by Hyewon Yun, Korea
Writer David Sedaris said that he felt like the “the lowest life form” while he was discussing on NPR his humiliating experiences of learning French in Paris. The statement might be extreme, but it does hold some truth. I worked as a translator back in Korea, and helped many English-speaking business people and professionals communicate with their Korean counterparts in mutual interactions. My best efforts to change one language into another failed me sometimes because as foreigners, English speakers could not fully understand what was going on without a basic awareness of Korea’s cultural and social contexts. In this situation, they first floundered in a deluge of words, then abandoned themselves in a pool of loss, and finally had this I-have-no-idea look on their faces. This made them look not very smart, at best. However, the tables were turned when I came to America with my husband, who had been accepted as a business graduate student at Notre Dame.
I started to learn English at the age of 13 in school, majored in English education at college, and was trained and worked as a professional English translator. I often watched CNN and PBS, read Time Magazine and the New York Times, and loved Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, and Iron Man; however, as soon as I landed in the middle of Midwestern corn fields, I immediately became a “foreigner” who had no idea about America and American life.
When I came to Notre Dame with my husband, I began participating in International Student Services and Activities’ English as a Second Language (ESL) for International Spouses Program. Part of my journey in the ESL classes was the process of better understanding American culture and history. One of the insightful topics during the classes was tall tales, which extoll courage, resourcefulness, as well as physical and mental strength of the grassroots heroes and heroines who pioneered this country long before Hollywood, New York fashion, Michael Jackson or Coca Cola. I could see the painful struggle of those people who crossed treacherous waters from around the world, endured hard labor to survive poverty or slavery, or took one tough step after another to build a better life in the New World behind these funny or exaggerated stories. I believe that this heroism, unsung outside America, has served as a basis for this country’s entrepreneurship, country music, hard-to-pronounce street names and beautiful national parks. Those tales helped me to understand the formation of this country a little more.
The ESL Program opened my eyes, not just to America, but also to the world. In celebration of Valentine’s Day every year and in the middle of busy presidential primaries this year, two different classes under the program had joint sessions to discuss love and wedding customs as well as presidential election systems in the students’ home countries. The students in the class represented almost the entire world: China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan from East Asia; India, Iran, Israel and Sri Lanka from South Asia and the Middle East; Armenia, Russia and Spain from Asia and Europe; the Dominican Republic and Mexico from Central America; Brazil, Chile and Uruguay from South America; and Cameroon and Mali from Africa. I was sometimes shocked, and at other times amused, by the stories. For example, Islamic Chinese hold a family-oriented hour-long wedding ceremony, which seems to be the combination of the Islamic faith and Confucian values. Iran surprised me with its great status of women and high divorce rates. Africa and Asia have similarities in putting communities and families before individuals. I never expected to meet a passionate Iranian feminist or modest, silent Chinese career woman (Chinese people are considered assertive and outspoken to many Koreans). I also learned what roles religion plays in American and Iranian politics, why the Chinese do not bother to vote, and how totally different countries have so much in common.
These experiences reminded me that I had a mold to break, which required more sincere effort and commitment than expected. It is true that I have learned things from CNN World Reports, BBC World Service, and The Economist, but they often cannot beat five minutes of small talk with real people from the regions that news media touch upon. The ESL student body is a microcosm that provides many chances for such interactions as it represents a big world across diverse countries, regions, skin colors, ethnic groups, cultures, and religions in a small classroom. This English-learning program encouraged me to break down the walls of preconceptions and misunderstandings and to see the world beyond the endless cornfields of the Midwest.
Some might say it is an exaggeration, but I believe these eye-opening moments help build trust, harmony and peace in the world. The lack of understanding often produces prejudice and discrimination. I couldn’t have learned this lesson living a comfortable life as a non-foreigner in Korea, nor did I expect to learn this lesson when I first signed up for the program. This is the education this unique and precious program can deliver – I couldn’t have learned it from any other part of American life. This is what the ESL program for international spouses taught me, and how it helped me grow out of feeling like “the lowest life form” in America.
April 30, 2012
by Tara Lucian, USA
Every fall and spring break the Center for Social Concerns hosts seminars throughout Appalachia, a region of the United States that surrounds the Appalachian Mountains and includes counties in 13 different states. This region is one of the poorest in the United States, with some of the highest levels of unemployment and lowest levels of education. The people you meet in Appalachia are usually very different than the people you will meet at Notre Dame; they have different backgrounds, expectations for the future, and perspectives on life. There are some similarities though: they are friendly people who are willing to lend a helping hand and work hard for what they want.
This spring break I went to West Virginia with fifteen other Notre Dame students. The beginning of the drive down was boring. We spent hours driving through flat Indiana and Ohio cornfields. Once we hit the foothills of the Appalachians, the scenery took a turn for the better. There was something eerily beautiful about the tree-covered mountains. It was too early in the season for leaves, but rather than the normal brown or gray that you would expect from leafless trees, they almost had a blue tinge to them. Driving through the mountains with the bright sun and blue sky overhead, and country music blasting on the radio, we made our way deeper into Appalachia.
We spent most of our time working with Park Ranger Eddie Hatcher, readying a state park for summer visitors while Eddie imparted his ageless wisdom on us. When geese fly in a “V,” why is one side longer than the other? Because there are more geese on that side!
When we finished work for the day, we would go hiking in different state parks. Wading through fallen leaves next to trickling streams and babbling brooks, crawling behind waterfalls and under rocky outcrops, we wondered at the beauty of the nature around us. Every walk was an adventure as we often went off trail, never knowing where we would end up next. I have vivid memories of staring down at our car from a 40 foot cliff, wondering how on Earth we were going to get down so we could return in time for dinner.
Of course, there was an educational aspect to the trip as well. There were several cultural events at the Folklife Center: Ranger Rudy taught us about the history of coal mining, Nancy spoke about preserving West Virginia and its culture, and Will treated us to a haunting coal miner’s song.
“It’s dark as a dungeon and damp as the dew/Where danger is double and pleasures are few/Where the rain never falls and the sun never shines/It’s dark as a dungeon way down in the mines.”
Even listening to the radio was an experience. Most strikingly, I heard a commercial about looking for a job after high school, with no mention of college, no suggestion that it might be an option. For many people in Appalachia, it’s not. As someone who was raised assuming that I would go to college, this commercial made a strong impression.
If any undergraduate student is looking for a new experience to fill their fall or spring break, I highly encourage them to take part in an Appalachia Seminar. I had the time of my life on my trip: I worked hard, recharged, met new people, and explored the outdoors. I learned so much about a region of the United States that I had only ever driven through before, and I felt honored and privileged to have done so.
Tagged: Appalachia, culture, Notre Dame, Outdoors, Service, Trip April 5, 2012
by Yiwei Shen, China
My name is Yiwei Shen and I originally come from China. My hometown Chengdu is located in the southwest of China. The weather in Chengdu is so different from here. We have endless cloudy days and are always expecting the precious blue sky. It’s so exciting to have plenty of sunshine here! In addition, Chengdu is said to be a city that “teaches you how to waste your time correctly” and “you never want to leave once you come.” It is a place with a slow and pleasant pace, resulting in satisfaction about life.
At Notre Dame, I live in Lewis Hall and I find it a super nice dorm for me. (We enjoy the beautiful lakes!) Technically speaking, it is not far from anywhere; it’s just not close enough to everywhere. It takes me some time to get to class, but why not regard it as a little exercise?
As a freshman, I want to double major in business and psychology, but I won’t make a decision until next year. Many people have asked me why I chose to attend Notre Dame. The simplest answer is that Notre Dame was the best choice for me compared with other universities. But now I’d like to say I was led to Notre Dame by life. It doesn’t sound like an ambiguous answer, does it? However, I do believe ND is THE university for me.
April 5, 2012
by Tanya Alconcel, Hawaii, U.S.A
Leaving my home state of Hawaii to come to Notre Dame was the biggest culture shock of my life, which isn’t something you might expect since Hawaii is still part of the U.S. But the environment, the people, and the culture at Notre Dame was completely different from island life. Although it was extremely disconcerting at first, I think it was my curiosity and excitement of being in a new place, experiencing a new culture, and meeting new people, that helped me overcome my initial fear and thrive in this new environment. I stepped out of my comfort zone to talk to lots of different people, join lots of different clubs, and even try several different majors to learn and experience lots of different things, and that would be my biggest piece of advice to new students today.
Meeting and connecting with new people who were ethnically, religiously, and even economically different from me was a challenge. But instead of letting my differences hinder me from connecting with people, I used it to my advantage as a great token of interest in conversation, because people were really interested to hear about Hawaii and my culture. Be proud of yourself and where you come from, because I think people at ND really appreciate diversity and want to learn more about you! And remember that despite any ostensible differences, we’re all Irish.
Tagged: culture, diversity, Hawaii, Irish, Notre Dame March 7, 2012
Having participated in FASO’s signature event, Fiestang Filipino (see this interview from my freshman year ), the entire time that I’ve been an undergrad, it was a bittersweet experience taking my final bow at the Stepan Center this past Saturday. I look back at the last four iterations and manifestations of the annual dinner-dance/culture show/party, and remember the great effort and exposure it means for both Filipinos and lovers of Filipino culture at the University. The themes have changed (2011 and 2012 , for example) and the particular personalities and challenges of the organizers, performers, and audience members have changed and will continue to change. But, seeing how the devotion of each welcoming individual – and how a true love for what the event represents- are what continue to emerge as the lasting impressions for all who are affected by Fiestang, I know that in that way this has all “been worth it”.
Fiestang at Notre Dame has become an event much anticipated on campus and in surrounding Michiana communities. It owes a lot to the advisers and officers that have guided its development, as well as to its longtime caterer Tito Nane and to unwavering support from MSPS and FAAM. Throughout its existence, one thing has remained clear: Fiestang is a labor of love for a club that navigates major fluctuations in budget, facility availability, audience size, and many other parameters. It is a powerful testament that 18 graduating classes and counting of busy Notre Dame students have found the energy to put on such a show, and to bond in such a unique way. But beyond that, what I will remember from it most is how Fiestang epitomizes FASO’s opening up and inviting of so many others to join in- join in and discover what’s so great about this we call “Filipino”.
-AB
February 28, 2012
The following word clouds were created by Chinese international student Geliang Jack Song on tagxedo.com to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
January 16, 2012
by Hyewon Yun, South Korea
I am from Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, a fast-paced metropolitan city of over 10-million people. Every bit of your daily routine is a competition when you live with so many people in such limited space: shoving and pushing is a must to take a subway or a bus during rush hours. Throwing yourself into the closing doors of an already moving car is optional. If you drive, you need to change lanes constantly to make any progress in the heavy traffic that runs at the average speed of 8.6 miles an hour. You have to run to grab a lunch table because other office workers with growling stomachs are pouring out of building after building. You have to be even faster to squeeze a minute and stand in line to secure a cup of Starbucks coffee before going back to the office. It is unnecessary to discuss how crazy it is to get an admission to the country’s prestigious schools, land a good job, buy a house in a good neighborhood, et cetera, et cetera.
Now imagine how I felt when I first arrived in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Everything was very low. And it looked empty. This was what struck me first: few tall buildings, few glaring neon signs, few hip restaurants or coffeehouses, and even fewer people on the street – the sky and the land, and almost nothing in between. I was dumbfounded, muttering to myself, “Oh my god. Now am I going to spend two years here? Can I…?” My husband kept apologizing for dragging me into such a remote place. 730 days in the States were waiting for me like a long, desolate road under the wide sky.
At first, I thought the wide open sky of South Bend was like an IMAX screen, and then, I was amazed by the colorful and diverse shows on nature’s screen: the morning breaking with golden strands of sunshine, the endless expanse of true blue, the crimson and purple feathers of clouds during sunset, the darkening veil of the night cooled by balmy breezes, the dazzling gleams of the frozen sky after a snowfall… The shows were beyond my wildest imagination, and the sky’s repertoire seemed limitless. Under the sky, busy and crowded was the land. It was inhabited by a variety of wildlife such as wild geese, ducks, herons, swans, rabbits, chipmunks, cardinals, robins, fireflies, deer and many more creatures. Shy spring buds of tall trees became a commanding thick green and then turned into billowing huge balls of yellow, brown or red before finally being blanketed with quiet snow. All these sights were inexplicably relaxing and soothing, which touched my soul. While driving along the streets lined by the old trees with mellow autumn colors, I often realized that tears were rolling down my face.
However, it was only a prelude to the American West. During my husband’s summer break, we travelled 13,000 miles, visiting most of the national parks in the West. I saw endless mountain ridges, towering peaks, otherworldly shaped rocks, scorching dry deserts, dizzily deep canyons, bottomless cliffs, unbelievably clear lakes, and gigantic falls. They were high, vast and deep. They were barren and silent. They were also embracing and comforting. How small and powerless humans are! How meaningless human anxiety, insecurity and greed are! I took mental photos of these moments so that I would remind myself of this message whenever I am clouded by doubt, vanity or restlessness.
I had been tired of the unforgiving pace of the urban life even before I came to the States. I had often said that I wanted to live closer to nature. But I did not visualize what it would be like. Now I understand and believe in Mother Nature’s healing power: it is the chicken soup for the soul, meditation for the spirit, and a remedy for the body. That was the moment my husband and I started to discuss where and how we would live once we get back to Korea. We used to say that we would leave Seoul and lead a quieter life someday, but where, when and how are now more specific.
People were also what I found between the sky and the land in America. I’ve met many amazing people in this town, which had looked so empty at first sight. My teachers at ISSA’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program for international spouses, Ann, Beverly, and Mary, were the ones who happily became the safety net for me and my fellow students, whenever we get confused about who we are and what we are doing or suffer from identity conflict, loneliness and isolation away from home. My volunteer tutor, Teresa, invited my husband and me to her family’s Easter dinner, saying that her family often has guests for holidays, and that she learned it from her parents who had always done the same. She was the one who taught me that the spirit of American holidays is sharing, not just shopping, eating or having fun.
I, an atheist, was unsure when I was first invited to the Korean ladies’ Bible study group. But the group turned out to be very inclusive and welcomed those who have different religions or none. They prayed for each other, shared homemade Korean delicacies, and helped those in trouble. The leader of the group arranges weekly meetings, preparing only the best available food and giving a ride to anyone who has no transportation. One lady in the group plants tomatoes, sesame, cucumbers and many other vegetables in her micro-backyard; composts and nurtures them during summer; and happily shares the harvest with everyone else in autumn. Another group member put up a family returning to Korea for a week when the family’s apartment contract expired. These experiences showed me that this world does not have only takers, but givers.
One of the highlights in my American life is cooking. I never cooked back home, but cooking is the bread-and-butter issue of survival here, because, first, it is a mission impossible to find a good restaurant in this town that caters to Korean tastes; and second, groceries are inexpensive here, but restaurant services aren’t. This was by far the most imminent and toughest domestic task for me, but it turned out to be the most rewarding achievement in my whole life. I found that nothing gives me more joy than looking at happy smiles spread on the faces of the people I love after they take a first bite of my food, and that no other achievement I have ever made has brought more bliss to others. The plates of my food were often returned with much more food, and the love and care I showed to others were returned with much more love and care. The virtuous cycle of sharing was endless.
I had never been interested in serving people in such a way in Korea, and I could not afford to when I was so preoccupied with the relentless daily rat race there. But I realize now that it can make a bigger difference than any diploma, well-paying job, or higher corporate position can. After all, great ideas or endeavors can better reach out to people only when they are accompanied by love and compassion.
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” – Corinthians 13:2
January 3, 2012
by Thomas La, USA
Hi! My name is Thomas La and I am from Houston, TX. I am currently a senior Psychology and pre-professional major and I hope to go to dental school after ND.
My time at Notre Dame has been great so far. Although I am an American citizen, my parents came to the USA from Vietnam so I can identify a bit with international students. Coming to ND, I will admit I had a preconceived notion of what I thought it was going to be like, specifically with regard to diversity and culture on campus. I had heard that ND was a homogenous school that catered mostly to a specific crowd of students, namely wealthy, white Catholics. However, upon arriving at ND for frosh-o and my first week of college, my expectations were blown away. Everyone here is so welcoming and kind, it is not hard to find your place. There is something for everyone, whether you are Asian, White, Catholic, Muslim, man, woman, etc. True, you may have to dig a little deeper, but I promise you there is something here for you. Whether it is a cultural club, a team sport, or a hobby, there are people here that have the same interests as you.
New international students – I realize that adapting can be tough. I urge you to embrace your new Notre Dame family and talk to everyone around you. ND has such a great support network. I wish you the best in the upcoming years!
December 21, 2011
What would you like international students to know about you?
I enjoy meeting new people and I am especially interested in meeting new international students in order to find things we have in common. It’s the best way to learn!
What do you like best about attending the University? What do you like least?
I like being able to control my time, and I like being around so many people my age, the vast majority are smart, interesting and friendly. I also can tell I am learning so much everyday from my classes and the people I meet. I can really feel myself becoming a more dynamic person on an ongoing basis.
I dislike the lack of privacy at University. I love having a roommate but I make a point to seek out spaces on campus where I can really be alone if I need it. It can also be difficult at times to be so far away from my family-it’s not that I necessarily miss home, but if I’m having a problem it’s often inconvenient to call them because of the time difference.
What challenges did you face during your first year at ND?
I had trouble with the fact that I didn’t quite know where I was. My family had just moved to Taiwan and I had never even seen my house. Before that I lived in Japan for all of high school, so that was where my friends were and the “home” I missed, but I couldn’t really say I was from there either, since I also grew up in the U.S. For a long time I felt at a loss because I am American but missing many of the basic experiences and interests most other American ND students have-like a love of football, or a strong political and religious background.
What advice would you like to give new students to help them succeed at the University?
Meet as many new people and join as many friend groups as possible. This is easiest in the first couple of weeks of school but you should really continue doing this all year. Not only do friends come in handy for emotional support, but they are my best resource when I need help with one of my classes.
Do you have any advice to help students adjust to life in the United States and at ND?
American people, especially ND students, are very friendly. If you want your friends to appreciate you and your experiences, don’t be afraid to proactively share them. Consider organizing a culturally related dorm event, you’d be amazed by the response!
November 28, 2011
Each year, International Student Services & Activities (ISSA), in conjunction with other campus departments and organizations, hosts International Education Week (IEW) at the University of Notre Dame. IEW is a national event that is coordinated by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate and promote global exchange between the United States and other countries. This year, IEW will take place Monday, November 14 through Friday, November 18.
A complete schedule of events is listed below:
- On Monday, November 14, ISSA and The Career Center will host an International Student Etiquette Dinner from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in the Oak Room of South Dining Hall. Attendees will learn about formal meal etiquette as well as how meal etiquette varies throughout the world. This event is now full and registration is closed.
- On Wednesday, November 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., ISSA will host the second annual International Taste of South Bend in the LaFortune Student Center Ballroom. Attendees may sample a variety of international cuisines provided by local ethnic restaurants. Free and open to the public.
- The Department of Film, Television, and Theatre and the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center will host Provenance, the latest play by University of Notre Dame Moreau Fellow Anne García-Romero, from November 16 through 20. For ticket information, visit http://performingarts.nd.edu. Open to the public.
- On Thursday, November 17, the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre will host Latina Theatre Today: New Voices, a one-day conference celebrating contemporary Latina theatre. The conference will begin at 1 p.m. in McKenna Hall Room 210. Free and open to the public.
- The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures will host Community Voices: An Evening of Brazilian Culture and Language on Thursday, November 17 at 5:15 p.m. in 329 DeBartolo Hall. Dinner will be provided. Students may sign up to participate by emailing cslc@nd.edu by November 16. Free.
- On Thursday, November 17, the Canadian Association of Notre Dame Youths (CANDY) will host a Canadian Ball Hockey Tournament from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. in the Rolfs Floor Hockey Arena. Cost: $2 for individuals or $5 per team (up to 6 players). Students may sign up to participate by emailing Leo at lprzybyl@nd.edu.
- On Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m., Artist Nandita Raman will speak on her award-winning black and white photographs of old Indian cinema halls in the Snite Museum of Art Mestrovic Studio Gallery. Free and open to the public.
- The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center will present the acclaimed Thai film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives on Thursday, November 17 at 8 p.m. For ticket information, visit http://performingarts.nd.edu. Open to the public.
- On Friday, November 18, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center will host an encore broadcast of The Kitchen, a live theatrical performance from London, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit http://performingarts.nd.edu. Open to the public.
- Monday through Friday, ISSA will sponsor a sale of goods and handicrafts from the fair trade retailer Ten Thousand Villages, which provides vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Ten Thousand Villages will sell products in the Hesburgh Library Atrium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Open to the public.
- ISSA and Notre Dame International will host a supply drive for the American Red Cross, St. Joseph County Chapter’s Refugee Resettlement Program, which became an authorized refugee resettlement agency in 2010. The Refugee Resettlement Program is in need of toys for children ages one through 12, school supplies, and unopened toiletries. Donation collection boxes will be available Nov. 14 – 18 in Notre Dame International, located in 105 Main Building, and at the International Taste of South Bend on Nov. 16. Open to the public.
IEW is presented by International Student Services & Activities (ISSA). IEW co-sponsors are the Canadian Association of Notre Dame Youths (CANDY), The Career Center, Center for the Study of Languages & Cultures (CSLC), DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Department of Film, Television and Theatre, Hesburgh Library, Multicultural Student Programs & Services (MSPS), Notre Dame International, Snite Museum of Art, and Ten Thousand Villages.
November 14, 2011
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