Does it help reinforce and/or create the sense of belonging and out right patriotic ferver by living away from home. If so, how long and and how does this come to manifest itself; what could be the reasons. I suppose a keen interest in the affairs that one could not otherwise be bothered with is stimulated, by either curiocity about ones country while away, or the mere fact that one's attention is sharpened by the yearning and the craving for what is no longer available. If not, however, does presence and participation does it? For instance, one may argue that patriotism is reinforced by the constant contact that subsequently enhances knowledge and the love for what one learns. In my own opinion, being away does it. People and things that I could have otherwise ignored become the center piece of attention. I hate to confess that one ends up, literally, falling in love with everything resembling what is left home with a few exceptions. For instance, I doubt if I could have found this forum a necessity when at home. Please this is an open ended querry, go ahead and pour in as much opinions.