Blog Post #2 - Fermín Gallardo - Expanding Worldview

 • How has your worldview been molded and shaped by encounters with other cultures?  

  • My encounters with other cultures have definitely challenged my ideas. What's considered normal in one culture isn’t always considered normal in another culture or within the culture that I grew up in. So I have had to learn how to become more aware of how to navigate these differences. Having immersed myself in differing cultures here in Central Europe, it has certainly increased my curiosity to explore other cultures not just within Europe, but in other continents as well. 

• Is this your first time to travel abroad? Are you a seasoned traveler?  

  • This is not my first time traveling abroad. In fact, every other summer my family and I travel to Mexico to visit friends and family. However, this trip marks my first time traveling abroad outside of Mexico. 

• What are the limitations of your worldview?   

  • Admittedly, there are definitely limitations to my worldview. For instance, before coming to study abroad in Central Europe, I genuinely believed that adapting to the cultures here wouldn’t be such a difficult task for me. However, this was not the case since I ended up overestimating myself since every country I have visited so far in Central Europe has been so different culturally. After having had this experience, I now have somewhat of an understanding of those who have had to move far away into an unknown environment.

• How can you be intentional about expanding your worldview as a result of this course?   

  • With the outcome of this course in mind, I plan to be more intentional about expanding my worldview. When traveling next time with friends and family, I will start challenging my comfort zone a little more by exploring new places such as a different city and exploring the local culture there. I will also now intend to continue to improve in my second language and hopefully pick up a third language. Additionally, I always put in the effort to learn more about foreign affairs that don’t involve the US. 

• How has your worldview already been expanded on this trip?  

  • As a result of this trip, my worldview has already been expanded. For example, this Central European trip has officially become my first trip outside of having visited only Mexico. So this trip was definitely a huge culture shock for me. For example, having viewed the architecture here in Central Europe while on walks was something that always left me mesmerized. I had never seen such detailed and articulate work put into buildings. Another thing that surprised me here in Central Europe was realizing the amount of dependability on public transportation and even bikes rather than automobiles. In fact, it caught me off guard a few times having encountered huge parking lots that were saturated with bikes. I was able to witness a different form of sustainability at play here that I do not ever witness back home. 

Comments

  1. Leah BurchamMay 28, 2026 at 2:23 PM

    Fermin, I think you’ve made a very insightful and aware reflection on your worldview. I appreciate you sharing your perspective! I too am often humbled by interactions when I travel. It’s easy to overestimate my abilities or knowledge in foreign countries, but there is nothing as enlightening as actually physically traveling. I agree that the architecture is truly mesmerizing, and it is so special to share this experience with everyone on this trip. It’s exciting to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and I feel like I have seen you doing so already!

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