International Student Orientation Peer Assistant

So what?

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 While working and engaging in conversations with culturally diverse students, I have learned that everyone has their own unique identity and story that represents them. I have heard stories about how those students grow up and what they have done before, what things are different for them in the US, and what they miss the most. These stories made me think that culture is so broad because it is not only the way people live and perceive the situation but also how they dress, talk, behave and express themselves. For example, I have noticed that some students were not keeping constant eye contact because, in their culture, it is a sign of aggression or domination. As a student from Uzbekistan, I understand this because I have seen how people can get into a fight just for staring at someone on the street. Also, I have noticed that some students were wearing traditional clothing that represents their culture. Cultural cloth is bonded to the history of the country and worn on certain occasions or daily basis. Therefore, people should never be judged for what they wear as some cloth may be strongly tied to their identity.

 

This learning positively affected my individual perspectives because I grew up in a country where diversity is extremely limited. The majority of the population in Uzbekistan follows the same social standards, beliefs, and lifestyle. Therefore, meeting students worldwide during the International Student Orientation and my academic journey allowed me to expand my reality and cultural awareness. I have become more tolerant and established a personal framework for intercultural engagement. For example, by interacting with students from Saudi Arabia, I have learned that in their culture, physical contact is actively practiced in everyday interaction. Things like putting an arm on your friend's shoulder and greeting friends by grabbing a hand and simultaneously tapping a back are a sign of close friendship. In addition to this, I have met students from Japan and Brazil, where we talked about their uniform mandate in elementary and high school. The rationale behind having that mandate is to make everyone feel equal; otherwise, some students would wear new clothing while others' financial situation would not allow them to afford it. I also went to the school where I had to wear a uniform, so I understand its importance. Overall, looking at other cultures from the lens of my own culture allowed me to develop a non-judgmental and more accepting attitude. Therefore, while having opposing views, I always listen and learn their perspective and do not push my truth unless it is a public debate.  

 

 

Now what?

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Putting myself into a culturally diverse environment helped me to develop tremendous respect and awareness toward different cultures. I have learned how to inclusively communicate with people while considering their values and cultural background. This skill is already helping me work and organize projects with a diverse team in my current workplace. Down the road, I believe that my cultural awareness and sensibility will allow me to be a great teammate.