So far abroad, I have been having an amazing time. I have already made so many great connections and have been fortunate enough to have amazing teachers and experiences. Originally, when going abroad, I thought that it would be more of a culture shock than it actually was. I would say that driving is the biggest shock of them all, since their roads and signs are entirely different and can be dangerous if you do not understand them. Cardiff, Wales, is very similar to Eugene climate-wise, so it was easier to adjust to that as well.
I am grateful that my mom raised me to be polite and always to ask questions when confused. I think both are very important skills to have when being abroad. People tend to forget that this is not just a vacation place; this is also other people's homes, and you have to be respectful. On top of that, you will not know everything when going to a completely different country, and you have to be okay with being uncomfortable and asking questions. Especially in Wales, everyone is very polite.
When I return from my experience abroad, I believe I will have a more positive perspective. It was a more difficult time adjusting than when I came here. I absolutely love everything about the UK, and this experience has definitely made me more independent.
Everyone here points out that we are American, and it can be funny and a great conversation starter. Some people even stated we were the first Americans they have ever met. Here we are purely defined by where we come from, whereas back in the States, I feel as though I am defined by outside factors.
Specifically from my experience of working at Support Through Court here in Cardiff, I have learned the importance of communication and partnership. A lot of the work we do requires us to help clients fill out difficult legal documents. For these tasks, we lean heavily on our supervisor and our colleagues we are assigned to. As for the communication aspect, we have to figure out ways to make complicated legal documents easier to comprehend, which is a skill in itself.
I do not believe I have experienced a culture shift, because the values here seem very similar to those in Oregon. Also, I do not think I have been here long enough to have that experience, unfortunately.
I will say, while working with real clients through Support Through Court, it has made me reevaluate what I potentially want to do after college. Especially because it made me reevaluate how I see the justice system.
Bailey Nicole Neal, Diverse Ducks Ambassador