AFS Intercultural Programs/USA

Living in a different country with AFS has given me a whole other view of how things work. I realize now more than ever that we are not just individual countries, but a whole circuit of countries that need to work together. I have experienced first-hand how our actions do not only affect us as a country, but spread to all parts of the world. The seven months I have been in Chile have opened my eyes to many global issues and the importance of being involved in trying to better our world. It has made me want to get involved and do something to change it. I know we each have power to make a difference.

I rode my bike along with thousands of other Chinese people--I'm quite sure that I caused many accidents simply because of all the people staring at the foreigner riding a bike. I think that I was able to assimilate into the Chinese culture and understand (and embrace) the culture much easier because of this experience.

As I share the story of my stay in Panama, everyone is so jealous that they did not spend their summer with AFS. Now, I take the cultural appreciation that life in another country taught me and apply it to my life here and the choices that I make. My time in Panama taught me a lot about myself, and I am now able to share my with others.