Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/english/1628568-reflection
https://studentshare.org/english/1628568-reflection.
I was hopeful that all will go well and that my college life will take off on a positive note. Nevertheless, my experience on the first day in our class proved me otherwise and changed my perception of college life and international studies.
Indeed, as an international student from UAE, my school allocated me a class that comprised students from other countries. Although most students came from U.K. and U.S. there were a significant number of students from other countries like Nigeria, Japan, and Mexico. Most uniquely, I was the only student from UAE and this posed a great challenge to my social and academic life. It was clear from the onset that most of the students came from different cultural, religious, economic, and social backgrounds. I was surprised how the differences among the new students will allow us to succeed in our academic pursuits. However, upon settling down in class, one of the administrators explained the organizational culture of the school and the need to adopt diversity in our class.
The administrator defined the school’s policy and advocated for cultural diversity and respect for the code of ethics. Indeed, he stated that English is the official language of communication and studying at the school and that all students should respect the cultural and religious backgrounds of all students. With this, the administrator guaranteed good cohesion and unity of purpose in our studies and relevant extra curriculum activities. The administrator stated that the school’s policy respects all religions and disregards any discrimination based on social and economic status. He also stated that all students have a right to interact with any students and noted that our studies would include group discussions, including students from different backgrounds. He, therefore, encouraged us to share our cultural values for purpose of adopting the cultural values that will boost our academic pursuits.
This experience taught me the need to adopt cultural diversity in my studies. It also taught me that I cannot exist in isolation and that it requires the effort of every student regardless of his or her cultural, economic, religious, or social orientation. Moreover, I learned that success in our lives relies on how well we associate with people from cultural backgrounds. Indeed, it was clear that cultural diversity enriches our personality, values, and perception of life. Read More