Zachary Kirchhoff

Contact

zkirch@sas.upenn.edu

Ask me about…

This was my first time traveling abroad, and I would be happy to talk about this unique experience any time! I know that being so far away can be challenging, confusing, and stressful, but I have learned, thanks to Penn and PGS, that it can also be deeply compelling, exciting, and life-changing. I am applying to be an ambassador for Penn Abroad to demystify these experiences and bring new perspectives to those who are hesitant to engage with these programs!

My Experience Abroad:

The writing seminar is a polarizing, required course for first-year students at Penn, and because I took this course in the spring of my freshman year, I was certainly prepared for the worst. What I was unprepared for, however, was a life-changing experience that would shape and inform how I engage with the world around me and inspire new academic, personal, and professional goals. Traveling to Bali, Indonesia is a rare and exciting opportunity for anyone–and has been for centuries. As we learned in class, Bali’s culture has been shaped by tourism and the notion of being a “Timeless Paradise.” We learned about how colonialism and globalization have influenced and intertwined with Balinese traditions, creating a unique and often contradictory blend of history and modernity.

Our in-class learning, with its focus on historical narratives, cultural representation, and the impact of tourism, allowed my classmates and I to navigate this abroad experience with a much more dynamic and comprehensive understanding of Bali–and, more importantly, our lack thereof. This is the only experience I’ve ever had where I was given the opportunity to engage in experiential learning with this perspective, and this experience has deeply influenced my understanding of the world around me and my future goals.

Witnessing firsthand how cultural narratives are constructed and consumed, particularly through the lens of tourism, ignited a desire to understand the psychological and social implications of these representations. I could see, in real time, how media, in all its forms, shapes our perceptions and influences our behavior. This experience solidified my ambition to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, where I hope to contribute to the creation of authentic and nuanced stories that reflect authentic human experiences, challenge stereotypes, and foster greater understanding and empathy across cultures.

Other Highlights:

One day, we immersed ourselves in the local community by visiting non-profit organizations working to navigate the delicate balance between Bali’s tourism industry and environmental sustainability. These encounters provided a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by locals and expatriates in preserving the island’s unique ecosystems.

Beyond the academic learning, this trip fostered an unexpected sense of camaraderie. I had the privilege of sharing this transformative experience with a diverse group of brilliant and kind individuals. Despite our initial unfamiliarity, the shared challenges and triumphs of our journey forged lasting friendships and memories.

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the trip was the opportunity to engage with students from a local Balinese university. These insightful conversations, spanning hours of discussion and culminating in a sunset beach gathering, provided invaluable insights into the local perspective on tourism and its impact. Exchanging stories, sharing music, and building genuine connections with these students enriched my understanding of Bali beyond the academic lens.