The United States may be a melting pot of cultures, but it seems to expect only other cultures to assimilate. Not only have most of my family's multiracial traditions been forgotten, but I am also ignorant about cultures outside of the United States. I have never been able to live or visit outside the box of my country. I don't want to have such a narrow view of the world. Even though I live in a Western culture, I don't know how other Western cultures live. As a country, it seems that the United States is too young to even begin to understand world culture. By studying abroad, I hope I can begin to expand my understanding of the world. I also want to get to know my home country in a new light. I look forward to making new friends and I expect that studying abroad will open my mind and deepen my desire to learn about other cultures. This experience will reduce my narrow-minded cynicism. Studying abroad will ignite my independence, confidence and enthusiasm for life. I will be attending the University of London for ten weeks. I will sign up to take fifteen credits. I chose this program because I want to compare British college accommodation with that of my own college. My hope is that we can begin to recognize and respect cultural differences. I will have an all-access season ticket with me for travel across London via bus and tube. I'm fascinated by the concept of the London Underground. Due to my study abroad program, this is the first time I've heard about London's underground transit system. When I first arrive in London, I will meet with members of the staff of the American Institute for Foreign Study. These consultants will be able to provide me with a lot of information and personal advice. I will also participate in a workshop on......half of paper......debt weighing on me. Seeing the amount of stress the bills place on my mother scares me because stress deteriorates her health. It still scares me that my studies abroad will burden my parents. To start tackling this money issue, to continue receiving the financial aid I get at my community college, I need to maintain my GPA. In the next few months, before I leave for London, I will apply for a full-time job and save my earnings to pay off my expenses. If I really want to realize my dream of studying abroad, I must not depend on my family's money and make such problems worse. Preparing to study abroad is already an experience that introduces me to some of the realities of spending. I will return home from London with an even greater sense of responsibility. I will return home ready to help me and my family overcome life's obstacles.