International Students

Over the course of last year and already this year we are seeing a regular group of international students joining the parish community for worship on Sundays.  The challenges of education are amplified by the sudden change in cultural context. 

Culture is one of those things we don't think much about.  It is really part of the furniture, what we take for granted about ourselves and often about others.  We suddenly stop taking it for granted when we up to our eyeballs in something we might think of as "foreign". 

"First Light" Celebration
at Ste.-Marie-Among-the-Hurons
Midland, Ontario, Winter 2013

In Canada, even things like the climate stand out.  If you are from a hot country the thought of the cold can be a bit scary.  My own climatic fears involve insects and reptiles. 

Here's a little practical observation.  There are things in your life to-date that will actually help you to thrive in this new context.  And there are some things that can weigh you down.  Many cultures, for example, are used to having extended family members nearby and visiting often.  Here, distance is a bigger factor.  And while we can virtually visit with things like Skype, it is not really the same because our loved ones are elsewhere living in a different context.  We need our network of support and we need to have the confidence to branch out and discover things that are new. 

Coming to a new country for education is much more than just going to school.  Even without trying you will be changed by the experience.  I hope a very important question remains on your mind:  "How can we help one another and learn from each other?"  In faith this is even more important.  It is like finding a whole new facet in our relationship with Christ, as we discover the new ways that God works in others. 

This conversation is one that will be ongoing.  I'd love to hear your observations.