In the fall of my freshman year, I was offered the opportunity to become a tutor for international students through the Intense Language Program (ILP) at MNSU. Always wanting to help others in any way possible, I thought this would be a great experience to meet other students and aid them in the transition to college while living in a different country and being immersed in a foreign culture. I tutored the students twice a week for an hour and was a mentor and friend in the process. Since completing my freshman year, I have had three international tutees: Vasilii from Russia, Brian from Hong Kong, and Salman from Kuwait. Not only did we complete numerous English activities and lessons, but we also had the time to explore our own and each other’s cultures through discussions and engaging videos. Through interacting with my tutees, I realized that I have passion for talking with individuals who are culturally diverse, for they give me an insight beyond my own experiences and encourage me to open my mind to the world outside of the United States.
I believe this experience of being a language tutor and forming relationships with those of different cultures helped me to meet Level 1 and 2 of Knowledge and Understanding. Level 1 consists of “asking simple or surface questions about related cultures and their practices, products, and perspectives,” while Level 2 involves asking deeper questions that shows an increased understanding of these topics. Many of the questions I asked my tutees were related to topics I was interested in myself, such as family, morals, education, and health. These questions often sparked engaging conversations that led to greater understanding of their culture and beliefs. For instance, Brian explained to me how important education was in his country and the expectations he had from his family to be successful. He made clear that this pressure had a negative effect on him, for he no longer viewed education as a privilege rather something he is forced to do. This led to Brian and I talking about his family and their closeness and dependence on one another, which I think is lacking within many American families. Our conversation somehow got on the topic of mass transportation and the fact that few individuals in Hong Kong take the time to exercise. I was struck by this, for this is very comparable to the United States. We place an emphasis on exercise to an extreme, almost to the point where it is seen as a “have to” instead of a “get to.” I think this similarity between the two countries provides insight that the lack of movement and making one’s own health a priority may exist in many different cultures.
My conversations with Salman, another one of my tutees, were quite different and often focused on morality and values. He informed me that most native-born individuals from Kuwait are extremely rich but generous in charity and spreading gratitude. They believe they are happiest when they are giving their lives to others. As a whole, I believe the United States struggles with this attitude of giving and many individuals are self-centered and possessive over their material items. I think our country could benefit from some of the lessons taught and behaviors practiced in Kuwait. It was very intriguing to talk about these deeper topics with Salman, and there was always mutual respect and appreciation for life and all cultures in our conversations.
Finally, Vasilii and I seemed to connect and understand each other well, for his experiences in Russia appeared to be quite similar to everyday experiences in the United States with regard to food, education, health, money, etc. For example, Vasilii shared that earning a high income and accumulating large amounts of money is a priority in the lives of many Russians. I think this is also true for many people within the United States, and it is interesting to realize that America isn’t the only country that struggles with greed and selfishness. Vasilii indicated a dislike for our country due to our government leaders and practices, which doesn’t surprise me because of the conflict and tension between the two countries. As a result, it was a bit more difficult to talk about these topics, which I think shows how our perceptions can lead to being closed off from learning and exploring certain subjects. However, Vasilii did express that he feels more welcomed and appreciated in America, specifically within the Midwest, which I think speaks into our more friendly and outgoing culture.
Through this experience, I learned about the Hong Kong, Kuwait, and Russian culture and language in great depth, was open minded to my tutees' beliefs and attitudes even if they differed from my own, and explored my own culture through various conversations and further research. I realized the complexity of culture and how several factors contribute to one's beliefs and ways of living. Specifically, I have realized how the ideals of my culture with regard to health, values, and government ruling may not always be the most positive, effective option. Other practices and lifestyles are acceptable and may even be more suitable at times. It is remarkable to realize that different ideals and beliefs can become a foundation of new, lasting friendships.
Below is a brief overview of the Language Partners Tutoring Program found on the Minnesota State University, Mankato website under the page 'Center for English Language Programs.'