Lost Isn’t Over Yet, But It’s Time To Leave The Island

I think many teachers abroad are representatives of their country, whether it’s willing or otherwise. Living in the Middle East, taxi drivers and shop owners would regularly want to engage in a US political discussion. I think many people, despite completely disagreeing with US foreign policy, want to see if we are or are not representative of our government’s political actions. Though we might not walk away from the dialogue in agreement, we do often walk away realising that people are people, and politics are politics. Though I never set off intending to be a representative of all Americans, I don’t doubt I’ve been judged as such.

I tend to agree with the previous comment. Whilst I would never claim to represent Britain or British people when I’m abroad, I also understand that what I say or do can often have a big impact on the way people perceive Britain. This can be especially true if they haven’t met many British people before. I’m not saying I change the way I act when I’m abroad because of this, just that I’m aware of it.

On a side note, I think a lot of young Americans miss out on spending time abroad because the U.S. is not part of the Working Holiday Visa scheme. Almost every other country in the Western world is part of it and it gives young people a great opportunity to go and spend some time travelling, working and learning a bit more about other countries (albeit exclusively Western ones).

Thanks for the comments, Cairogal and Peter. I think you’re both right - it does happen that people are considered something like representatives of their countries…I just think it would be great if it happened less and not more.

I guess my problem is with the idea that that “representing” itself is a reason to go. And I think the sentiment behind that view (”let’s show everyone how great we are”) actually plays a role in some people’s negative image of the US.

Certainly people should be aware that for better or worse they may be seen as some kind of representative - I just don’t like the idea of promoting that type of view.

Oh! And good point on the WHV…I think there are few short ones for recent US graduates, like BUNAC, but that WHV is a good deal. I hadn’t really considered that as a reason for why more young people in the US don’t go abroad, but that could be one of the reasons.

In my mind, the ideal expat the ventures abroad is more interested in learning about other cultures than representing his/her own. It’s those travellers (not tourists) who have the potential to indirectly create a positive experience between Americans and Eritreans or Britons and Koreans, rather than a positive image of Americans or Britons.