Blogger Toby Cutts on exploring cultural diversity at Green River College

While on your journey as an international student you might hear the term “cultural diversity.” You may be trying to learn and grow from your experience within cultural diversity. It may be the reason you studied abroad in the first place.

Why I chose Green River College

Cultural diversity was one of the major reasons I chose to study abroad. I see cultural diversity thriving every day at Green River College (GRC). I see it represented in the student population, the clubs, and student led organisations. I currently work as an International Student Ambassador which has taught me a lot about diversity and has also given me the opportunity to further share and promote cultural diversity on campus.

Getting involved

My journey at Green River College is in its final year now, with that I have gained many experiences and memories that have been staggeringly different to what I would have experienced staying in England. Since being at GRC I have made an effort to be involved in many ways on campus and from this have grown in many ways too.

Being involved on campus is the best way to explore cultural diversity, especially at GRC. With its many cultural clubs and diverse student body, getting involved in student life will instantly invite you into an international sea of cultural diversity. As an international student this is a great way to optimize your experience at college. Not only will you experience life abroad, but you can begin to understand the experiences of many people from many cultures simply by becoming involved on campus.

This task can be easier said than done. For those extroverted people, getting to know peers on campus and becoming involved in the clubs and organisations is easy. For the more introverted, this can be much more of a challenge.

Tips for engaging on campus

Getting involved on campus might be something you have never done before. Going to that club event not knowing anyone is daunting. Throwing yourself into an event you’ve never done before can be nerve racking. Everyone has different ways to get past these nerves and take the leap into campus life. I will share a few tips that have helped me explore cultural diversity along the way:

• Bring a friend.
• See someone else by themselves and say hi.
• Ask questions.
• Share your own culture.
• Being nervous is okay, but do not let it stop you.

These small tips have helped me a lot in getting more involved and exploring cultural diversity on campus:

• how to be more open to other ideas and ways of doing things
• how to engage with people outside of your natural social group
• a deeper understanding of people's motivations
• increasing communication skills both professionally and socially

In many ways you could learn these skills in a classroom. However, the most effective way to maximize your personal growth is in the social aspect of college.

Lessons learned

My biggest takeaway is the realization that no matter how different our cultures, we are all here for the same reason — to improve our lives, grow and make friends.

Toby Cutts from England is studying environmental science at Green River College.