Personal Narrative: The USA

This presentation will explain the differences and similarities, if any, in the countries of Spain and Puerto Rico’s. The presentation will show the differences and similarities between the two countries arts, culture, and economic environment. The presentation will show how both countries have a assimilation of cultural and distinctiveness. Even though both countries have similarities and differences, they both have one thing in common, and that is they are Spanish-speaking countries with an array traditions, culture, and diversity amongst the people, that will be talked about in this presentation.

Are there differences between living in Puerto Rico and living in the United States? I believe that there are big differences. I came to the United States when I was five years old. I then moved to Philadelphia for one year, lived in Georgia for six years, and now I am currently living in Maryland. I always go back to Puerto Rico to visit my family. I love it there. I like living in the United States but there are many things that differ such as the location itself, people and the schools.

When I went to Guatemala the culture there was very colorful. I realized the people there don’t speak english. Their first language was spanish. Which was fine to me, since I know how to speak spanish. My

I notice so many different cultures and ethnicity, which amazed me because in my country you only saw Dominicans and maybe sometimes if you could afford to go to a resort you could, see Caucasians, but that was not very diverse like the united states I was excited in exploring this country, but I the same time I was very scared because it was a big change and the language was different. Now I had to adapt to a new culture, new people and new friends. Everything to me felt like a challenge.

One of the first things I noticed while attending the Puerto Rican Festival was the language differences (2017). Most people spoke Spanish, and Spanish seemed to be their preferred language over English. At the festival, it was difficult to communicate. People carried

Puerto Rican culture is very unique and diverse and is mainly influenced by its past. It is a melting pot of Taino Indian, Spanish, African, and American cultures, which is what makes Puerto Rico unique. Puerto Rican music, clothing, food, traditions, holidays, languages, and religions are all influenced from the diversity of the population. The official languages are Spanish and English because of the long period of time when Spain ruled and then later, when it became U.S. territory. The majority of the population of Puerto Rico is also Roman Catholic or Protestant again, because it was ruled by the Spanish Crown for over an extended period of time.

Are there differences between living in Puerto Rico and living in the United States? I believe that there are big differences. I came to the United States when I was fifteen years old. Although, I am currently living in the United States, I always go back to Puerto Rico to visit my family. I love it there. I like living in the United States but there are many things that differ from Puerto Rico such as food, education and weather.

Studying in a foreign country is an interesting experience of an individual lifetime. One tends to learn a number of things relating to ways of life in a foreign land. Social, political and economic values and aspects are usually different from one region to another. Therefore, through studying abroad one is able to learn different issues about another society such as gender and sexuality issues, social class and race/ethnicity issues. Having come from a developing country studying in the U.S.A has been a great experience personally. This paper will attempt to provide a reflection of my personal experience on studying in the U.S by comparing the history of Angola and the U.S.

When arriving to the Dominican Republic it was as if a whole new world opened up to me. Puerto Plata was full of different changes; the streets were full of wandering animals, there wasn’t as many cars as there is back home, and mopeds were racing with several people on them at a time. The differences that I experienced were nothing that I have seen before. America is in constant expansion of technology while the Dominican is further set back. When you travel to different parts of the world you begin to see how people live their lives differently. The culture along with the aspects of living are completely different from what we are used to seeing in our everyday lives.

Living in a Spanish speaking culture, Cahuita, Costa Rica, not only helped improve my Spanish language skills, but also helped me learn about the culture and how to become accepted into their community - by interacting with them and making an effort to learn about them and their culture. Many of the expats people living in Cahuita were living in the village, but were not a part of the community because they kept apart from the locals, lived in expensive houses, separated themselves from the community, and weren’t as accepting of the Cahuiteños and their culture. But by living modestly and

Growing up in Ghana, I had heard a lot of things about the U.S. This was a country I had always wanted to visit; my prayer was answered when I got the opportunity to travel there. Arriving in a new environment came with many experiences. Adjusting with food, language and the weather was not easy. With the passage of time, however I have been able to0 adjust and fit it. This write-up therefore is to elaborate on my experiences since coming to U.S.

Imagine you want to interact with someone from a Spanish speaking country. They might have a slight impediment with the culture of another country they are not familiar with. This also holds true for an American interacting with someone with a different cultural environment. There are many differences and similarities amongst the US and Spain. Comparing the two cultures is quite interesting and captivating.

This Island has many physical and human characteristics. Of course as you can tell by this islands name their languages are Spanish & English. Though their culture is very diverse, they have many racial mixes just as there is cultural mixes. Even with their mix of cultures their main religion is Christian with having no religion at all falling right behind. Of course they mostly listen to Puerto Rican Music but then again they’re still Hispanic as well so you can hear multiple different types of Spanish music as well. Latino and Latinas of any kind from multiple different regions also make up approximately 99% of the population. In Puerto Rico they have larger families; family there is one of their first top priorities, even closer than families here in North America. Even with larger families they’re very poor and have terrible working conditions.

I became a different person in Spain. Not in a negative way, but I molded my personality to fit the different culture. I got insight into different cultures and ways of thinking. During history class I understood the debates between my peers who were for independence of the Basque country and those who thought it was ridiculous. I understood when my teachers discussed the current corruption and issues with the Spanish government. I understood my friends during lunch when they were talking about the recent gossip around the different friend groups. Eventually, I was able to add to the conversation. This marked a turning point in my own identity as I soon began to develop thoughts and opinions in Spanish that only my Spanish friends would understand and would seem completely foreign to my American friends. At one point I was asked by a peer what I considered myself to be: American or Spanish. I responded with Spanish.

Travelling to Cuba for the first time was amazing. Having only travelled to Mexico once before my first trip to Cuba I noticed a contrast in cultures even though my assumption was they would be similar because they are both Spanish speaking. My first trip to Varadero was over 12 years ago. I was informed that the locals valued tips of crayons, toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries, but I was unsure why. I later realized it was because of the embargos, they had no, or very limited access to, these items and many more. I remember going into Havana and while taking in the breathtaking sights, being followed by many locals who were rubbing their arms. I had no idea what was going on and was later informed that they were asking for soap. SOAP! I thought to myself, not money or food, but soap? Something I had taken for granted my whole life. In my many discussions with the locals I learned they were very educated, most of whom were doctors and environmental or corporate lawyers. Education is free in Cuba and homes are also provided for free, therefore, many Cubans go to University for many