Helping America's reputation

Over pints at a pub in Dublin over spring break, I had a conversation with a local Irishman, Seamus. This conversation repeated itself multiple times during my week abroad. It started out innocently enough, until he asked the inevitable question: "So, where are you from?"

As soon as the words "United States" left my mouth, I knew I was in for a string of questions, complaints and a general diatribe about how my new friend felt about the United States. And so, I tried to convince Seamus of the good aspects of America, the variety of political views and the different beliefs citizens hold across the country.

Of course, foreigners know about American diversity of thought and political views. But I think the people I spoke to just liked to voice their frustration to an actual American -- albeit a relatively powerless college student on spring break.

Penn is also doing its part to smooth relations overseas.

The administration has been working hard to improve its international appeal by promoting the University abroad. Over winter break, President Amy Gutmann spent time in Asia, endorsing the school when she wasn't riding elephants. In addition, the University's Task Force on Global Engagement recently urged Penn to offer scholarships specifically aimed at international students.

Thanks to these efforts, Penn's reputation abroad is rising, and the number of applicants are rising with it. This year's 7-percent increase in international applicants will help to dispel many myths about America's consumer society and its gluttonous and tasteless citizens. I am not saying these stereotypes are completely unfounded, but improved international exchange is the best way of ensuring that false images and negative viewpoints are replaced by a realistic portrayal of the United States and other countries.

The pendulum swings both ways. International students at Penn have the chance to experience American life directly -- but Penn students studying abroad should also make an effort to represent our country well and try to dispel at least a few false beliefs about the States. America's reputation abroad is constantly on the chopping block, and positive interactions with Americans will go a long way toward fixing the problem.

"I personally feel that [students abroad] have an obligation to represent Penn and the United States well," said Marcia Henisz, an adviser for Penn's study abroad-programs. "This is an opportunity for us to go out and put the U.S.'s best foot forward."

The globe is already much smaller than it was a few years ago. Backpacking across Europe for American students today is equivalent to the cross-country road trip that many of our parents embarked on when they were in college. The EuroRail has replaced the beat-up Pontiac of our parents' generation.

With increased globalization, Penn students should take up responsibility for representing the States fairly and positively when studying and traveling abroad. The American government only provides a handful of foreign emissaries, and Penn has even fewer official ambassadors. But about 600 students travel outside the United States through Penn's Office of International Programs each year, and all of them will have the opportunity to improve the American image abroad.

Some of the stereotypes held about Americans are accurate, and our political mistakes justify some anger. But instead of nodding and allowing these negative views to be perpetuated overseas, Penn students should make the effort to improve America's image during their time abroad -- at least within their circles of friends, professors and host families.

The "powerful thing about international education and studying abroad is that it is an opportunity to shape opinions in a positive way" said Henisz, who maintains a positive outlook -- although she admits that students abroad also have the power to negatively affect American stereotypes.

If everyone does a little bit of mending, the next generation of students abroad won't have to deal with the constant task of explaining why foreigners should like Americans, besides the tourism and money that we bring to many countries.

After all, Italians are known as great lovers, and the French as great cooks. I wouldn't complain if the American stereotype were more positive. Then I wouldn't have to spend time trying to change Seamus' mind about America. I could sit back and soak up the culture instead.

Anna Hartley is a sophomore comparative literature and French major from Palo Alto, Calif. Penn's Annatomy appears on Tuesdays.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.