Indecisiveness about the 2012 presidential election is just as relevant abroad as it is domestically. Students studying at the various NYU abroad sites throughout the world weigh in on their thoughts about the candidates, voter participation and how it feels to be away at this crucial political moment. These students may be geograhphically removed from the issues for the time being, but distance cannot stop them from voicing their opinions. The media’s influence plays an important role abroad for those distanced from the election, leaving both sides up to intense interpretation. The U.S. elections may not be at the epicenter of daily discussion among foreigners in hesitant Buenos Aires or weary, Obama-leaning London, but it is certainly present.
1. Shanghai, China
“Interactions have shifted a number of times since Obama was elected. Nonetheless, the Chinese respect Obama and have seen him as a positive connection to the West. Obama’s re-election would serve as a way to stabilize tensions across the Pacific, especially in light of Romney’s recent anti-Chinese rhetoric. Stability through Obama’s re-election would also reduce uncertainty in Beijing, as China’s new president will also be selected this fall.”
— Daniel Witcik, Stern junior
2. Prague, Czech Republic
“While Mitt Romney and [President] Obama are not common names heard around the Czech Republic, the locals here do have their own opinions about the election. According to an NYU professor here, many Czechs feel that Mitt Romney’s policies are too conservative. Among the students here, other candidates are being discussed as well.”
— Sami Wong, LSP sophomore
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Here in Buenos Aires, people seem to avoid political conversations. In 2008, bringing up the election would have been a great icebreaker, at least for American students. This year, not so much.”
— Meghan O’Connor, Steinhardt junior
4. Florence, Italy
“Even overseas the big question is ‘Who will be the next president of the United States?’ Students in the NYU Florence study abroad program attempt to stay in the political loop while residing in a different country.”
— Fangfang Lee, Stern junior
5. London, England
“Every country still takes the U.S. election as seriously as its own, but it is the leaders of both parties and associated news media that are making America’s election and reputation tread on thin ice. English people, if they were American, would vote Obama, but only because he seems to be the lesser or two evils, and it seems that NYU students are divided as ever.”
— Henry Hsiao, CAS sophomore
6. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
“I think the political climate at NYU Abu Dhabi is unique in the fact that non-Americans greatly outnumber Americans here. I’d say 50 out of 400 are Americans.”
— Sundus S. Arain, CAS junior
7. Sydney, Australia
“As a student with a deep interest in politics, I have been regularly following both campaigns through news sources, blogs and the recent debate. Here at NYU Sydney, I believe most students have an interest in the upcoming election but feel somewhat distanced.”
— Alex Clavijo, CAS senior
8. Paris, France
“Elections are a big topic here at NYU Paris. Just yesterday, I talked with a group of people about the debates, our absentee ballots and the election in general. We are definitely worried here. Some of us might be inclined to stay in Paris if Romney wins. The Internet makes it easy to stay updated on the latest election news, and The New York Times has been uploading the full debates on YouTube.”
— Kelsey Ledgerwood, CAS junior
9. Madrid, Spain
“We Americans can’t help but be reminded of the politics back home. A number of NYU students attended the recent Rock the Vote event at which Americans could register to vote or even cast their votes, depending on their states. Especially at NYU, I see an even stronger patriotism than I’ve seen in the States recently — maybe it really does have to do with the current political climate in Spain.”
— Tim Gorichanaz, GSAS student
A version of this article appeared in the Friday, Oct. 26 print edition. Richard Zhang is foreign correspondents editor. Email him at [email protected].