Today I received a very special package in the mail containing 30 handwritten thank you notes from the students at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL for the International Etiquette course held last week. It was so heartwarming to read their notes.
These students in particular are all military veterans and well-traveled. I had asked the students as we began the class how many had received cross-cultural training prior to their deployment. Only half raised their hands. It made me shudder to think that we sent our military members across seas to live and work in other cultures without ensuring they were fully prepared for interacting. So many of the world's misunderstandings arise due to poor communication and lack of sensitivity toward one another.
Each student in the session learned skills that will help them to be successful and give them an advantage as they continue to navigate their communities, workplaces, and world. Here are some of the thank you notes that were shared with me:
"I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the fantastic Skype session at Santa Fe College. I found your details on various cultures and how their perspectives differ from our own very informative. As a result of this, I feel I am more open to other cultures and their values."
"Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to Skype with our class today. You gave some very helpful tips on gestures in different cultures. I would have never thought something as simple as a thumbs up could mean so many different things. I will continue to learn about cultural differences because you made the topic so interesting."
"Thank you for the insight on traveling abroad, and having proper etiquette. I have been to many different places, but I fear that I may have made a few mistakes! Well it is better late than never to learn about cultural diversity. Thank you again for this informative lecture."
"Thank you for helping me broaden my perspectives by teaching me how to be more culturally aware. I now feel confident that if I'm ever in another country, I'll be able to hang with the best of them without having too many cultural faux pas."
"...I enjoyed the way you use real life experiences. It reminded me of my times overseas."
"...As a person who wants to travel, I found your discussion on cultural etiquette to be very enlightening. I'm a little intimidated by all the variations you spoke about for different cultures, such as proper handshakes. I feel like I have an advantage with the knowledge you have shared, as well as the understanding to research cultures before I travel."
