The American Bubble by Matthew

The American Bubble by Matthew - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

From 2012-2014 I had the unique opportunity to live in Hungary. It was the first time I had ever been outside the United States. I loved everything about Hungary. What I learned about myself and the Eastern European culture has changed me forever.
Before I went to Hungary I was completely ignorant about everything. I imagined that I would be going to a country where the people lived in card board houses. I thought I would never hear American music or drink a soda again. I thought that all of the women would not be attractive. Shortly after my arrival, however, I learned that I would not be living in a card board box nor did the Hungarian people, that I was able to listen to American music and so did the Hungarians, and that I would be able to drink soda. The ignorance was created in the American Bubble that I was subject to. I love the United States, but I believe that every student should study abroad to learn what it is like not to be an American.
Before I went to Hungary, I would get very mad and upset that people would come to my country and not learn English beforehand, and, while they were here, to continue to speak their language. My ignorance, and, perhaps, my arrogance did not allow me to see things through their eyes. I did not, and could not, understand how difficult it is to speak another language, to go to the grocery store and not be able to read anything on the labels. My experience in Hungary changed my perspective and has enlightened me beyond measure.
It is in the best interest for every student to study abroad. The lessons learned while walking the streets will be ten fold compared to what they may learn in the classroom. I took two years off from school to go to Hungary and others have criticized me for th decision. However, I know that my experience was better and more instructional then they could have ever hoped for in s classroom. If every student would study abroad, the youth of America would be less ignorant to the rest of the world, the youth of America would feel less entitled to everything and would be more humble and grateful for all of the opportunities this great nation provides for us.