Comm 101- Stoner/Steele Lecture

In Professor Stoners lecture on new media and students study abroad experience, she discussed the potential impact that new media technologies has on students experiences when studying abroad. Though I have never participated in a study abroad experience, I did partake in a trip to Mexico in which we traveled to some of the poorest parts of Country. When she spoke of this idea of Culture shock I was somewhat able to relate to it because I was only in high school and it was my first time traveling to a foreign country and I remember how frustrating it was to travel to locations where everyone spoke only Spanish. Everything from asking for directions, to asking where the nearest bathroom was, and ordering are food was extremely difficult and discomforting. We were even faced with a situation where we were been stalked by a man in Mexico City and being the only male in the group, trying to ask for help when we didn’t know how made things very scary for me. During the trip I had refused to use my cell phone because I wanted to gain the whole experience of being in foreign country, therefore I wasn’t able to use my cell phone (which I didn’t have on me) to get help. In regards to the experience, minus that incident, I believe I had a much more worthwhile experience without the use of my cell phone. I know the rest of my group did use their cell phones, and even used local computers that were in our hotel to keep in touch with family and significant others. They themselves have looked back and agree that this detracted them from having a holistic experience, and they now wish they hadn’t.  

Something that I think would be interesting to research is to combine Professor Steele’s research in cultural studies with Stoners research. It would be interesting to research how Black students experiences are while studying abroad, and if their experience is different due to their race. For example, if they face challenges while studying abroad in regards to their race. Also, to examine how many black students actually participate in study abroad programs and whether or not they have adequate access to study abroad to the usual members of such programs that tend to be upper to middle class white students.