I remember learning that data privacy laws in Tunisia limit our ability to source third-party data, with which we can create a more accurate credit score. We had three options. First, we could advocate for regulatory changes until we get what we want. Second, we could give up, because we know the score wouldn’t be as accurate as we would like it. Or third, we could just accept the setback and work with what we have. In an academic setting, I might have chosen to try something else, had I known the result wouldn’t meet my own expectations. Yet, when you’re trying to improve the life of others, any improvement is better than doing nothing. The mindset shift, from “all or nothing” perfectionism to a more pragmatic view, comes from realizing that our work is not about getting validation for ourselves, but in making a difference to the lives of others.
3.
There is nothing like experiencing a culture first-hand We seem to be a generation dedicated to armchair, rather than actual, travelling. After all, what isn’t on the Internet? We can browse photos of the most visited spots on Google, learn the history of countries on Wikipedia, and even read the real-life stories from people across the globe, like you are doing at this very moment! After living in Tunisia for a few months, however, I realize that there is no replacement for experiencing life in a foreign country first-hand.
I cannot recall how many times people were surprised when I told them that I enjoyed my time in Tunisia, even though I don’t speak either of the two official languages - Tunisian Arabic and French! It didn’t help that they already had preconceptions based on the sporadic attacks and protests they read about on the internet. There is also a stereotype about Arabic countries, which suggest they are conservative, and consider women less than men. From my own perspective, I found Tunis to be fairly safe, and that women were treated with respect, which is something I would never have known that if I hadn’t been here! It goes to show how the abundance of information online can be both a blessing, and a curse. The media is more likely to pick up bad news than to report on a normal day; while the online commentary can be based on perspectives you do not share. That is why there is nothing like seeing, and judging, a place for yourself, based on your own experiences. While there is much more that I learnt during my time with Kaoun that I would love to share, I believe that these messages are those that would resonate the most with you. Saying that, I am more than happy to share more of my experience and thoughts about the country – please feel free to reach out!
48 Global Affairs