Voices from Abroad: Luigi Traldi
Bangkok (Thailand), Exchange Program: Chulalongkorn University
Miami, FL (US), International Internship: Sasco Realty Inc.
Calcutta (India), CEMS MIM: Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
We have a unique opportunity. An opportunity that has to be taken not only with curiosity, but also with a hint of folly and tranquility. Our parents belong to the baby boomer generation; we are the study abroad generation. For our generation the world is hope, sharing, courage. An exciting challenge open almost to all comers. Although we may be disappointed by the visible lack of trust from our country, our "class" can be considered as privileged since today, more than ever, the place in which we can grow is no longer the nation itself, but it's everywhere.
In a while we leave for unknown destinations with the goal of finding, or at least to deceive ourselves to find, something we lack in our surroundings. Bangkok, Miami, Calcutta and thousands of other places can be our new homes. Marius, Lorenzo and Johan can be our new friends. Each adventure begins with a big dose of adrenaline and audacity. Sometimes a bit of insecurity is natural, but usually the grandmothers are the most faint-of-heart, especially in front of Skype.
However, since most of these experiences are temporary, I wonder what is the point of all this internationalization. Actually, I believe in a double answer. The former is linked to the human being behind the individual who takes this journey. The latter is more about what we bring back home. More specifically I sustain that the main point of going abroad is meeting the "Different"; a diverse culture, a different way to tackle the simplest and hardest issues. A bet on a better tomorrow.
Dealing with the Thai Buddhist aura and attending the birth of ASEAN community. Taking a break from the emerging countries by a Latin experience in the partying Miami. And then Asia again: Calcutta, the "City of Joy"; a lively street confusion where people struggle to get through the day but, at the same time, place their dreams in the strain for "tomorrow". Indirectly we acquire a holistic approach that considers both sides of the coin. This outlook might be seen a bit naive, but I believe that it's exactly in that moment that we grow more as people than as students. In my opinion, that's the real added value of going abroad. Then, as soon as a new life has been set, it's time to be back. In the end, I like thinking that we leave our country in order to be back home sooner or later.
More proactive. With more hope. Well, that's the most crucial moment. The experience abroad should not be a break from our lives. It's unreasonable to pretend to be reintegrated into our lives as if nothing happened. Indeed, it is crucial to hold back at home the spark that has distinguished us over there. But most importantly, is the connection between the points. Thailand, Unites States and India cannot be a story with an end in itself. Somehow we have the responsibility to embed into our lives what we learnt out there. But let's be careful. This opportunity is not a free gift. We have to respect and exploit it. Someone donated it to us and now we have to take care of it. Like each thing. Like each friend. It's a kind of test of integrity.
edited by Jenna Walker