While reading this study, I found parts of the discussion to be particularly meaningful. For example, the detailed exploration of study abroad advertisements really shined a light on the underlying entitled and self-centered tones that are often embedded in American university rhetoric. The author brought up a particularly salient point when she examined how certain phrases that frame American students as active explorers (who are trying to “profit” from the experiences) and host countries as passive backdrops (from which students will extort the experiences, discoveries, or lessons) bring up ideas of colonialism. Although these ideas, along with those of “white saviorism” have crossed my mind for volunteer or “mission” trips, I hadn’t necessarily associated them with study abroad until now.
At the same time, I do feel as though this article had some short-comings. When I first read it through I felt slightly upset– I came to understand that those feelings had to do with my position as a Wesleyan student who wishes to study abroad, but either way, I feel as though this article can be critiqued. Many of the points made by the author were absolutely correct– there is much ignorance and privilege when it comes to study abroad, especially when students do not care to look into the host country beforehand or understand the environment which they will inevitably interact with and affect (not just be affected by). However the author criticized virtually every students’ answers to every question, without really offering a “right” answer. To so forcefully shoot down the reasons given for studying abroad and the lessons taken away from the experience would do little but discourage other students from studying abroad as well. Although studying abroad with the wrong mindset has the potential to be harmful, many times it is not. In which case, is it better to still send students abroad to open their perspective and perhaps challenge that mindset, or not send them at all? At points in this article, it seems that the author was arguing the latter, which I disagree with.
