Malone, William

William Malone

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
Scotland: I chose this program because it felt like such an incredible challenge to me: I had never travelled to Europe, and have never travelled alone internationally before, so having the opportunity to do so with newly made friends, to countries with such dense history and incredible culture was incredibly exciting. Scotland was my first pick because I felt like an English-speaking country would be a lot more accommodating than having to learn a language I didn't fully know for the first time while abroad. Additionally, I love being surrounded by nature, and the University of Stirling being nestled right below the vibrant mountain Dumyat felt like the perfect place for me. Japan: I started learning Japanese while abroad in Scotland: I always admired the beauty of the Japanese alphabet, and combined with Japan's unique philosophy, ideals, and rich culinary practices, I felt like it was another perfect challenge for me. I continued my self-study all throughout my time abroad, through the following school year, and--with the help of a tutor--through the summer as well. My Sophomore fall semester (Fall 2023) came and I tested into second year Japanese after 8 months of self-studying! This accomplishment excited me greatly, and launched my curiosity and passion for Japanese culture. I continued my studies and started looking for opportunities to go abroad. I itched to test my knowledge, and see how much I could put my studies to use. Additionally, I wanted to immerse myself in Japanese culture to understand better how to use my Japanese, and to make new friends. Unfortunately, due to other summer commitments, I had to search for a shorter program than the UNC led program. Nevertheless, I found CIEE's program, and jumped headfirst into it!

What did you learn about yourself?
Through both experiences I learned how important connecting with different people is. It is so easy to trap yourself in an echo chamber of familiar practices and ideals that it can be hard, and even jarring at times to branch out. But each and every time I've stepped outside of my comfort zone I have had unimaginable experiences with people I never would've known otherwise. Friendships across languages have bloomed, self-growth across cultures have shaped my personality and ideals, and curiosity to the differences between me and others have led me to embrace them, and strengthen all the similarities we share--regardless of whatever cultural, linguistically, or social barrier was between us.

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
Scotland: I am an avid musician, and at the time I was learning my 2nd instrument, drums. The University of Stirling coincidentally had a music club, and in my hubris I imagined that I would walk in there and immediately be able to jam competently with the other musicians. To my embarrassment, there was a fellow student there, tutored for many years in jazz drumming, who showed me up. However, after the practice, I started talking to him, and he offered to give me lessons. Through my entire time in Scotland, he tutored me in jazz drumming, and through him came a wonderful friendship. He showed me many parts of Stirling I never would've seen, and introduced me to many musicians that are now influences in my own writing. He was an incredible teacher, and student, and he made my experience unforgettable. Japan: Through CIEE, we got to volunteer for an elementary school for a day. We were welcomed by many teachers, many Japanese but some expats from American and Jamaica. During our orientation we kept seeing school kids sneak up to the windows of the room and peer in at us, eyes filled with curiosity. The teachers assured us of the kids' excitement, and prefaced us that for most of these kids it is the first time they are meeting a foreigner. To be an integral part of such an experience, and to be able to shape these kids' experiences was such an incredible honor. I am so thankful to everyone who made that possible. The entire day was spent sitting with the kids, teaching them about American culture and my hometown, and playing with them at recess. Throughout all of this, despite the language barrier (even though I spoke a decent amount of Japanese, I couldn't understand what the kids were saying sometimes), we were all bonding. In Japanese, there is a word for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ichigo-ichie (一期一会), and this was truly one of them.

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
It is very easy to feel uncomfortable and nervous being in such a foreign place with foreign people. But confusion and uncomfortableness is a natural part of the process in becoming familiar and confident in being somewhere. Your first week at high school felt nothing like your last! That being said, your safety comes first. UNC, and nearly all third-party programs have put immense time into their safety precautions to keep you safe! Know and use the recourses given to you. Understanding how your program is helping you will give you the strength to sit in that uncomfortableness you will feel, and grow to understand and thrive in the new place you find yourself in!

How do you identify?
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Memories