Grover: MLO5
Major Learning Outcome #5: Cultural Praxis (Cultural Internalization and Language Immersion)
I satisfied the cultural praxis major learning outcome through the California State University International
Programs in Granada, Spain. I departed California in August of 2010 and returned in July of 2011. Eleven months
were spend fully immersed in the Spanish culture with the exception of a few trips to European countries and
Morocco.
Initially, the culture of Granada seemed vastly different and uncomfortable. Besides seeing and understanding
these differences, I also had to live as an obvious foreigner. There are many different ethnicities of southern
Spain, but my appearance is clearly not one of them. I was given strange looks on a daily basis and even faced
conflicts at discotecas for the length of my hair. My unfamiliar appearance, though a bit troublesome at times,
was not too difficult to cope with.
Over the months that passed, the culture of Spain was much more visible to me. I noticed a slower, more
relaxed way of life. Construction projects lasted much longer and all kinds of shops seemed to be closed more
frequently than open. The transportation infrastructure was much different and therefore made the use of walking,
and small vehicles much more common. There were very different kinds of foods and eating habits. Wine or beer
was a common beverage with a meal. Fútbol was a central theme that intrigued everyone. In addition to all of
these different aspects of life, the massive University of more than 80,000 students shaped the culture in a
profound way.
In addition to these new understandings of culture and language immersion, every trip I took presented me with a
new puzzle to analyze and try to solve. Many times, a solution was never found. I came to deal with difficulties
in a much more logical way. It was about acceptance and appreciation rather than need for comfort and
regularity. The study abroad experience gave me a new pair of lenses to view the world through. It also gave me
a passionate desire to see as much of this world as possible. Travel and cultural immersion are now two of my
most desirable needs.
I satisfied the cultural praxis major learning outcome through the California State University International
Programs in Granada, Spain. I departed California in August of 2010 and returned in July of 2011. Eleven months
were spend fully immersed in the Spanish culture with the exception of a few trips to European countries and
Morocco.
Initially, the culture of Granada seemed vastly different and uncomfortable. Besides seeing and understanding
these differences, I also had to live as an obvious foreigner. There are many different ethnicities of southern
Spain, but my appearance is clearly not one of them. I was given strange looks on a daily basis and even faced
conflicts at discotecas for the length of my hair. My unfamiliar appearance, though a bit troublesome at times,
was not too difficult to cope with.
Over the months that passed, the culture of Spain was much more visible to me. I noticed a slower, more
relaxed way of life. Construction projects lasted much longer and all kinds of shops seemed to be closed more
frequently than open. The transportation infrastructure was much different and therefore made the use of walking,
and small vehicles much more common. There were very different kinds of foods and eating habits. Wine or beer
was a common beverage with a meal. Fútbol was a central theme that intrigued everyone. In addition to all of
these different aspects of life, the massive University of more than 80,000 students shaped the culture in a
profound way.
In addition to these new understandings of culture and language immersion, every trip I took presented me with a
new puzzle to analyze and try to solve. Many times, a solution was never found. I came to deal with difficulties
in a much more logical way. It was about acceptance and appreciation rather than need for comfort and
regularity. The study abroad experience gave me a new pair of lenses to view the world through. It also gave me
a passionate desire to see as much of this world as possible. Travel and cultural immersion are now two of my
most desirable needs.
