Fulbright Foreign Student
Newsletter

The Beauty of Cultural Exchange

My experience as a Fulbright grantee has been promising thus far.  In addition to the high quality training I've received, in and out of the classroom, I have been able to appreciate the beauty of cultural interactions.

The theme of my pre-academic orientation, held at the University of Arizona, was cultural diversity and how the United States has succeeded in becoming an integrated, diverse society.  This diversity makes the United States a strategic society.  Inspired by my experiences at the orientation, I wrote a poem titled, “Thank you America."

*F*ar and wide America has gone                                                         
*U*nveiling the might of acculturation
*L*ittle did we know there was much we knew not
*B*rothers and sisters, from one source
*R*easoning and values, disparity not much
*I*ntegration indeed is good for all
*G*o home brethren, and tell all -
*H*ere I come with a new focus
*T*hanking America for giving us the forum.

Abubakarr S. Mansaray, 2008-2009, Sierra Leone, visiting the Grand Canyon

Some call their village their native land; some call their country their native land

Others call their region their native land; I will call my continent my native land

Carefully planned by the Almighty, her beauty is there for all to see

Each natural scene deliberately fixed, integrated into a wholesome beauty

Beautiful beaches on the coastline - some areas have the greatest diversity of flora and fauna

Some areas have the sun, the moon and shinning stars

Network and bind the different parts

The Hand that formed those great scenes is the Hand that formed us too

Culturally diverse, some disparities

Music and dancing are the best way to see

A sportive, creative, great people

Abundant blessings on my native land

Many countries easily identified, not those of my native land

So integrated they see us as one,

Countless blessings of different designs

Great potential in the land of my birth.

We often evangelize our beliefs and condemn those of others.  Yet, I have come to realize the beauty of this world lies in the fact that people use different means to arrive at the same result.  Cultural exchanges, such as the Fulbright Program, are a means towards exposing this beauty.  

Why We Are So Different

It has been more than three months since I've arrived in the United States from Malaysia.  It has been an interesting journey thus far.  The question, "Why are we so different?" has crossed my mind many times.  Americans and their culture are very different from what I expected and what I prepared for.  Watching movies and listening to stories about people's experiences living overseas did not fully prepare me for studying in another country, especially a place as diverse as the United States. 

My journey has been a roller coaster ride of emotions, experiences and exposure to world views.  I have been very blessed to be surrounded by people from different backgrounds and cultures.  I have made friends from around the world, as well as from several states.  I have been told many times that California is unique, but I'm still glad to have classmates and friends from all over.

Charis Geevarughese, 2008-2009, Malaysia (right), with friends at Biola University

At first, it was hard to adjust to basic things: transportation, banking, grocery shopping, etc.  It's a whole new world!  Once, I felt like returning to Malaysia where things are familiar and safe.  But as I've slowly adjusted, I am very grateful for the opportunity to study here, and at Biola University in particular.  I would never have met so many wonderful people (and it's only been a few months!) and experienced diverse cultures if I had stayed at home. 

I am learning much, in and out of the classroom.  This journey will be full of bittersweet experiences.  So far, I know what I'm doing, and wish to successfully complete my program.  I expect more personal adjustments and changes from people around me as we learn from each other, and get to know each others' countries and cultures.  I am glad I came, and hope to make the best of my time.  I encourage all exchange students to enjoy their time, but never lose their identities while learning about this culture.  We have much to contribute to our classrooms and friends.  This is an especially great time to share the growth, needs and beauty of our own countries.

Why are we so different?  Well, I believe it's simply because God is creative and wants us to enjoy our lives.  The world wouldn't be a very nice place if everyone was the same.  It is a joy to learn from people as well as to contribute to society.  We are different because we are human, yet we live on the same planet and share the same space.  I have much to learn from my classes as well as from my stay in the United States.   That is why I'm glad we're so different, because it gives me an opportunity to learn about myself and others.  As the Backstreet Boys song goes, "What makes you different makes you beautiful."