People with accents

My trip abroad has opened my eyes in many ways, and I have learned many valuable life lessons that I hope to share with my friends when I return to the states.   Speaking with an accent does not make you unintelligent, and also does not signify that they can't comprehend the conversation that is being held.  This seems so simple and common knowledge, but when it comes down to it, I don't think it always is. There have been many instances where after someone would hear my accent they would slow their speaking down (which is fine) but others would continue to talk to me like I'm a baby, or speak really loudly--DO... YOU.... UNDERSTAND??? (stuff like that) Some would even attempt to speak in broken English, even though I understood perfectly what was going on in the conversation. That being said, I think the majority of people change the way they speak to me in good spirits--they want me to understand, they want me to participate in the conversation, they want me to feel included and laugh at all the jokes. But, there is a fine line between making sure someone comprehends and talking to them like they are stupid.  Even though this is annoying to me, I see it as a great experience that I will carry with me where ever I end up.  For the first time in my life I am the immigrant, I am the foreigner, I am the one speaking a language that isn't native to me, I am the minority trying to blend in--and it's not always easy.  So what I want to share from this experience, is that if you are ever talking to someone with an accent, whether it be a spanish, asian, indian etc. please don't assume that they aren't intelligent.  In fact, if they are speaking a second or even third language to communicate with you, they already have one up on you.