Well hello there!

By: Victoria Ovies

My very first Global Scholars blog and a bit about myself ^-^

Being a Global Scholar involves more than just traveling abroad to experience another culture. In my opinion, this title requires one to go deeper and challenge previously held beliefs to become more culturally aware. It requires curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving across barriers. A Global Scholar is prepared to learn about their host communities and facilitate intercultural awareness, so as not to just take away from them.

This Summer, I will be volunteering with International Volunteer HQ through their program in Guangxi, China, teaching English in schools. I am very excited for this opportunity since I have been learning Mandarin Chinese for almost a year and a half now and will finally get the chance to put my studies into practice. Much of my time there will be spent with fellow volunteers who come from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, guiding the scope of my research.

Although my research project’s specifics are not completely worked out yet, I plan to interview other volunteers in the same program about their past experience with language learning to gain more knowledge on language acquisition patterns as they are affected by volunteer tourism. My Capstone-Based Inquiry has been largely inspired by my own experience volunteering abroad to further language studies. Motivated by my previous experience volunteering, I plan on finding out how the linguistic backgrounds of participants in volunteer tourism affect their outlook on the experience as a whole.

As soon as I looked into the Global Scholars program, I knew that I wanted to research languages. Though I eventually developed some hesitancy due to my lack of research expertise in the field, I have since then concluded that no one expects me to know everything in the field and that I will learn as I conduct my project.

My question’s intended impact is to find out the relationship between volunteers’ prior language knowledge and the impact that has on their interaction with the host culture and their personal views.

Throughout my experience, I plan on integrating myself into the community by participating in their everyday activities and trying my best to communicate in the local language. Prior to my travels, I plan on purchasing a gift from my hosts to share a bit about my own cultural background. Since I am Venezuelan, I am thinking of bringing some popular snacks or goods that they probably have not had before. This will hopefully lead to further intercultural engagement and more learning opportunities for both of us.

All in all, I am going into my trip with an open mind. I know that I do not know everything in the world and that I will probably have to change my research as summer goes on. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs regarding my trip!

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