that I am unamerican, because I do not wish to stay in the U.S. when I graduate from college. I want to go overseas, with the languages I am learning, and help them. I want my talents to be put to use where they will be appreciated regardless of my race and country. I know that if I stayed here I would not have an impact because in this country, my country, our countrty we take things and don't give back, we don't appreciate the things that are given because most don't know what whent into getting them, we are at the top of the totempole in this world right now, and many act like we're some third world country starving to death and dieing in the streets. I am not saying that we don't have problems of our own. We have corruption and crime taking place everywhere, people hyped on drugs dying in gutters, people shooting others, etc. The help we get we don't except, we think it's our right.

WE ARE IGNORANT, and ignorance is not bliss in my book.

I understand if I get slammed, but I know that I am an American; regardless of where I go, or what I do. But I would rather be anywhere over there helping, then here.

Truly,
MSD

Follow your heart. Life is short.

As you said and I know for a fact that the appreciation for the US and your home is truly brought to your attention when you vist elsewhere in the world.

I think to travel is American if not being human nature, after all we were once nomatic creatures and old habbits do die hard.

Do it and let no one take away your dreams.

The most fulfilling of all your education in your lifetime will be the experiences of travel and seeing and learning and understanding the cultures of others.

Those I have met who have experienced life outside the womb of America, talk of the experiences as if they were yesterday, even when they were 30 years or more ago.

I lived with the Japanese culture, foregoing college. What I learned through my interactions with these people far exceeded any knowledge I could have gained though school. But college, it seems, is no longer an option, but a requirement for future success. So, in my book, you are so on the right path.

If there is only one thing you ever learn from those whose age makes them wiser - let it be that your life is long, and each day you grow older. So take all the time you need to follow your hearts desires. There may be a day, a time, when the loss of your youth, will limit the follies you are willing to take. Let that day, that time give you memories of places and people and not regret.

You go woman!

Traveling has always enriches my soul, completes my curiosity and eventually it settled my spirit to some degree.

Travelling physically enriches you when you finally find your spiritual home.

Doesn't make you unAmerican MSD..makes you human..and really thats all any of us are..this silly labeling of things causes much distress...give your gifts and education where you see it best served.

Human first, American second ... how lovely

Maybe I'm being personal...but I'm automatically ignorant cause of the place I was born it? That strikes me the same as if someone tells me I racist cause I'm white.

this is the exact reason oprah opened her school for girls in africa and not in america.

Umm...why did she open it in africa? cause of me? lol

Publicity DC!!!

Ive been there, and what you will find is a felling of home sickness, and a yearning to come home. You will feel more American than you ever have in your young life. You will see by example and a first hand expieience that America is the greatest country on Earth.
You will not find less crime, esp. in Drug use. The treatment of people of different cultures is far less acceoting than ours.
At first it will be new and exciting, but soon you will long for home, and you will be just as glad to leave as the million of them that are anxious to come here.
There are many people right here in America that you could help. People that will welcome your help with open arms. People who need and want your help. Why do you trash your homeland? Our literacy rate is amongst the highest, our Universities are the finest, and our wallets are opened far wider to charity than anyones.
If you just want to travel, then travel, it is good to learn, but dont trash your home, or burn bridges while you do. You are young and you are stepping off to a world you know nothing about. Keep your mind open and have fun, but dont trash what you are for the unknown! You are American, and you will never shed that!

Sitting at the airport, waiting for my flight to Hong Kong...Fant ya know I love ya...but calling the BS card...
I don't think she is trashing America in any way...
The unknown is awesome!
And yes depending on where she goes, she will find less crime. Here in China, you do not hear of shootings and killings on a daily basis...Maybe where you went it was so...but not everywhere is like that...
Of course I long for home, but not becuase I hate it here, it's because I miss cheeseburgers and my sons...and the little conviences that we are so spoiled with..
It is not a matter of making money...
And as far as cultures being far less accepting...Sorry baby...wrong again...maybe it's the attitude that we carry that makes acceptance not come. I have not had a problem being accepted...I just can't find where I'm going...lol...Thanks for the help Darlin..
Anyways, I want to say to the OP...You go for it and enjoy your discoveries, there's a whole world to experience...right at your fingertips
Fanta, I have my eye on you

JJ,
I can prove you wrong on crime in China. I wont unless you ask me to though!
She said, WE ARE IGNORANT, and ignorance is not bliss in my book.
She also said we take and never give back, wrong. Americans donate more to charity, both on a personal level, and a legislative level than anyone. You can check the statistics if you want! I really don't understand the Europeans dogging America, well a little (jalousy?, envy?, and Bush!!!) but when an 18yr old American does, it really leaves me baffled.

I told her to enjoy traveling, I did, and everyone should when giving the chance. Its a good experience!

But China does have a very high crime rate and juveniles are involved in a lot of it. Rape statistics are hard to figure, because women are looked down on for reporting them. Bombings are high, on a regular basis, and the mob participation is very high. Traffic accidents-high too. car thefts-high too. You must live in a unique spot in China!!

A Midsummer

You might like one of those really wild countries like Canada or Australia. I know it would be a stretch and all with the different languages, but you could be a sort of emissary for the U.S.. Showing what fine people come from this great land.

OK I'm kidding some, but really you'll love those places if you go.

Personally I think you'd enjoy most anywhere in Western Europe as well. The people I've met from Europe were all pretty nice. I don't know what languages you are working on, but even without a lot of experience you can get around in Europe.

Far East can be a nice place to go too, but its a little harder to get around unless you've specifically studied the languages.

Middle East has a bunch of anarchists in my opinion, I'd avoid it just on principal and of course because the people you meet there would be likely to be nuts.

Africa I would not visit. Not for a day. I didn't lose anything on that continent. No reason to go back.

Maybe I'm a little tame, but I don't feel the need to move somewhere that is out of control. Which reminds me I did not mention Columbia or several other Latin and South American countries.

Hey, just renounce your U.S. citizenship, become a chinese citizen, and good luck.

I'm still mad

your right girlfriend,none of the poor americans who are hungry,illeterate and in need of services would ever appreciate you.What a load of ****.It's not unamerican to travel but please dont stereotype your countrymen and women.
As for Oprah,she just wanted to get in on Africa cause its the current cause celebre'.sickening.

No matter where u are, always follow your heart.
borders were invented by man, wherever u r just be urself and u'll be fine.
never forget ur family they r ur support, no matter where u r or what u r doing.
And always try to give the best of urself in any place u go, so those peopla can remember you forever.

TLW