By Moon Seung Yeon, China Project Intern
On New Year’s Day of 2010, I landed in Indianapolis for the very first time. I vividly remember when I took my first step out of the airplane. That moment I was worried about how I was going to adapt to a new continent, one that was completely unfamiliar to me. Now more than 5 years later, I am getting ready to graduate from college in December. Just like all the other international students, I came to the U.S in order to get a college degree. I have faced many challenges such as homesickness, cultural differences and language barriers. In other words, I had various forms of culture shock. Nevertheless I could have never overcome these obstacles and successfully progressed through college if it wasn’t for the kindness and hospitality of the people in Indiana!
India(napolis) - The Place(s) I Call Home
By Rhea Gajaria, Development Intern
The International Center changed my life. Now you may be thinking “Hey c’mon, it’s just an internship,” but no matter how exaggerated these words may seem, the statement stands unequivocally true. The International Center changed my life. But I’m not saying this from the viewpoint of an intern (however great this internship may be.) I am speaking from the viewpoint of someone whose entire life is based off of The International Center’s involvement in it. Now may be a good time for some backstory.
The International Center changed my life. Now you may be thinking “Hey c’mon, it’s just an internship,” but no matter how exaggerated these words may seem, the statement stands unequivocally true. The International Center changed my life. But I’m not saying this from the viewpoint of an intern (however great this internship may be.) I am speaking from the viewpoint of someone whose entire life is based off of The International Center’s involvement in it. Now may be a good time for some backstory.
Moving Abroad - Tips That Made My Adventure Easier
By Cullen Bickle, Marketing and Communications Intern
It is crazy to think how things can change in a matter of seconds. I still remember the moment I came home from school in the fall of 2010 and my dad saying “Hey Cullen, how would you feel if we moved to Spain?” At first I didn’t believe him, but after a few minutes I realized that he wasn’t joking and that my life was about to change forever. The only thing I knew before embarking on my adventure several quick months later, was that it was going to be a tough adjustment. I didn't know anyone that could give me advice on how to make it all easier and as a result, I went in completely blind. After several months in Spain I realized that I had developed important life skills such as adapting to change. When I moved to Hong Kong four years later I was able to put these new found skills to the test and to my expectation they worked very well.
It is crazy to think how things can change in a matter of seconds. I still remember the moment I came home from school in the fall of 2010 and my dad saying “Hey Cullen, how would you feel if we moved to Spain?” At first I didn’t believe him, but after a few minutes I realized that he wasn’t joking and that my life was about to change forever. The only thing I knew before embarking on my adventure several quick months later, was that it was going to be a tough adjustment. I didn't know anyone that could give me advice on how to make it all easier and as a result, I went in completely blind. After several months in Spain I realized that I had developed important life skills such as adapting to change. When I moved to Hong Kong four years later I was able to put these new found skills to the test and to my expectation they worked very well.Firefighting: A Universal Language
By Kelly Sexton, Relocations Intern
This past semester I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in the relocation department here at The International Center. Through phone calls, e-mails, welcome packages, and orientation tours, we assist international employees who are moving from their home country to Indianapolis on a business assignment. At first it seemed relatively easy, clear-cut, and laid back. But let me assure you, it is quite the opposite. There is never a dull moment in the relocation office whether it be a client’s security alarm going off at 4 in the morning (and not knowing the code to shut it off), flight itineraries changing last minute, or chaotic move in/out inspections. On top of all this craziness, my supervisor went on maternity leave and our stand-in Relocation Director accepted a new job outside of The International Center (congratulations to the both of you!!!). Nevertheless, Joan, who has been “holding down the relocation fort” in the office, as well as the rest of the relocation staff, stepped up tremendously and have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for all our new clients, as the arrival list continues to grow.
In addition to working in the office (with a beautiful 20th floor view of downtown, I might add), interns at The International Center are given the opportunity to volunteer at various events around Indianapolis. Last week the 2015 FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Convention) was held at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center downtown. The International Center was invited to host an “International Lounge” for all of the firefighters from out of the country that were visiting for this event. We provided food, drinks, a place to sit and relax, translations of the program’s events and directions, and a display of flags from each country represented.
I volunteered to man the information desk at the lounge on the Friday morning of the conference. As I arrived eager to help, I found myself overhearing a conversation between a gentleman from Nova Scotia and one of our own from The International Center. They were discussing the convention as a whole as this was the final day, and the Canadian firefighter mentioned something that intrigued me. He said it was interesting to gain a perspective on American firefighters and their relationship with one another, as they all call each other “brothers and sisters.” Apparently in Canada they do not have this close of a relationship. They view their fellow firefighters as co-workers or colleagues. He thought this was really fascinating and was somewhat taken aback by the thought of fellow firefighters being part of a family. Yet if you think about it, on-duty firefighters do spend a significant amount of time together, sharing meals and extremely personal experiences. And while this comment I heard may seem like a miniscule one to ponder, it stood out to me and really made me think how true it certainly must be for Americans, especially after the events of 9/11 as the supreme example of firefighters all over America coming together as a community to support one another.
I’ve greatly enjoyed working at The International Center, learning about different cultures, and communicating with people from all over the world. But having spent time at the international firefighter’s convention, it occurred to me I may take my own culture for granted sometimes. For example, growing up, my view of firefighters, police officers, etc. was always local. There is a fire department less than a mile away from my house, it never occurred to me that this service was performed worldwide. Now obviously this is a naïve opinion as fires can break out in an apartment in the middle of downtown Beijing just as easily (and as devastatingly) as it can in downtown Indianapolis. This is why I am even more thankful for my international experience this semester and being able to learn about so many different cultures. It gives me the humbleness to appreciate where I come from, but also the desire to expand my international mindset.
This past semester I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in the relocation department here at The International Center. Through phone calls, e-mails, welcome packages, and orientation tours, we assist international employees who are moving from their home country to Indianapolis on a business assignment. At first it seemed relatively easy, clear-cut, and laid back. But let me assure you, it is quite the opposite. There is never a dull moment in the relocation office whether it be a client’s security alarm going off at 4 in the morning (and not knowing the code to shut it off), flight itineraries changing last minute, or chaotic move in/out inspections. On top of all this craziness, my supervisor went on maternity leave and our stand-in Relocation Director accepted a new job outside of The International Center (congratulations to the both of you!!!). Nevertheless, Joan, who has been “holding down the relocation fort” in the office, as well as the rest of the relocation staff, stepped up tremendously and have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for all our new clients, as the arrival list continues to grow.
In addition to working in the office (with a beautiful 20th floor view of downtown, I might add), interns at The International Center are given the opportunity to volunteer at various events around Indianapolis. Last week the 2015 FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Convention) was held at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center downtown. The International Center was invited to host an “International Lounge” for all of the firefighters from out of the country that were visiting for this event. We provided food, drinks, a place to sit and relax, translations of the program’s events and directions, and a display of flags from each country represented.
I volunteered to man the information desk at the lounge on the Friday morning of the conference. As I arrived eager to help, I found myself overhearing a conversation between a gentleman from Nova Scotia and one of our own from The International Center. They were discussing the convention as a whole as this was the final day, and the Canadian firefighter mentioned something that intrigued me. He said it was interesting to gain a perspective on American firefighters and their relationship with one another, as they all call each other “brothers and sisters.” Apparently in Canada they do not have this close of a relationship. They view their fellow firefighters as co-workers or colleagues. He thought this was really fascinating and was somewhat taken aback by the thought of fellow firefighters being part of a family. Yet if you think about it, on-duty firefighters do spend a significant amount of time together, sharing meals and extremely personal experiences. And while this comment I heard may seem like a miniscule one to ponder, it stood out to me and really made me think how true it certainly must be for Americans, especially after the events of 9/11 as the supreme example of firefighters all over America coming together as a community to support one another.I’ve greatly enjoyed working at The International Center, learning about different cultures, and communicating with people from all over the world. But having spent time at the international firefighter’s convention, it occurred to me I may take my own culture for granted sometimes. For example, growing up, my view of firefighters, police officers, etc. was always local. There is a fire department less than a mile away from my house, it never occurred to me that this service was performed worldwide. Now obviously this is a naïve opinion as fires can break out in an apartment in the middle of downtown Beijing just as easily (and as devastatingly) as it can in downtown Indianapolis. This is why I am even more thankful for my international experience this semester and being able to learn about so many different cultures. It gives me the humbleness to appreciate where I come from, but also the desire to expand my international mindset.
The Relocation Services Department
By Victoria Hicks, Relocation Services
On a regular day at The International Center, the Relocation Services department sends about 50 to 100 emails a day. Our job lies in the preparing, scheduling and welcoming of professionals from all over the world, making their stay or relocation as smooth as we can manage it so that they can concentrate on their jobs and families. Our hundreds of emails range from scheduling school visits for clients with children to acting as the middle man between landlords and our clients. Sounds simple, right? Except planning and scheduling can only get you so far when you have to take into consideration delayed flights, denied visas, angry landlords and clients who occasionally have limited English skills.
On a regular day at The International Center, the Relocation Services department sends about 50 to 100 emails a day. Our job lies in the preparing, scheduling and welcoming of professionals from all over the world, making their stay or relocation as smooth as we can manage it so that they can concentrate on their jobs and families. Our hundreds of emails range from scheduling school visits for clients with children to acting as the middle man between landlords and our clients. Sounds simple, right? Except planning and scheduling can only get you so far when you have to take into consideration delayed flights, denied visas, angry landlords and clients who occasionally have limited English skills.
Connections and Conversation
A Reflection on COPE Sessions
By Corinne O'Brien, Global Competency Intern
The mood in the room was one of mutual understanding and appreciation. Each of the women that participated in the Community Orientation Program for Expatriates (COPE) session has an entirely unique background, yet they share a powerful common bond.
By Corinne O'Brien, Global Competency Intern
The mood in the room was one of mutual understanding and appreciation. Each of the women that participated in the Community Orientation Program for Expatriates (COPE) session has an entirely unique background, yet they share a powerful common bond.
Food and Fellowship
Valentines Day at The International Center
By Hanako Gavia, Relocations Intern
To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year The International Center had a Valentine’s Day pitch-in. The office was decorated with hearts in various locations and we were asked to bring food that was red, white or pink. There was a sign-up sheet for a few weeks, so we could have diverse foods, rather than just sweets. When the day came, everyone who attended the pitch-in brought something. There were plenty of sweets and entrees along with sides such as potatoes, chips and dip. The diversity of the food was wonderful with dishes originating from Germany, Mexico, China and Korea to name a few and of course chocolate and cupcakes. Though the diversity of the food would be rare in most offices, The International Center being what it is, it isn’t all that surprising. Actually, it’s to be expected, that a pitch-in at The International Center would have an array of diverse food. What stood out to me though, is that all of us went to the conference room and ate together.
By Hanako Gavia, Relocations Intern
To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year The International Center had a Valentine’s Day pitch-in. The office was decorated with hearts in various locations and we were asked to bring food that was red, white or pink. There was a sign-up sheet for a few weeks, so we could have diverse foods, rather than just sweets. When the day came, everyone who attended the pitch-in brought something. There were plenty of sweets and entrees along with sides such as potatoes, chips and dip. The diversity of the food was wonderful with dishes originating from Germany, Mexico, China and Korea to name a few and of course chocolate and cupcakes. Though the diversity of the food would be rare in most offices, The International Center being what it is, it isn’t all that surprising. Actually, it’s to be expected, that a pitch-in at The International Center would have an array of diverse food. What stood out to me though, is that all of us went to the conference room and ate together.
Growing from Differences
By Megan Watson
Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations Intern
This week, I had the privilege of attending a Community Orientation Program for Expatriates (COPE) session focusing on American banking procedures and social customs. COPE is an 8-week program that meets twice a week and facilitates newly relocated professionals and their families as they settle in Indiana.
It was interesting to see this side of the transition process, especially after just returning from a semester in southern Spain. I remember feeling very thrown off by small things that I didn’t realize could operate differently than the way I knew. For example, running on “Spanish time” means you may not show up to a party until 30 minutes to an hour after the scheduled time. Also, you have dinner at 10 pm and should eat enough at lunch to keep you full until this late hour. These things took time to understand and grew out of a process of frustration, anger, and annoyance with this new way of living. I wanted dinner at 6 pm and I wanted someone to be ready for a meeting at the exact moment it was supposed to start. Through patience and a lot of endurance, I began to understand that my way was not necessarily RIGHT and it was not the only way that worked. We accomplished our to-do list even if the meeting started a few minutes late and I was still fed even if it was later than I was used to.
Now, as I’ve returned home to Indiana, I understand how American customs can be confusing to someone looking from the outside in. I know they aren’t familiar with American “Checking” and “Savings” accounts or the concept of a “Potluck Dinner.” They don’t know what a “Tailgate” is and have questions regarding the gifts they should give to the hostess of a dinner party they have been invited to.
I caught myself giggling more than once as the COPE participants jotted down notes but not because they didn’t know what “B.Y.O.B” meant. I was laughing because I had asked very similar questions just months ago to a stranger I would later call my “Mama Española.” Through my experiences as both a confused study abroad student and a reestablished Hoosier, I have learned one thing: there is no right way to accomplish something.
Throughout the world, people are completing tasks in unique and different ways and it is their right to do so. We must respect each other for our differences and do our very best to learn from one another. So whether you’ll be eating at 6 or 10 pm tonight, bon appétit!
Lost and found
By Titilope Adebambo Adeniyi-Oshin, Global Competency Training Intern
These specific groups consisted of ladies from Japan, Puerto Rico, India, Poland, France and the UK. This program helps the ladies whose spouses are here on STA’s (Short Time Assignments) with various companies, such as Eli Lilly, Cummins and so on. To better acquaint them with the United States, we also provide them with a handbook and help keep their minds at ease. Indirectly we also created a bond.
It’s been almost four months since I began my internship at the International Center. Over the course of my internship I have had the opportunity to experience many cultures, meet great people. As a Global Competency Training Intern, I had the opportunity to attend the COPE (Community Orientation Program for Expatriates). This consisted of 8 sessions. I even had the opportunity to be a translator to a French speaker throughout these sessions.
Thus far, since the end of the session, we have kept in contact and had a reunion with delicious dishes. What stood out to me was that I was not treated as an Intern, but as though I was one of them. Secondly, I understood their concerns and the feeling of being “lost”. This goes to show that the International Center does more than what people understand. We are an ambassador, a window to Indiana.