Berkley Center

Shadia Milon (SFS '20) explores her complex relationship with the word "gringa," noting how the typical racial associations with the term do not match her own background as a Muslim of Bengali descent. She argues that study-abroad programs must work toward selecting more diverse cohorts.

Studying in Mexico, Jessica Frankovich (C'20) tries to speak Spanish but discovers the prevalence of English among the upper-class, urban population she encounters. Recognizing her linguistic privilege, she vows to navigate future conversations with English language learners with patience/empathy.

Grace Ramstad (C'20) encounters the Swedish word lagom, a philosophy, attitude, and way of life that translates to “balance” or “optimal.” For her, lagom looks like relationship building and relaxation through regularly eating dinner and watching Grey's Anatomy together with her host family.