Intercultural Communication- Personal

Every summer, my family and I pack our bags and head down to Mexico. I know you may find this trite- but my idea of Mexico is far different then the “American Spring break” impression. I have traveled all over Mexico, and every time I fall more in love with the culture. Mexico is a low context culture, and I have seen this as the people tend to listen more and speak less. I adore everything that makes their culture unique- the language, the food, the art. Every part of their customs is fascinating. I have been lucky enough to experience the tight bonds they form in family and in friendships. Last year I played with a little girl on the sidewalk in downtown Cancun. Some travelers walked by and gave me a look as to say I should separate myself from the child. I treasured playing with this little girl because I felt like we were fundamentally the same- we just wanted to laugh and giggle. I have been able to learn their language in a more effective manor through interaction with the people. I remember it being difficult at first to distinguish the differences in non verbal communication. For instance, it is not uncommon to be hugged or kissed on the cheek when being greeted. I also enjoy the way that their people dress. Their style is very relaxed, and there is not an emphasis on labels or money. Learning about what makes their culture diverse from my own is what permitted me to see it as stunning. I am a highly anxious person and whenever I go to Mexico, I feel at ease. In America we have a tendency to only relax if we feel we deserve to take the time. For example, I only feel that I can take a nap if I have finished all my homework. When I go down there, it is considered wonderful to lie on the beach and read a novel or a magazine. I have a great amount of respect for the people though, because they balance this peace with hard work. The people understand that American travelers contribute a great deal of money to their economy, and they go out of their way to be friendly. This is an illustration of the many ways that we are interdependent. Do I even need to talk about the food?! It is wonderful- absolutely delicious. I cannot imagine a diet without Mexican food. What is most interesting is that America has taken this unique food and made it its own. I have been told that Mexican food is supposed to be simple and fresh. In America, it is deep fried and filled with spices. My diet is filled with the food of other cultures. I cannot imagine a life without Mexican, Indian, or Italian food. We are so fortunate that we can experience culture through our taste buds.
I believe the classroom can only teach you so much. It is important to travel and immerse yourself in a culture so that you become a citizen of the world. Every time I travel, I try to submerge myself in a places culture so that I can let it influence me. I cannot wait to study abroad. I have always wanted to go to Germany, Ireland, and France. Learning about intercultural communication is so exciting to me because we have this opportunity to break down barriers. Perhaps more importantly though, we have the opportunity to establish these beautiful differences, that contribute to our knowledge of the world. I will fly down to Mexico until I can no longer get out of bed. Maybe I will even live there!