IREX is pleased to announce the winners of the Fall 2011 Cultural Passport to America competition for the Global UGRAD-Pakistan [3] program. Sonia (University of Arkansas [4]), Maira (Eastern Washington University [5]), Marbaila (Humboldt State University [6]), and Durreshawar (SUNY-Plattsburgh [7]) were selected as exemplary cultural ambassadors because of their participation in a diverse array of cultural events and their regular reflections through blog posts sharing their experiences. They discuss the Cultural Passport below.
What was the most memorable/surprising cultural experience you had?
Sonia: My most memorable cultural experience was going to an American wedding. It was totally different from a Pakistani wedding in every respect. The way of marriage, the timing, the dresses, the reception, the food: Everything was different, but I really enjoyed this wedding. I have watched American weddings on TV, but this unique experience will be a lifelong memory.
Maira: The most memorable cultural experience I had was when I met a U.S. Ambassador and Foreign Service Minister at the World Affairs Council. I presented on Pakistan and Eastern Washington University. I had a very nice chat with him in which he showed his love for the people of Pakistan and also expressed his desire to see Pakistan. It was memorable because that day I got membership from World Affairs Council, which is an honor for me.
What was your favorite cultural experience?
Durreshawar: Thanksgiving, for sure. Thanksgiving is associated with family customs in the U.S., where people from all over the States unite and celebrate the holiday with their families. I went to Rochester with my American friend and experienced Americans’ way of celebrating their traditional practices. I witnessed their family gathering with scrumptious turkey and a variety of food. I also learned about the historical origins of this celebration.
What did you learn about the U.S. or in general through these experiences?
Marbaila: Americans are rich in their culture, and their festivals and holidays celebration have their own color. Parents and children have a strong bond of love with each other.
Sonia: A lifelong message I learned is that love is such a common feeling that can be developed with anyone, anywhere in the world and is common among all regions and religions. I developed such strong bonds with my friendship family, teachers, and friends that now I feel that I really am a part of a global village.
Maira: I learned that culture of U.S. is very diverse and eclectic and that American societies are pluralistic. People are highly welcoming and cordial. Work ethic is highly important for them. They treat everyone equally. Individualism is also very prominent and a big part of their culture.
How do you plan to use the passport when you return to Pakistan? How do you think your community/family/friends will react when you share your experiences?
Marbaila: My cultural passport is a colorful story of my experiences in the U.S. Every page shows how much I experienced and loved every moment. I will show my passport to my friends, they will ask me about every stamp, and I’ll be a story teller for every page.
Durreshawar: I will tell my friends and family about the events that are held in the U.S. for the welfare of the community, including fundraising programs, awareness campaigns, walks, and conferences. These events not only serve the purpose of “having fun” but they also benefit the people of community. I will try hard to improve my society and will try integrating my learning pragmatically. Lastly, I will make sure what I have learned in U.S. remains a significant part of my life and the lives of people I interact with, so that together we can bring about changes.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan [3] is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs [8], United States Department of State, and administered by IREX.