Wanda_IC_CP_#4

Date/Time: Thursday, March 12, 2015

Location: CIES Lounge

Topic:  INTERCULTURAL WORKSHOP WEEK 2

            Today I met Hoda from Saudi Arabia, Maria from Colombia and a male Chinese student. It was interesting to see the cultural differences of each student. For example, the Chinese student, Maria and I thought that clothing is a visible aspect of culture, but Hoda said that for her it is invisible. Hoda explained us that every woman in her country wear a total different outfit in the street that the one they wear at home or the one they wear when they are with their female friends. Maria and I understood what she meant but the Chinese student couldn’t understand. Then, we were ambiguous about the cultural aspect of religion. The Chinese student was questioning Maria about her religion, but when she asked him about his beliefs, he said and insisted to say that there weren’t any religions in his country. I told him that I have gone to China and knew as a fact that there are several religions in his country. Then he said that those religious group where so small that they are uncountable to him. I told him that even thou he thinks they are small religious groups, he should respect them, because if he appreciates when people take him into consideration and respect his belief, he has the duty to show the same respect and consideration in return. I learned that I can’t live in a bubble and fantasize about the world around me; I can appreciate the wonders of any culture only if I am open minded.