Internationalmatt's Blog

Friendships formed between people of different countries and cultures

Being a part of introducing people that form friendships is one of the best parts of my work. It is satisfying to watch as people form different countries and cultures become friends. I have seen it happen numerous times and it I never get tired of witnessing it happen. On eusch friendship is the one that my friends Phuong and Wen Zhu have made. Phuong is from Vietnam and Wen Zhu is from China. They are always happy to see each other and stay in touch thanks to the internet.

Wen Zhu and Phuong at the college group at my church

In my Sunday class we have a very diverse group. One Sunday I went to lunch with a group that illustrates how people from diverse cultures enjoy each others friendship. That day I went to lunch with Yoshio from Japan, Alex from China, Lizzi from Russia and Mindy from Vietnam. It was fun to watch them interact with each other.

Yoshio, Lizzi, Alex and Mindy at Ali Baba's restaurant

I have also felt blessed to watch as those who come here because of work or as international students form friendships with those who come under less fortunate circumstances as refugees. A good example of this is the friendship that Neil from Congo had with a family from Korea while the family lived here for one year. They came to my Sunday morning class and shared some fun times together. Dr. Jung and his family invited Neil and I to come for dinner. We all went to a Christmas program together.

Dr. Jung and his family with Neil

One of the common bonds they have is trying to live in America and trying to learn English. There is something about a shared difficult experience that can bring people together.  Friendship can reach across cultural and language barriers. As a teacher there it is one of the best things to observe.

January 20, 2010 - Posted by internationalmatt | African friends, Chinese friends, Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, Internationals, Japanese friends, Korean friends, Vietnamese friends