“Could I borrow your rubber?” I asked. My friend turned and gave me a horrified look. “My what?” they said. This is when I learned that in the United States people call it an eraser, while a rubber is something quite different.
Over the course of the next few weeks I started to notice all the little differences between my culture and the American culture. A lot of the things I learned through my transition were from being a part of the international club at Ouachita and the friends that I made through it. Getting involved with the international club is an adventure, one in which you are guaranteed to have lots of fun, create new friends and have more than a few laughs. Meeting once a week on a Monday at 9 p.m. in Lile Hall 330, Ouachita’s International Club is a wonderful opportunity available to all students who wish to attend.
Getting to know other cultures, while getting to show others your culture is an amazing experience that I think everyone should have. Ouachita makes an effort to get international students to attend because they realize how important intercultural interaction is as a part of a liberal arts education system, as well as a life skill in broadening your worldview.
Intercultural communication is about understanding that different cultures have different customs, social norms, standards and thought patterns. Intercultural communication is a great asset to have in your skill set. As the world gets smaller through technology and globalization, we see intercultural communication occurring more in both corporate and casual environments. Coming to the international club gives you the opportunity to gain this skill in an enjoyable way while creating friendships along the way.
Friendships with international students can be very fun and exciting, because there is so much you can learn from each other. Because many of the international students at Ouachita have traveled far from their home country and families, they must make new friendships and build new bonds to support them during their time away from home. Joining the international club could be your opportunity to be there for international students and create long lasting friends. There’s also the bonus of getting to visit them when they go back home!
The exciting activities and excursions are another great reason to be a part of the international club. Every year the club takes a trip during Fall Break to different locations across the United States, such as St. Lois, New Orleans and various destinations in and around Arkansas. This is a highlight on the international club calendar and definitely something to join in with. There are also a number of other smaller planned events such as floating the river, group dinners and cookie decorating parties. These are all entertaining events where you can have a good time and get to know the others in the club.
Learning about other countries is also great reason to join the international club. Throughout the semester there are presentations by different members of the club about their home countries and cultures. These are often very insightful and engaging. They can be a wonderful way to broaden your world view as you learn how others live life, as well as a great way to get to know individuals better as you learn about their background. Some of the presentations even involve food! These international meals are a tasty way of hanging out together and getting to learn more about your friends.
Joining the international club is a great thing to commit to and something you will not regret. Step outside your comfort zone and into this amazing opportunity of learning and companionship. It’s there waiting.
By AJ Stambolie, Student Writer
