OPINION: More of a melting pot than we think
Your diversity creates our university.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Self, I didn’t know that Utah State was diverse.”
Contrary to popular belief, USU is a wonderful place to embrace and celebrate diversity. With more than 300 clubs and organizations, 1,500 international students and seven active international clubs, this place is the bee’s knees — the cat’s pajamas.
USU represents students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Our students are traveling abroad every year to open themselves up to international experience. About 350 students a year go to 150 schools that offer study abroad opportunities in 40 countries.
We have a wealth of diversity among our students. At USU we have the opportunity to learn to work with people from all different cultures and backgrounds. In a globalized world students can’t afford to not embrace diversity and learn as much as they can about other cultures and how other people in the world do things.
Although there are plenty of opportunities to embrace diversity at USU, very few students do. Those who do seek out these opportunities don’t necessarily need to go abroad to get this perspective; they can get it in Logan. For those who don’t — and even those who do participate — doing a study abroad or international internship is an extremely valuable experience, and there are abundant opportunities available.
The English department, International Student Council and the Office of Study Abroad offer conversation hours. The English department’s conversation socials are a fun way for non-native speakers to practice their English speaking skills.
They started Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. in Ray B. West 311. A similar buddy system is available through the Office of Study Abroad and the International Student Council. This is a wonderful opportunity, not only to network, but to make friends with international students, learn about their culture and to help them improve their English skills.
Conversation hour is a great way for students — particularly those who have maybe returned from a study abroad or an LDS mission who would also like to practice their language skills — to meet people from other countries like China or Spain.
This program has potential for building friendships between international and domestic students and helping everyone feel more at home at USU. For those of you obsessed with building your resume and networking, international experience and having an international friend at USU are great resources.
You all may or may not be sick of being encouraged to get involved, but I’m telling you, it’s a wonderful thing, and with it comes many benefits. You are more marketable in the job force with more exposure to different cultures and networking opportunities. USU offers a plethora of opportunities with clubs and organizations — the Office of Study Abroad, Career Services, the Access and Diversity Center and International Student Council are just a few.
Monday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. the International Student Council will have an international fashion show in the TSC International Lounge. It’s Diversity/International Education Week, so keep your eyes out for the fun events coming up the rest of this week.