ipl-logo

Culture Affecting My Lifestyles In Peru And Costa Rica

484 Words2 Pages

To me, culture consists of the beliefs, customs, and lifestyles that a group of people or a society shares. Culture is important because it defines who we are, it identifies us with a group of people, and it creates a bond between otherwise unrelated people. Culture creates geographical diversity and uniqueness and it plays a large role in personal development My nationality is really going to affect my experience abroad. Here in America, my ethnicity is commonplace; however, in both Peru and Costa Rica, my light skin tone is going to make me stand out wherever I go. For the first time in my life, I am going to be looked at as the different one, or the one that does not belong. It is going to feel strange to be looked at like an outsider. Initially it will be difficult, but it is a feeling I need to experience. Fortunately, my Roman Catholic upbringing will provide a sense of familiarity and comfort as it is the largest practiced religion in both Peru and Costa Rica. My faith will afford a common bond with both my host family and my classmates and will provide an activity that I will be quite comfortable participating in. …show more content…

My exposure to conditions of financial struggles and poverty has been very limited. According to findthedata.com, 2014 GDP per capita in the United States was $54,630, whereas it is only $10,415 in Costa Rica and $6,541 in Peru. I anticipate that participating in a study abroad program will have a profound effect on how I view my life and the empathy that I will feel for circumstances I have not yet

Open Document