I’m a senior now as a student of English and public health, but you could also call me a student of cultures. I’ve long been fascinated with different languages and customs, and my college years have given me so many rare opportunities to do that.
In the first two weeks of my freshman year, I met Hussain Alsharyah from Najran, Saudi Arabia. I soon started learning Arabic under his tutelage and came to share many good memories with him, including the Middle Eastern meals he brought to my house.
Around the same time, I met Mohammed Alghulam from Eastern Saudi Arabia with whom my family and I have also become friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed my vicarious exposure to their homeland through our friendship and even bought myself a white thobe that I’ve worn for Saudi National Day celebrations.
Other friends I’ve been able to practice Arabic with include English professor Yousif Elhindi and my comrades in the public health program. These gentlemen as well have shared with me their countries’ views on religion, culture and politics.
I have also enjoyed my experience with the Hispanic culture at ETSU. Having worked in the Language and Culture Resource Center and attending Corazón Latino Festivals have given me much-appreciated contact with the Hispanic language and customs. Right now, I’m tutoring Spanish in the CFAA for my 3rd year and auditing a Spanish grammar class with Dr. Detwiler just for fun. You might be able to tell I enjoy practicing my Spanish at any opportunity I can.
In my experience with these Bucs from abroad, the feeling has been mutual. They’ve enjoyed learning more about American culture and having a friend to aid navigating through a new (and admittedly confusing) place.
As this year comes to a close, I’m not as pleased with the fact that I can say a few words in Arabic or that that I have Language and Culture Resource Center on my résumé as I am about my memories with these friends. There are few things like a true friendship, and I’ve been privileged to experience that with a few of my fellow Buccaneers.
Whether you are a freshman or a senior, I encourage you to seek deep friendships our international classmates. In doing so, you will enjoy cultural experiences that you may not otherwise have a chance to. In addition to being great friends, they are often a unique source of insight and information from their own nations. We exchange ideas; we not only understand each other better as people but also come a step closer to seeing the world as it really is.
