I had the luck and privilege to be able to study abroad in Spain this past semester. Although short lived, (fck u corona!!!) I was still able to enjoy a good chunk of it and immerse myself as best I could / interact with a variety of people possible. I’ve always been a pretty personable person; one that likes to talk to people so for me I went not just there studying with other American friends rather I went there not knowing anyone just open for new. 

It was a bit easier given I am hispanic so could speak Spanish and get by; talk to natives so I can see the advantage there but this is where the phony comes in. 

For the most part I’d limit the times I’d have to disclose where I was from. Most people were receptive/indifferent and not as verbal with this but some people when they’d find out I was from America they’d make sure to mention things like I would never want to go to America or Americans are x, y n Z. Usually the negative kind. I was received better at times or with less anxiety when I would just speak Spanish (my native tongue)  . When I’d disclose my region though, it felt like the more I went along with what they’d say or more so not necessarily contest; I’d feel phony. Like why am I here? These people are used to a different type of education system; they’re well versed; they’re SMART. Why me? Really some things I was just like wow I never learned this, I never did this; people so young (my age) already so cultured and having been able to travel already. Id still make an effort to establish a good connection but I found myself saying / talking a lot less rather just listening. Because I was afraid anything I would say would sound silly and just reaffirm their American stereotype. I didn’t really have anything to say; like what could they care about an American life? The world is much bigger. I’d find myself in conversations I’d be nervous to comment in because of that..I automatically assume others are right it’s not the best. 

But that’s a weird study abroad moment for me, do you guys have something similar? I wonder how sturdy abroad students from other countries feel here in the US