Blog 33: Syndiely

Dear Future GSL Student,

Now that I have completed (almost) a full GSL trip, I wanted to write this letter so that anyone preparing to go on a GSL trip would be ready for anything. Preparing to leave your home for a month can be scary. With or without preparation you may still feel scared, nervous, or homesick. But, going on this trip is something I will never regret and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did. 


Tip #1: Be open. The thing scaring you the most right now might be the fact that you don’t speak the native language there. Guess what? That’s okay! As long as you are open to trying new things you will build such a powerful and strong connection. I was lucky enough to find connection primarily in joy and laughter. Our family loves Uno, so playing and laughing with them is how I have best gotten to know them.


Tip #2: Be aware. While this trip will and should be fun, that’s not necessarily the primary goal. As you wake up every morning and head out to do service, remember what you need to do to ensure reciprocity is happening. We should always remember the privilege we came here with. Us teaching our new family English is not the same as them teaching us Arabic. Always be mindful of who you are and what you have. But also, don’t lose sight of all the amazing parts of your community. Here, I have seen collectivism shine and connection soar.


Tip #3: Be vulnerable. How can you make the most of this without being vulnerable? On a small scale that might just be dancing in the kitchen even if you’re not a great dancer or don’t love it that much. Dancing in the kitchen while cooking with Nawal and Emani will always be one of my favorite memories. On a larger scale, reflect on the inter-cultural competencies: denial, polarization, minimization, acceptance, and integration/adaptation. Don’t just strive for acceptance where you are only tolerating differences. Go for gold! Strive for integration, where you’re fitting into that new culture, saying yes to new adventures even if they may scare you.


I hope you find this letter helpful. Your trip is going to be absolutely amazing. Learn a lot. Be your best you. Tell us all about it when you return.


Best,

Syndiely

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