It's been a month of being in an environment where
my educational background actually matters (I mean it's always mattered but
here "Tell me about yourself" really isn't about me trying to
complete my language bucketlist. I'm learning every time I meet a new person to
respond to the question, "What is your background?") And I've noticed
a trend in reactions from Europeans when I talk about my college experience.
"Oh, so you have that American liberal arts thing" (paraphrased).
This is a shocking revelation, because up until now, I thought a liberal arts
degree was a good thing. Well, except that one time the receptionist at the
Ministry of Water in Nairobi laughed out loud when I told her what I was
studying.
I don't know why I am surprised that Europeans,
Germans especially, would disapprove of my American education. I mean, it's not
like I've been listening to two hours of a Freakonomics podcast about whether college (implied, in the United
States) is worth it.
*****
Updates: I moved to Laos for a fellowship with an
environmental conservation organisation. I had to make a career move. Here's a
link to my blog while I'm
in Laos. I'll still maintain this one about career/growing-up
angst -- which is separate from traveling to another country and experiencing a
different life for a year... or is it? :)
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