to study all around the globe. This scholarship facilitated my own academic and personal growth, allowing me to soak up diverse cultures and perspectives that I would not have otherwise encountered. I hope that more Northwestern students make the choice to study abroad, will positively alter their careers while at Northwestern.