Alya, Sara, Lathika, and Erica

COVID is an unprecedented time, and we have had to adapt to these changes. The unfamiliarity with the format of this class leads to an adjustment period, especially for our international students, Lathika and Alya, who had to consider different factors such as time zones and not meeting people organically in person. Along with the internet environment, there can be a social disconnect that hinders abilities to make connections, but can still offer a new chance to have conversations when everyone can offer different perspectives. We made a comparison of these LICC groups being similar to social media by providing an opportunity to communicate on various topics that are not always typical in our day-to-day. There is also the idea of being able to talk to others with first-hand interaction and being a part of something bigger and not feeling isolated.

‘We’re not really strangers’ is an introductory game for people who are unfamiliar with each other, and it dives into getting opinions on more profound topics. The Laurier International Cultural Conversations were similar as they fostered meaningful connections and discussions in the end. For our group, we were able to create a level of comfort with each other and collaborate with a sense of humour to be able to talk sincerely but also have fun! For example, we had conversations varying from the American election, pandemic experiences in our respective countries, Indigenous issues to random cultural nuances of how we use our hands to talk. Our favourite moment is when we had a conversation on how we adapt to tradition, and it was refreshing to see other perspectives coming together to form a sense of unity from across the globe.

Unfortunately, this is our last conversation group meeting, and we all have a sense of sadness, but we hope to continue our relationship beyond the class.

Laurier International Cultural Conversations group participants:

Alya Salma Najla, International Student Collaborator, Business Administration, Waterloo

Sara Sheikh, HR 261, Human Rights and Human Diversity & Law and Society, Brantford

Lathika Shyam, International Student Collaborator, Finance (MA), Waterloo

Erica Monture, HR 261, Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford