Cross Cultural Experience

[Conal R Smith]

My cross cultural experience actually happened right in the Global Studio. It was a fascinating discussion about life in general with Wadia, my instructor, but more specifically, her desire to return to Afghanistan after graduation from Richmond (one year from now as she is a junior). I cautiously asked more questions in order to understand the motivations behind her wishes. What I discovered is that those Hofstede cultural dimensions really were true. First and foremost, she said that she loved studying in the U.S. but it was too individualistic for her. She later reiterated numerous times that she hated being away from her family though she knew this was quite the experience and opportunity of a lifetime. I inferred from that, even from overhearing the tone and excitement within her voice when she spoke with her father on the phone, she could be happy anywhere but she would be happiest when in closest proximity to her family. Referring back to the Hofstede rankings, Afghanistan places some of the greatest value on family and collectivism. I could sense those inherent characteristics of her culture within her words from wanting to be close to her family again. It made me rethink my own values and own individual desires and how I viewed my own family. It was a dose of reality from another person's perspective from another culture and see what they value. I could relate to her feelings of nostalgia as I spent my whole junior year abroad in Spain, only seeing my family once. The discussion showed how someone from another culture values keeping family close which I agree with. Though, maybe it is the "American Way" or it is so ingrained in the American culture but I feel as if I need to go out into this world on my own, away from my family for a period of time, in order to become fully content with myself, see the world and discover what is truly important to me.