Fulbright Foreign Student
Newsletter

An Unexpected Tour

Ngoc Nguyen, 2009-2011, Vietnam

Last week, we (39 Fulbright Foreign Student Program grantees from 35 different countries) took part in a session called the Interactive Campus Tour with UNCC Students.  Initially, I thought UNCC students would take us around campus in a van and introduce us to UNCC.  However, we were instead divided into six small groups and expected to explore the school and compete with each other.  Each group was required to find different buildings we had never been to, answer quizzes and take pictures of specific places within 30 minutes.  A fabulous prize would be given to the group that came back with all members present and the most accurate answers.  For some, it was just a kid’s game and too easy.  But it wasn't really, since it was difficult for some group members who weren't used to physical activity to stay together, running in very hot, sunny weather and around sloping, unfamiliar terrain.  We had to take pictures of some buildings and answer questions related to small items inside them.  For example, take a napkin, look for a slogan within a cafeteria, write down the slogan on the napkin or take a picture in which all team members look silly, etc. 

Ngoc Nguyen, 2009-2011, Vietnam (left), with fellow Fulbrighters posing for their prize-winnng "silly picture"

This game required everyone do their best at activities such as finding shortcuts, asking for support from other people and answering questions correctly and quickly.  Due to time constraints, some groups made very simple mistakes such as finding a napkin but not writing the slogan on it, or taking serious pictures instead of silly ones, etc.  After the tour, we were all tired but had had a lot of fun.  My group came in second, but our silly picture was the best!

For me, the prize was not important.  The most crucial thing was that although we were from different cultures, we worked well together as a team toward a goal.  In addition, I learned that apart from being self-motivated and independent, studying in the U.S. also requires teamwork to become successful.  More importantly, students are encouraged to be active and creative and there are many available resources to help make our dreams come true.

To comment on Ngoc Nguyen's article on State Alumni, please click here.   

Understanding Global Citizenship

As a global citizen from Burkina Faso, I understand the concept of global citizenship as a moral disposition to celebrate, promote, and maintain different cultural identities.  Being at the Center for English as Second Language (CESL) in Tucson, Arizona has allowed me to gain awareness of the wider world in two ways: living with a large family comprised of 33 nationalities and volunteering to help others.

First of all, my stay at CESL has been great and has reinforced my values.  I have been exposed to positive experiences by meeting people representing 33 nationalities.  I have learned about their music, literature, etc.  Through these things, I have been encouraged to have contact with different races, religions, cultures, genders, abilities, and beliefs.  Now, I look for what we have in common instead of how we are different.  For me, that is an example of tolerance.

Ramata Sore, 2009-2011, Burkina Faso

Moreover, I have met with professionals in education, anthropology, theology and religion to hear and discuss their perspectives.  I have made and maintained new contacts.  As a result, my English has improved and I've become more informed about how I can perfect my speaking and writing.  Being in the U.S. is not only about earning a diploma, it is also an opportunity to be open-minded and among friendly people. 

Being a global citizen is to be committed to making the world a sustainable place for all.  The differences between cultures, religions and races with whom I have engaged in the U.S. have inspired me to record my experiences and share them through writing.  I hope to produce a book in which people will read stories about actors and others promoting global citizenship, and my commitment to study very hard towards building a road to success.

As a French speaker pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, I have a commitment to excel.  Can I make this happen?  Sure.  My feeling is that, "Yes, I can."

To comment on Ramata Sore's article on State Alumni, please click here.