IREX is pleased to announce the winners of the Spring 2013 Cultural Passport to America competition for the Global
UGRAD – Pakistan program. The competition recognizes the accomplishments of participants who were exemplary cultural ambassadors during their stay in the US. The winners, Kapil (SUNY – Plattsburgh [3]), Mavra (University of Arkansas [4]), Shumaila (Wilson College [5]) Tabish (Gannon University [6]) and Umaira (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology [7]) immersed themselves in various American cultural activities, and shared their experiences through a series of blog posts.
As they travel back to Pakistan, they reflect upon their favorite cultural experiences and what they learned during their time in the US.
On Traveling in the US
Kapil: “I explored many places, like New York, Chicago, and Boston. I learned so much during travelling from one place to another. If you want to learn something, travel alone. It is the best way to explore and learn something new.”
Tabish: “I got to experience a lot of road travel - inexpensive, fun, and a quintessentially American way of travel. Getting to see beautiful landscapes, meeting native people, impromptu stops, trying local food, testing your adaptability and enjoying country music was all part of the US road trip experience.”
Most Memorable Cultural Experiences
Mavra: “My most memorable cultural experiences would be attending Broadway musicals, both in Fayetteville, Arkansas as well as in New York. Being in Pakistan, I never witnessed such talent, such art and such execution. The soulful music, the theatrical performances and the glorious singing left me awestruck. And there were times when I wasn't just watching it, I was experiencing it!"
Shumaila: "My favorite cultural activity was visiting museums. They always remind me how majestic and ancient our history is, and how it unites us. I also really enjoyed visiting the second oldest planeterium in US. The beauty was so astounding that it brought tears into my eyes!"
Seeing a New Side of the US through the Cultural Passport
Umaira: “It was my perception that people of USA are not family oriented, but after having get together with my host family and attending their family events, now I must say that American are also family oriented and they care and their families and prefer to spend time with their families."
Tabish: “My various cultural experiences helped me to come into close contact with many Americans and develop lasting relationships and get to see the true side of America. I learned American culture, both as an individual, and a greater community level – from simple things like greeting and smiling at everyone to values like individualism, punctuality, and community work.”