Document Type
Chapter 3: UD's International Community
Publication Date
1-2018
Publication Source
Proceedings: Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus
Publisher
University of Dayton
Inclusive pages
47-48
Abstract
I came to UD from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the 54 countries in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo includes more than 250 tribes. Two principal values can define the Congolese culture, as well as the cultures of many other countries in Africa: hospitality and attachment to the family. In Congolese cultures, strangers are welcome and given particular care. In fact, being together is of a great value in this cultural environment. There is little room for individualism. We exist first as members of a family or a clan.
The perceptions of many international students about lifestyle in the United States can be summarized by a quest for personal ego. American culture is perceived as an individualistic culture. The “I” and “my” have greater values over the “we” and “our.” Diversity and difference are not as appreciated as sources of communion and strength.
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Higher Education | International and Comparative Education
eCommons Citation
Mosengo, Blaise, "My International Experience and Perceptions of American Culture" (2018). Proceedings: 2018 Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus. 28.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/global_voices/28
Included in
Arts and Humanities Commons, Higher Education Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons
Comments
Diversity and inclusion are core values at the University of Dayton, but bringing together people from different national, racial, and religious backgrounds sometimes can be difficult, even in a welcoming community.
At the symposium Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus, held Jan. 23-25, 2018, the Alumni Chair in the Humanities invited students, faculty, and staff from all parts of the globe to share stories about their experiences at home and on campus in hopes of strengthening the University’s inclusive excellence.