SD02 | How Studying Abroad has Strengthened my Canadian Identity
While in France, I studied at l’Institute d’Etudes Politiques de Grenoble which gave me the chance to study politics from a different political and cultural angle as well as immerse myself in a completely different lifestyle, allowing me to meet people from all over the world. My time spent in Malta was not on an exchange basis but rather I completed a dual Master’s program that was affiliated with George Mason University and the University of Malta. Being the only Canadian in my program, I found it interesting to try to define myself in a room made up of six American and four Maltese students. Interestingly, I have Maltese citizenship but I always identify myself as a Canadian.
While my time spent abroad may not compare to the extent that other people have been away from their home country, I strongly disagree with the statement that living or studying abroad has made me or anyone else less Canadian.
The most recent federal election in Canada saw voters questioning Michael Ignatieff’s citizenship and whether or not he was a ‘real’ Canadian or just a Canadian of convenience. Those opposed to his election cited the fact that he had spent a significant amount of time out of Canada but he counters this argument with the fact that he always came back and maintained his Canadian identity through his writing, broadcasting and teaching here. Perhaps scepticism comes from discomfort to define what a ‘real’ Canadian is in the first place.
Our country is so multicultural that it lacks a homogenous prototype, an idyllic individual that embodies all that is Canadian. Canada is made up of so many cultures, religions and languages that it is difficult to narrowly define what it is to be a Canadian. If Michael Ignatieff and arguably others who have lived, worked or studied abroad are not ‘real’ Canadians, then I cannot help but wonder who is.
Moreover, I wonder how long does an individual need to spend in a country in order to be considered a citizen. I have considered this idea during my time spent abroad and despite spending nearly a year in both France and Malta adapting to cultural differences and embracing their lifestyles, I still always felt Canadian and maintained that identity.
Although I was out of the country during the time of the last election, I still managed to maintain my civic duty to vote. It somehow seems funny to think that expatriates who participate in elections abroad would not be considered ‘real’ Canadians yet the other 39% of Canadians who failed to vote would be.
I have no regret in studying abroad and I encourage other individuals to do the same because I have learned so much about other countries and each time that I have come home I appreciate Canada more.
I live in the best country in the world, I’m a proud Canadian and no matter where I live, I will always be.
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Natalie Zarb is a Masters student studying abroad.
BA (Hons) Political Science, MCs, MA Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security (candidate)
(Photo source)