These past few classes have been incredibly eye-opening for me; it is very rewarding to discuss this idea of intercultural communication among students from various backgrounds and life experiences. As a traveler, I believe that the information shared will help me develop a greater understanding of cultures unlike my own. Oftentimes when I travel I struggle to find this balance between maintaining my own identity, and attempting to assimilate myself within a new culture. By hearing other points of view, particularly from those who have studied abroad, I feel that I can gain a better sense of what to expect when not only meeting new people, but also when trying new foods, and learning about various customs. There is too much pressure placed on students these days; it is impossible to truly “become foreign.” Although it is important to educate ourselves, as learners, we must remain true to ourselves in order to truly “transform.” An intercultural transformation is one that doesn’t change us literally, but rather, opens our minds to a breadth of possibility. Therefore this so-called dramatic shift isn’t so; in reality is it one that gives us the tools to examine with tolerance a nation and its people, despite any temptations to criticize and compare.