For Charlotte Stibley ’27, studying abroad in Spain was not just an academic opportunity; it became a moment of reckoning with how the United States is seen by the rest of the world and how Americans, in turn, understand themselves.

“To be honest, studying abroad taught me a lot about how the United States is perceived by others, as well as how I viewed the world myself. At times, these realizations were not entirely positive, but they were important,” Stibley said.

Before leaving the U.S., Stibley admits she had a limited understanding of life beyond American borders. “Before studying abroad, I did not feel very aware of the world beyond the United States,” she said. “I think many of us are taught—often unintentionally—to see our country as the center of the world and to assume that other countries are less developed.”

That realization became clearer through moments of reflection on her own education. One memory from her freshman year continues to stand out. “I remember a moment when I got into a friendly argument about whether people from India were considered Asian,” Stibley said. “The fact is, India is part of Asia, yet many people were unsure of this. That moment stuck with me and made me reflect on how limited our global education can be.”

In American classrooms, the focus often remains inward. “In school, we often learn far more about our own country than about others,” she explained. While Stibley understands the importance of national pride, she noticed a stark contrast abroad. “When I compare this to my European peers, many of them seemed to have a broader global perspective. They were taught about multiple countries in school, and their media frequently included U.S. news and political coverage as well.”

Living abroad challenged another long-held assumption that the United States is the ultimate destination for opportunity. “Living in another country also made me realize that the United States is not the only place people aspire to immigrate to,” Stibley said. “While this feels obvious now, I think many Americans, including myself, grew up with a very U.S.-centered view of opportunity.”

Daily interactions with international students made those differences unique. “During my time abroad, I interacted with many international students, particularly from Canada and the United Kingdom,” she recalled. Some conversations were uncomfortable. “Canadian students expressed frustration with U.S. politics, especially trade tariffs, while British students often described Americans as loud or crude.”

Rather than dismissing those moments, Stibley found value in them. “While these comments were uncomfortable at times, they ultimately allowed all of us to confront and reflect on our misconceptions of one another,” she said.

The experience also highlighted structural barriers that make global exposure less accessible for Americans. “Looking back, I also think it can be more difficult for Americans to travel internationally compared to Europeans, largely due to the cost of flights and the sheer size of the United States,” Stibley noted. “Because of this, many Americans have fewer opportunities to experience other cultures firsthand.”

Still, she emphasized that travel, when possible, is invaluable. “I strongly believe that if Americans are able to travel, they should take the opportunity to do so,” Stibley said. Living in Spain, in particular, reshaped how she viewed public systems. “The metro system was affordable, user-friendly and clearly designed with the well-being of people in mind. It made me feel that Spain genuinely prioritized its residents.”

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Stibley believes these experiences matter more than ever. “Ultimately, this experience reinforced my belief that when we push ourselves to meet people from different cultures, we become more empathetic and understanding,” she said. “Even traveling to different regions within the United States can broaden our perspectives and help us learn how to better care for one another.”