Crosscultural Connections: Testimonials

I knew virtually nothing about Senegal before meeting Vicky and have learned a great deal from talking with her. My kids have also come to appreciate how far she came to go to school and what life was like for her growing up.

I enjoy hosting for innumerable reasons, not least because you make lasting connections and learn about other places in the world. I also found out about nomads in Nepal! (Host)

Thanksgiving was great. Not only did I learn a lot about American culture, I got to spend time with a family who really makes me feel at home. I haven't been homesick with them around. I used to think there was so much racism (and in some ways there still is), but I feel that I have been accepted as part of the community and my host has really made me feel included as part of her family. (Student)

My entire family enjoyed sharing the Thanksgiving experience with Mercy. It was her first Thanksgiving and she didn't know what to expect except that it was going to be loud. She tried many new foods and we enjoyed sharing the experience with her. I also had the opportunity to attend "African Caribbean Night" and what a treat it was. The show was wonderful and the food was delicious. I felt like a proud parent watching Mercy and Pat on stage. (Host)

I have learned a lot about U.S. history, the way people think and perceive things, how people eat, talk and dress. I had always thought that the American society was very individualistic in nature and people wouldn't really care too much about "outsiders", but my hosts completely altered my perception. They are the most loving and caring people and are very concerned about issues which face the world today. They take special care to make me feel involved and a part of their lives which just makes me feel so special. They are simply the best and I am so thankful for knowing them. (Student)

I have learned a lot and certainly gained a greater appreciation for the history and trials of Afghanistan. Our student's little brother was killed by a Russian bomb; the family fled to Pakistan for 10 years...I have even a greater admiration for my student's ingenuity and her strength. I am confident that she will be a great ambassador for Islam. (Host)

This experience dramatically changed my perception of the U.S. This is an excellent and important program for both international students and host families. It makes a strong difference during the short and middle term, but also in the long term. (Student)

Aude has become a lasting friend. In fact, her Mom and a friend are staying with us for the week. It is great to hear so much more about the countries my students call home, and I've gained a deeper appreciation for these countries. (Host)

It has been really good to have someone to talk to off campus and feel a connection to someone outside Mount Holyoke. (Student)

I've gained a greater appreciation of the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia. I also learned that it doesn't snow in Nepal! (Host)

Possibly the best experience we had this year was when Tasha and Vicky came to our house for Halloween. Everyone had a great time explaining the traditions and learning about anything similar in Great Britain and Senegal. (Host)

My most memorable experience was when my host and I hung out for 6 hours and really got to know each other! It was so much fun...and I learned how to knit! Dinner was fabulous as well!! She took me out to see the area and I learned so much! (Student)

Perhaps the best fun was her surprise and delight in seeing an apple orchard! What is ordinary to me was exotic to her--and vice versa (she has bananas in her backyard at home!). (Host)

I enjoyed dinner at my host's house and talking to the family about my own culture and learning things about the culture in the U.S. I enjoyed spending time with the kids. Another memorable experience was cooking the traditional dinner of my country for my host family and then dining together! (Student)

We decided to have a Bulgarian Christmas Eve dinner for Stela because we don't have a traditional meal that we've settled on. We were delighted with the food. Stela was happy that we had "Merry Christmas" posted around the house in Bulgarian, and it was all very festive. Stela was willing to sit with the girls during our Christmas Eve service, too, though her tradition is Orthodox. This was memorable enough that we thought we would repeat this and start a Christmas Eve tradition of cooking for Bulgarian students. We might branch out to other countries at times, but we want to get the food perfected for Bulgaria first. (Host)

I learned a lot about American traditions and the way people here celebrate holidays. I am very glad I participated in this program because I could spend some time with my host family at different times of the year. I also got to know and understand the American lifestyle and outlook better. (Student)

Sandy's family has been the only American family with whom I had contact. At first I didn't know how people in the U.S. would react to me, especially since I wear traditional clothes from back home. But after meeting Sandy, my perception changed. I felt wanted and loved. Also, I feel MHC is where I belong. There are different types of people here, but yet we all have so many things in common. (Student)

My perception about Americans has changed. I used to think that Americans lived in big cities and didn't have much time to communicate and care for others. Now I know that American life can be really intimate and wonderful, especially here at Mount Holyoke. I love the feeling of having a sense of kinship with my host family, a sense of being cared for. (Student)