I graduated from UCSB in June 2019, I was an English Literature and Global Studies double major, and my study abroad program supplemented my studies perfectly. I took a course in Irish literature, which related, obviously, to my English major. I also took courses in Irish Society, Politics, and Economy, which was incredibly helpful when I was doing my research about Brexit — especially because the class focused not only on Ireland’s relationship with the European Union, but also on the relations between the EU and the global community as a whole. I also took a course in Irish history, which was helpful in providing context to Ireland’s various laws and policies. I felt that I was able to better understand Irish society and cultural identity by studying Irish history. All of these courses related well to my Global Studies major, as my major had a concentration on the region of Europe. I also felt that I was able to better understand how European societies view American politics. It was very odd seeing the US through another country’s lens, but it also shed light on how much influence the United States has on global politics. I realized that it is incredibly important, now more than ever, for the United States to try to serve as an example for the rest of the world when it comes to issues such as the eradication of poverty, homelesness, racial and gender equality, and combating isolationism. Brexit is harmful to the European Union because one nation decided to put itself before all the rest — and it is my opinion that if America supports that and does the same, we could potentially set off a harmful chain reaction.
As an English Literature and Global Studies double major, my study abroad program supplemented my studies perfectly. I was better able to understand how European society views American politics. Seeing the US through another country's lens was odd, and it shed light on how much influence the US has on global politics. I realized that it is incredibly important, now more than ever, for the US to serve as an example for the rest of the world when it comes to issues such as eradicating poverty, homelessness, racial and gender inequality, and combating isolationism.