The Joy of Sharing One’s Culture

Every time I walk into the classroom to do a presentation, I see an excitement in students’ eyes. They cannot wait to learn about a new country and experience “the travel.” Seeing the enthusiasm in their eyes gives me joy and satisfaction that my presentation will make a difference for them and that my presentation matters.

Sharing culture through presentation, fair, performance, or interview is very rewarding. It benefits the students and the presenters in many ways. For the students, it broadens their perspective, enriches their knowledge, and creates new opportunities for curiosity.  For the presenters, learning takes place during the preparation, presentation, and post-evaluation. The presenters have a unique opportunity to share what is important to them about their rich culture. They also have an opportunity to absorb the learners’ perspective. The presenters share part of themselves with the audience and ultimately impact the audience.

I’m grateful to the opportunities to present to students, share my knowledge and traditions with them, enrich their personal growth, and stimulate their curiosity to other cultures and traditions. This truly gives me joy and fulfillment.

Written by: Anna Myburgh

WSU International Student

Kazakstan 



Dealing with Challenges of being a new International Student

Being an International Student is both rewarding and challenging. Being a new student is even more challenging. Some of the challenges that the students come across are assimilating into the new culture and traditions, having language barriers, missing homeland, and following the rules of maintaining a F-1 visa status.

When I first came to America, I came across those challenges. Looking back at it, I feel that I dealt with them the best that I could. It was definitely a period of adjustment and personal growth. I made some supportive friends through the International office and health science classes. It was great to get to know other students, share experiences, and support each other by listening or advice. Every International student has experienced challenges at some point of their journey in America. It’s great to share things with others and find encouragement and support. International Service Counselors are also there to assist the students and provide the necessary support. So, don’t be discouraged if things seem difficult. Find an International office Counselor and a friend to talk to.

One of the most difficult things for me was to deal with missing my family. Luckily, I started using Skype and visiting with them over the Internet. It was great to see them every day. It definitely decreased their and my anxiety about being apart.

Other ideas that I found helpful were journaling at the end of each day, identifying what was bothering me, and looking at how I can modify my own behavior about the situation. For example, I was struggling in a few classes when I started nursing school. I had trouble understanding the scientific terminology and meaning. When I was journaling, I realized that I was translating the terminology into my language, then processing it, and then translating it back to English. It didn’t make sense and it was a very slow process. It took me at least 25 minutes to read an Anatomy and Physiology’s page! It was frustrating. Once I’ve identified this was an issue, I tried my best to think in English and avoid translation into Russian. It took some practice but I was able to learn the terminology in English and actually make sense of it in English!

Another challenge that I came across was learning that F-1 visa status has strict rules and regulations in regards to travel and campus employment (up to 20 hours per week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session if the hiring department needs help). I didn’t want to be in trouble by any means. Therefore, if I had a question or a million of questions regarding F-1 visa rules, I would contact the staff at the International office. They have always been helpful and welcoming of the students’ questions.

I hope sharing my challenges might help others to realize they are not alone. All of us, International students, go through the similar challenges. Therefore, talk to your friend and International Service Counselor regarding your concerns and questions. Everyone can be successful in their journey in America. It’s truly a privilege to be here. Having an opportunity to study in America enriches personal growth and exercises one’s character.

Written by: Anna Myburgh

WSU International Student

Kazakhstan



Russian culture

Hello, my name is Anna Myburgh. I’d like to share with the readers some interesting facts about Russian geography, history, art, hospitality, and holiday traditions.

Russia is the world’s largest country. Its territory is 17, 075, 200 kilometers (6, 592, 735 square miles). Russia borders Norway, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, and Mongolia. Russia also partially borders Poland and Lithuania. Moscow is the capital of Russia. Besides Russians (80%), over 160 cultural groups reside in the country. They are Tatars, Ukranians, Bashkir, Chechens, Armenians, and other ethnic groups.

Russian culture took root from East Slavs, formerly the main population of Kievan Rus.  The culture of Russian ancestors was influenced by Finns, Estonians, Mordvins, Hungarians, Turks, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other countries of Western Europe.  The main religion is Orthodox Christianity. It was accepted from the Eastern Roman Empire in 988. 

Peter the Great’s reforms encouraged Russian culture to overlap other European cultures.  However, Communism in the 20^th century used censorship to develop distinctive culture and art.  After the fall of Soviet Union, Russian culture became open to the world and international tourism. 

Russia is known for Stacking dolls or Matryoshka dolls.  The history dates back to Sergiev Posad (1899), a small town near Moscow, where the first Matryoshka was made. The word matryoshka stems from the ancient Russian girl's names Matryona and Matriosha, which are in turn derived from the Latin word "mater" meaning "mother".

The process of making Matryoshka dolls is lengthy and requires special skills. Birch trees are cut and stripped of bark. Then the trees are dried for up to 15 years. A wood turner crafts each doll into many pieces, smoothes, and primes. Then the artist takes over to paint the doll.

Russia is also known for its tradition of icon painting. This custom began in Kievan Rus with the acceptance of Orthodox Christianity. Russian icons are made of wood. Andrei Rublev and his icon painting “Rublev’s Trinity” are very well-known. The icons are important to churches, monasteries, and religious homes.

Russian cuisine is rich in breads, pancakes (blini), borsht (beet soup), Vinaigrette (beet salad), pelmeni (dough and meat dish), pirogis (sweet and meat pies), and shashlyk (kabobs). Russian people enjoy cooking.  In fact, “cooking with soul” is their way to demonstrate hospitality and love for the guests. Russians often spend all of their money to lay a beautiful table and please the guests.

Russia has eight public holidays. They are: The New Year (December 31st), Orthodox Christmas (January 7th), Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23rd), International Women’s Day (March 8th), The Day of Spring and Labor  (May 1st),  Victory Day (May 9th),  Russia Day (June 12th), Unity Day (November 4th).

The New Year (December 31st) is similar to Christmas in the U.S. Father Frost plays the same role as Santa. It is a tradition to exchange gifts, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy dishes of Russian cuisine. 

Orthodox Christmas (January 7th) is a strictly religious holiday. It is a tradition to go to church and spend time with family. There is no gift exchange. Thinking about God and praying is very important to Russian people.

Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23^rd) honors men serving in the army.  Although it resembles Father’s Day in the U.S., it is the tradition to also honor little boys and give every one gifts.

International Women’s Day (March 8th) celebrates political, economic, and social achievements of women. Although it resembles Mother’s Day in the U.S., little girls also get flowers and presents. 

The Day of Spring and Labor (May 1st) is celebrated with parades, concerts, food, dancing, and fireworks.

Victory Day (May 9th) celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. A military parade is organized on Red Square in Moscow. It is a tradition to spend time with family and friends, enjoy Russian cuisine, and watch movies about the war.

Russia Day (June 12th) is similar to the Independence Day in U.S. It is celebrated with parade, food, and fireworks.

Unity Day (November 4^th) is a public holiday. The idea is that people of all nations unite to preserve Russian statehood. It is celebrated by laying flowers for national heroes, going to church, and visiting with family and friends.

Russian culture is rich in traditions and culture. My hope is that the readers might get the chance to travel there and sample for themselves this wonderful country.

Written by: Anna Myburgh

WSU International Student

Kazakhstan