Blog Post #3 - Amberly Martinez - Global Citizenship

     Every time I travel to a new destination, I observe the locals and attempt to adopt their interactions. There was a time I went to Rome, and I visited family friends in their home. They offered us watermelon which was diced into large cubes. It was the most delicious watermelon I have ever had, and I still dream of it. They served the diced watermelon on plates and handed us a butter knife. I was confused, to say the least. What do I do with the butter knife? Well, I put it to the side and when I couldn't find any forks, I sat there for a second waiting for someone else to make a move. Then I noticed it. The father of the family took the knife and stabbed the watermelon cube, plopping it delicately into his mouth. I was a bit skeptical about using a butter knife to eat watermelon, but I tried it. When in Rome right? 


     As a global citizen I attempt to learn about local culture and follow their lead. Interactions like these have opened my perspective to distinct social expectations. Being a global citizen requires you to have an open mind to learning language, social norms, values, and beliefs. In my time here in Freiburg and Vienna I have seen these things play out. Yesterday, I saw an advertisement on the street I recognized a few of the words from our German lesson and I was so proud of myself for being able to read it. I say this because being a global citizen means attempting to understand the place where you are, the people, the language, the recycling system, everything. If we close ourselves off from learning about the local culture and expectations, then we will miss out on a great learning experience and risk appearing arrogant. 


     This trip has already taught me a lot, more than just about stainability in Central Europe. I have 

been able to experience the lives of locals for a short time. Navigating public transport, going to the grocery store, ordering at places where workers don’t speak English. It has all been a part of our learning experience in Freiburg and Vienna. Because of this, I believe we have all grown to be greater global citizens, offering our new knowledge to our endeavors at TCU.

Comments

  1. Anna Claire LindowMay 30, 2026 at 1:14 AM

    Amberly, learning how to live like a local is the best way to immerse yourself in culture! I had no idea Rome had such good watermelon, I’ll definitely put it on my list haha! I agree with how everyone of us, whether we realize it or not, have grown as global citizens by just living in a different country for just two weeks. I notice myself reading and speaking little German too, enjoying their local foods, and feeling like a local when it comes to the tram system. It makes me wonder how difficult becoming a global citizen is for people with barriers to entry since travel is pricey and difficult. I am grateful I have had this opportunity and I wish one day I can provide for others to experience trips like this where they can be educated through cultural experiences.

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  2. Camila ParraMay 30, 2026 at 2:15 PM

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  3. Camila ParraMay 30, 2026 at 2:18 PM

    Amberly, I think it's great how open minded you are when it comes to learning about different cultures! It can definitley be daunting at first seeing people do things that feel unfamiliar and even odd to us but being willing to try new things with the intention of being a better global citizen is the best way to go. I'm happy to hear that you've already been immersing yourself in the local culture on this study abroad and I have also been trying to blend in with the customs in the places we've travelled to so far. Our experience here will enrich us as well as allow us to give back to the global community.

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  4. Luke DunphyJune 1, 2026 at 1:55 AM

    I find your perspective as “what a Global Citizen is” interesting. Being able to adapt to new cultures, stay curious, and stay non-judgemental, is a real sign of nuanced thought and maturity. Your flexibility and curiosity are admirable and show that your goals for the abroad experience go further than a vacation. I am curious to know what cultural differences you would like to adapt to your own life or want to see adopted into American culture.

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  5. Leah BurchamJune 1, 2026 at 2:14 AM

    Amberly, I thoroughly agree with your perspective and understanding of global citizenship. In my opinion, having an open mind to new experiences is the most important part of travel. There is so much we can learn from local cultures, and taking the opportunity to engage in it is beneficial for both travellers and local communities. It is so fun and gratifying to recognize local customs and understand local languages and public transit. I’m impressed that you recognized words from the German lesson- that’s awesome! This trip has been a great experience so far, and I also think that we have all grown as global citizens since the beginning of our journey. It will be interesting to see how our local experiences and education translate when we go home to TCU.

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