IREX is pleased to announce the winners of the Spring 2012 Cultural Passport to America competition for the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program [8]. Maria (Shawnee State University [9]), Nadir (Dillard University [10]), Yasir (Eastern Michigan University [11]), and Tayyab (Wabash College [12]) 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.
Maria: I have learned a lot through these cultural experiences, but the most significant learning is the respect for others’ culture and values. In the U.S., every one respects each other’s cultures and religious beliefs. Consequently, you could see a smile on the face of everyone and they always receive very warm welcome. To me, concern and respect for others' beliefs and values is a hallmark of American culture.
Tayyab: What surprised me the most in the U.S. was what it was like to be at a liberal arts college for men. One of the only three remaining such institutions in U.S., Wabash gave me an experience of a lifetime. I had a great opportunity to meet many successful people who are former students at Wabash. This school gives you a feeling of home, and at no point did I feel I was in an alien environment. I feel now every bit a Wabash man and I just hope to uphold the values it has taught me.
Yasir: My favorite cultural experience was to meet people of different backgrounds. I really love the diversity of American society. Especially in the university you can see people from all over the world. It’s fascinating to meet people with different beliefs and ideas. You come to know about different ideas and acquire good things from others.
Nadir: I visited historical and traditional places here in the U.S. I learned about the slaves and their lives, how they were treated and how they struggled for their freedom and rights in the U.S. I also learned about WWII and why it was fought. I had a great opportunity to learn a lot about the diverse culture of the U.S. and the ways of life of Americans. I went to different families’ homes and discussed with them about women's lives in Pakistan and learned about theirs. Every Friday I offered my prayer in a different mosque to find out about the life of the U.S Muslims and religious freedom.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan [8] is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs [13] of the U.S. Department of State and is implemented by IREX.