Cross-cultural panels foster understanding at TXST

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

As part of Texas State University’s International Education Week Celebration, the Education Abroad office hosted two engaging cross-cultural panels designed to build cultural bridges. The events brought together international students, education abroad alumni and members of the campus community to discuss global perspectives and cultural differences.

Moderated by Oleksandra Sehin, Texas State University Education Abroad assistant director, the panels featured diverse voices and experiences. Students from university seminar classes made up the primary audience, but the events were open to all. Panelists shared insights about their home and host countries, including key facts, cultural highlights and the similarities and differences they encountered during their international experiences.

The panelists represented a range of global perspectives. Audrey Miranda, an outgoing exchange student in Chile, spoke about her experiences adapting to South American culture. Shi Yuan Ong, an international student from Malaysia, provided a glimpse into Southeast Asian traditions. Titouan Boudet, an incoming exchange student from France, shared his perspective on life at Texas State University compared to his home country.

Other participants included Zayna Abdel-Rahim, who studied abroad in Morocco, Lera Wroblewski, who explored Estonia as an outgoing exchange student, and Minyoung Jang, an incoming student from South Korea. Together, their stories highlighted the enriching opportunities international education provides.

International Education Week, a joint initiative by the U.S. and state Departments of Education, celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. It aims to prepare Americans for a global environment while welcoming future leaders from abroad to study in the United States.

Texas State University’s cross-cultural panels demonstrated the importance of these efforts. They created a space for meaningful dialogue, fostering understanding and appreciation among students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The events exemplified the university’s commitment to global engagement and its dedication to providing students with the tools to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.