While I have already learned so much about Jordanian culture through eating the food, learning Arabic and spending time with Jordanians, today I wanted to comment on a different kind of cross-cultural understanding I have gained: a deeper knowledge of the diverse cultures within America itself. The great thing about a nation-wide full scholarship program is that it brings together motivated youth from across the nation with different backgrounds, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses etc. who are all united by a common love for other cultures and a motivation to learn a foreign language. Within our group of 21 students, we represent 12 different states and people come from Vermont to Texas, from North Carolina to California and everywhere in between. Whether it's comparing regional food chains like In'N'Out vs. Whataburger or arguing over if it is called a 'water cooler' or 'bubbler' or even discussing popular political views where we come from, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about people from other parts of my country.
5 Comments
Mary Stretcher
6/30/2016 05:55:47 am
You must have someone there from Wisconsin, as "bubbler" is a common term for a water fountain there. Glad that all is going well. GM
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Mustafa Vahanvaty
6/30/2016 10:13:51 am
The US is a beautiful and diverse country. We should plan to do a drive across from Coast to Coast. The NYT had an article on the 11 rules of doing a road trip across the National Parks.
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Alefiyah
6/30/2016 11:37:57 am
Hey Sophia:) So happy, that you are gaining a deeper understanding of socio economic backgrounds in Jordan. Tell me more about the interesting socioeconomic, status's, diversity's, and political issues, that you have come across upon:) Keep learning
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Love your updates. I am so proud of you and what you are doing. Have fun and enjoy the rest of your time; you can then write a short book about your travels!
7/1/2016 05:17:17 pm
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Sophia Vahanvaty
7/2/2016 01:23:56 am
Thank you! :)
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We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. !أهلا و ساهلاHi! I'm Sophia, a high schooler from the San Francisco Bay Area. I received a scholarship through the State Dept. to study Arabic in Jordan in the summer of 2016. Categories
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