Bellarmine Convert: A global brand?
Sarah Botha
Issue date: 10/21/09 Section: Entertainment
Now the comparison of Bellarmine to a colonial empire is a exaggerated and is a somewhat drastic comparison but there are some commonalities. As a colonial power expanded it grew richer on the resources of other countries. Now this isn't an example of exploitation but rather through sending students abroad and allowing international students to study here, Bellarmine as an institution grows richer through the exposing itself to the international community. We all know that through globalization the world is far more connected than ever before and through programs like ISEP, that encourage people to study abroad, a new type of citizen develops; a global one. Someone who's thoughts and ideas aren't restricted by only one cultural idea but can instead extend to understanding other's values, faiths, cultures and behaviors. One that is able to think not nationally but globally and understands the impact of their actions on others. Just think about what a generation of thinkers like this could mean; an end to racism, xenophobia, a cure to world hunger, a new way of sustainable living....the list continues.....
So maybe this is an idealized way of looking at study abroad, but the more that I've been here the more I've realized what a privilege it is to be able to see other countries, never mind being able to study there. And that for many people, college is the first time that they've encountered people with a different set of cultural norms and values. And even being in America, which I didn't think would be so different, has challenged my own way of understanding and even offered a new way of looking at my own country. Maybe you aren't in a position to study abroad but I encourage you to talk to the internationals here about what you know about their countries and what life is like in Austria, Northern Ireland or even Spain.
So why Kentucky? Because if you want to understand a country sometimes places like New York or Los Angeles won't help in explaining the impact of the Health Care debate or even how religion and politics collide here. I never wanted the glamorized version of America. Instead I wanted to mingle with the people who help to represent the real America - fast food obsession included. Because understanding you helps me to be able bring a different perspective on America, that challenges the stereotype to South Africa. And I'll happily go back home another convert to the Bellarmine brand- maroon sweatshirt included.
So maybe this is an idealized way of looking at study abroad, but the more that I've been here the more I've realized what a privilege it is to be able to see other countries, never mind being able to study there. And that for many people, college is the first time that they've encountered people with a different set of cultural norms and values. And even being in America, which I didn't think would be so different, has challenged my own way of understanding and even offered a new way of looking at my own country. Maybe you aren't in a position to study abroad but I encourage you to talk to the internationals here about what you know about their countries and what life is like in Austria, Northern Ireland or even Spain.
So why Kentucky? Because if you want to understand a country sometimes places like New York or Los Angeles won't help in explaining the impact of the Health Care debate or even how religion and politics collide here. I never wanted the glamorized version of America. Instead I wanted to mingle with the people who help to represent the real America - fast food obsession included. Because understanding you helps me to be able bring a different perspective on America, that challenges the stereotype to South Africa. And I'll happily go back home another convert to the Bellarmine brand- maroon sweatshirt included.
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