International Treasure: Expanding Political Knowledge
In America, the land of the free and the brave, we are taught there is only one type of government to which we should abide: democracy. Politically speaking, there is not a lot of gray area when it comes to the glory and power of the all-mighty United States of America. We are the best country in the world. Unfortunately, this pride and power can often lead to unawareness and apathy in regards to other types of government and political policy. Because of this blissful ignorance, upon arriving to a new country, the historical and political background of a country can come as quite a shock.
I can easily recall my first day of history class in Spain. We were seven excited American students whose lack of world knowledge was quickly exposed. Our teacher asked us a series of basic questions such as, “what type of government does Spain have and who is the president/prime minister?” (Constitutional Monarchy and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, for those who may be curious.) Without sharing the gory details, I can say few questions were answered correctly.
On top of traveling and discovering new languages and cultures, I believe learning about new political systems and histories is a fundamental obligation of studying abroad. It is a wonderful opportunity to expand your knowledge of the world and some of its most prominent issues. It is a great chance to learn that the American way is not the only way, and most importantly, not all countries are experience the same stability.
I am not suggesting that as Americans we are all unaware of the wars and issues of other countries, nor I am suggesting the United Stated has not had its own set of strides and struggles. What I am suggesting is at least my generation has put itself inside of a bubble where the horrors of the world and the dilemmas it continues to realize are not a reality with which we have to face. For instance, the idea of having to leave a country due to political refuge is absolutely foreign to us. Study abroad is a remarkable cure for this isolation.
I have been shocked to learn about the recent histories of some of the countries I have visited. For instance, Spain is now currently practicing its eighth constitution after a devastating civil war in the 1930s and a subsequent 36 years of dictatorship (1939-1975) by Francisco Franco, a time in which civil liberty practically did not exist. In Central America, the amount of wars and dictatorships within the 20 century is a dreadfulness I could never have possibly imagined before traveling to the region. For instance, in El Salvador a very recent civil war (1979-1991), claimed the lives of nearly 75,000 people. I have been repeatedly surprised to learn these are not rare occurrences in recent history.
Another shocking fact to me was that some of the world’s most celebrated intellectuals and artists were communists, the mortal enemy of democracy. For instance, Mexico’s Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were communists in the sense of fighting for equality and the rights of the people as opposed to terrorists who threaten the security of American democracy. This is another advantage of studying abroad: you learn a different side of the story wherein the United States is not always a positive “civilizing” influence but rather a powerful empire that has conquered and taken advantage of countless other regions.
Once again, I am not suggesting that we are not aware of the war and corruption of the world but rather, the fact that we have never had to experience these situations ourselves means the deaths and disasters of other countries are reduced to headlines on the internet. During study abroad, it is important to learn and understand these stories. Take a history class, read the newspaper, ask a stranger on the bus what she thinks about the current government. Not only is this a great way to strike up a conversation and practice your new language but also live the reality of your host culture.
Since learning about other countries and other issues in the world, I have become even more grateful to be a United States citizen. I am thankful for our safety and political stability. At least in theory, although far from political utopia, our government serves us as opposed to cheat us, lie to us, restrict us, and kill us. These are not the offers of many foreign governments. However, being abroad has also revealed some of the detriments to this security: as I have said, my generation is largely apathetic and uniformed. Study abroad is a great way to break from this quality and in turn, become a more educated and constructive person.
For more info: check out Ralph Lee Woodward's popular and extensive chronicle Central America: A Nation Divided (Latin American Histories). Available in paperback for about $35
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International Treasure: Expanding Political Knowledge
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