My International Engagement And Friendship

When I turned ten, I moved from South Korea, a predominantly monoracial country to Singapore, one of the most multiracial countries in the world. It was a struggle to adapt to an environment so different from my own but I was presented with an endless stream of opportunities to learn about new languages and cultures. Growing up, I interacted day-to-day with people from all over the world and that taught me priceless lessons. I have learned never to make sweeping generalizations of people but develop a greater understanding of the differences. I have learned that there is always something to be inspired by from every culture and that there is no one culture superior to the other.

Now, I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and exchanging cultures. Coming to Eastern Illinois University, I was once again exposed to a new environment. I have forged close friendships with several American friends and interacted with my dormmates and classmates. Then I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that most of them were ‘townies’ who were born and spent most of their life in Charleston. To some of them, I was the first Asian person they have ever communicated with. One instance, a local friend asked me how I decided to join Eastern Illinois University and if I have ever seen any other international students here. When I shared with him that our school is home to 430 international students from 42 countries, he was taken aback. He thought there was only a handful of them and has never felt their presence in the campus. He further added that it would be delightful and meaningful to have more opportunities to interact with the international students. Every international student on our campus can play a significant role as a cultural ambassador and there are 430 of them. That means the learning can begin right here on our campus. When a specific issue is being discussed in class, international students can share their perspectives. That may not fully represent their country and the people but they are nonetheless great insights. Being a cultural exchange enthusiast, I had a wonderful time during the Latino Heritage Month and the Mid-Autumn Festival party organized by the Chinese students.

Now I have my fingers crossed to be a part of the Homecoming Parade committee and Global Cultural Night committee. That would be a great opportunity for me to play my part in bringing domestic and international panthers together. I believe international education is nothing difficult or complicated. I believe it all begins with the day-to-day interaction between our domestic and international students, bridging cultural and linguistic divides and expanding horizons for learning in the process. While quelling prejudices, we will be furthering our knowledge and gaining intercultural skills which is a very important part of the 21st-century education in a globalized world. International education, or as I like to call it, ‘international engagement and friendship’ could really prepare all of us for the world out there, benefitting every single panther.