Through traveling abroad and with my experiences interning with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) department this summer, I have come to discover how important and valuable it is to connect and share ideas with different people from around the world. Recently, I returned from studying in Tours, France for a month, and the experiences I gained from simply getting to know the people I was living and going to school with everyday were ones that I will never forget.
Getting the Most Out of a Cultural Exchange
By Mallory Noble, International Visitor Leadership Program Intern
Through traveling abroad and with my experiences interning with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) department this summer, I have come to discover how important and valuable it is to connect and share ideas with different people from around the world. Recently, I returned from studying in Tours, France for a month, and the experiences I gained from simply getting to know the people I was living and going to school with everyday were ones that I will never forget.
Through traveling abroad and with my experiences interning with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) department this summer, I have come to discover how important and valuable it is to connect and share ideas with different people from around the world. Recently, I returned from studying in Tours, France for a month, and the experiences I gained from simply getting to know the people I was living and going to school with everyday were ones that I will never forget.75 Years of Welcoming Emerging World Leaders
By Qindan Nie, Development Intern
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which is characterized by the U.S Department of State as the first recognized exchange initiative of its kind.
This flagship exchange program invites emerging foreign leaders working in the political, economic, educational, media, religious and civil society sectors to experience U.S. society and values and to build abiding connections with American peers. These programs have provided opportunities for domestic and international emerging leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate on common challenges in order to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The International Visitor Leadership Program promotes international relationships that work to foster economic growth and development; champion democracy and human rights; expand tolerance and dialogue; assist at-risk populations; support public health; and propel climate change action.
Of the 90 participating community-based organizations in over 40 states, The International Center is the only organization in Indiana to partner with the IVLP to help create a globalized network.
The Program can trace its roots back to 1940 when the U.S. Department of State began supporting people-to-people exchanges as a part of the practice of diplomacy. In December 1940, Dr. Aurelio Espinosa Polit, S.J., rector of the Catholic University in Quito and a distinguished intellectual leader in his country, arrived in New York for a 2-month visit and planted the seeds for IVLP. Since then, the program has brought 200,000 international visitors to the United States from all around the world, including over 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government. Today there are 385 current or former heads of state, 63 Nobel laureates, and thousands of leaders across the private and non-profit sectors. In each of the last three years, women have represented more than 40% of total participants.
Below is just a small sample of the world leaders and notable foreign citizens who have participated in the IVLP program:
(Country, Participant, Positions Held, IVLP Year)
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which is characterized by the U.S Department of State as the first recognized exchange initiative of its kind.
This flagship exchange program invites emerging foreign leaders working in the political, economic, educational, media, religious and civil society sectors to experience U.S. society and values and to build abiding connections with American peers. These programs have provided opportunities for domestic and international emerging leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate on common challenges in order to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.The International Visitor Leadership Program promotes international relationships that work to foster economic growth and development; champion democracy and human rights; expand tolerance and dialogue; assist at-risk populations; support public health; and propel climate change action.
Of the 90 participating community-based organizations in over 40 states, The International Center is the only organization in Indiana to partner with the IVLP to help create a globalized network.
The Program can trace its roots back to 1940 when the U.S. Department of State began supporting people-to-people exchanges as a part of the practice of diplomacy. In December 1940, Dr. Aurelio Espinosa Polit, S.J., rector of the Catholic University in Quito and a distinguished intellectual leader in his country, arrived in New York for a 2-month visit and planted the seeds for IVLP. Since then, the program has brought 200,000 international visitors to the United States from all around the world, including over 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government. Today there are 385 current or former heads of state, 63 Nobel laureates, and thousands of leaders across the private and non-profit sectors. In each of the last three years, women have represented more than 40% of total participants.
Below is just a small sample of the world leaders and notable foreign citizens who have participated in the IVLP program:
(Country, Participant, Positions Held, IVLP Year)
- Central African Republic, Catherine Samba-Panza, President (2014 – Present), 2014
- Australia, Tony Abbott, Prime Minister (2013-Present), 1995
- Taiwan, Ma Ying-Jeou, President (2008 - Present), 2003 and 1971
- France, Nicolas Sarkozy, President (2007-2012), 1985
- United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, Prime Minister (2007-2010), 1992; 1984
- United Kingdom, Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, Prime Minister (1997-2007), 1992; 1986
- United Kingdom, Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Prime Minister, (1979-1990), 1967
- Egypt, Ahmed M. Nazif, Prime Minister, (2004-2011), 1990
- Egypt, Anwar Al Sadat, President, (1970-1981), 1966
- Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, President (2004-Present), 1987
- India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President, (2007-2012), 1968
- India, Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, Prime Minister (1980-1984; 1966-1977), 1960
- Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, President (2011-Present), 1992
- Mexico, Felipe De Jesús Calderón Hinojosa, (President, 2006-2012), 1992
CITIZEN DIPLOMACY ALIVE AND WELL – AT HOME AND IN OUR NATION’S CAPITAL
By Billie Fouts, VP Marketing & Development
A year ago next month I boarded a plane bound for Washington, D.C. to rendezvous with a top International Center volunteer, Betty Bledsoe, along with 10 of her 11 adopted children. The occasion: They, not just SHE, were to be presented with the Lorinne Emery Volunteer of the Year award from Global Ties U.S. Global Ties U.S. is the organization under the purview of the U.S. Department of State that administers the nation’s premiere citizen diplomacy program for visits to the U.S. by delegations of emerging leaders from around the world.
A year ago next month I boarded a plane bound for Washington, D.C. to rendezvous with a top International Center volunteer, Betty Bledsoe, along with 10 of her 11 adopted children. The occasion: They, not just SHE, were to be presented with the Lorinne Emery Volunteer of the Year award from Global Ties U.S. Global Ties U.S. is the organization under the purview of the U.S. Department of State that administers the nation’s premiere citizen diplomacy program for visits to the U.S. by delegations of emerging leaders from around the world.
When Romania Encounters Hoosier Hospitality
By Rachel O'Heran, IVLP intern
Part of what drew me into my internship with the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) at The International Center were the ample opportunities to work with the international community. Through my studies, I have worked with individuals from African and Asian cultures. Although I thoroughly enjoy my work with both of these regions, I wanted to broaden my experience and to work hand in hand with individuals from all a variety of cultures. Over the past four years, I have been exposed to many cultures that call Indianapolis home, and it has been amazing to see the international growth that has taken place in Indianapolis and to work with the organizations that are allowing this growth to happen.
Part of what drew me into my internship with the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) at The International Center were the ample opportunities to work with the international community. Through my studies, I have worked with individuals from African and Asian cultures. Although I thoroughly enjoy my work with both of these regions, I wanted to broaden my experience and to work hand in hand with individuals from all a variety of cultures. Over the past four years, I have been exposed to many cultures that call Indianapolis home, and it has been amazing to see the international growth that has taken place in Indianapolis and to work with the organizations that are allowing this growth to happen.
75 Years of International Exchange
At The International Center we strive to facilitate international exchange. One of our core programs is the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), managed by Beth Barich. The program helps bringing leaders from all around the world to the United States in order to improve international diplomacy. It was first introduced in 1940 and was solely created for Latin American leaders but quickly evolved into what it is known as today. That is, bringing leaders from all around the world to US communities. In its first 75 years, the IVLP served 200,000 emerging leaders in diverse fields.
Today, the IVLP is facilitated by Global Ties US, a non-profit organization, and the Department of State. They work hand in hand to provide their members with leadership development and to involve Americans in building mutual understanding between people and nations.
Person-to-Person Diplomacy: Tea, Soccer, and Finding Common Ground
By Kimberly Collins, Global Competency Intern
In an age where I can read live tweets from Gaza and watch YouTube videos fresh from Syria, I have the ability to filter my news with scrutiny. With constant increases in technology, I have the luxury of video chatting for free directly with a friend in France. My company could send me on a three year assignment to the UAE and, while doubtlessly challenging in ways, I would be overall fine, even elated. All this to say, the world is getting flatter, and we are getting more connected in it.
Changing the World with IVLP
By Ashalyn Hardy, International Visitor Leadership Program Intern
The International Visitor Leadership Program is a program that is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is a professional exchange program designed to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries. As the IVLP intern, I work alongside Beth Barich to develop programs for IVLP delegations from all over the world. In this role, I have learned so much more than the technical aspects of programming for international leaders.
The International Visitor Leadership Program is a program that is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is a professional exchange program designed to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries. As the IVLP intern, I work alongside Beth Barich to develop programs for IVLP delegations from all over the world. In this role, I have learned so much more than the technical aspects of programming for international leaders.
Go with the Float!
By Tara Palmer, Floater Intern
To say I’ve enjoyed my time at The International Center so far would be an understatement. As the Floater Intern, I am able to experience each department for two weeks at a time and work with each department head and their current intern.
My most memorable experience so far was getting the opportunity to guide a group of men from Bangladesh through Indianapolis and their day of meetings throughout the city.
To say I’ve enjoyed my time at The International Center so far would be an understatement. As the Floater Intern, I am able to experience each department for two weeks at a time and work with each department head and their current intern.
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| Tara |
Bringing the World to Indianapolis
By Christine Burns, IVLP Intern
Did you happen to see a group of Belarusian librarians milling around St. Clair Street in front of the Indianapolis Central Library? How about the French prosecutor walking through the hall of the U.S. District Court? Did you notice the group from Bolivia heading down Meridian Street on their way to a meeting with the Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Harrison College? These international guests are part of the International Visitors Leadership Program that is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. So, why are these visitors from faraway lands in Indianapolis?
Did you happen to see a group of Belarusian librarians milling around St. Clair Street in front of the Indianapolis Central Library? How about the French prosecutor walking through the hall of the U.S. District Court? Did you notice the group from Bolivia heading down Meridian Street on their way to a meeting with the Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Harrison College? These international guests are part of the International Visitors Leadership Program that is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. So, why are these visitors from faraway lands in Indianapolis?
A Day in the Life of an IVLP Intern
By Samy Samandu, IVLP Intern
IVLP. What does that stand for? It stands for International Visitors Leadership Program. The program was introduced by the Department of State to bring emerging leaders from all over the world to the United States to talk to people just like them professionally. These projects take a special kind of planning, diligence, and patience.
IVLP. What does that stand for? It stands for International Visitors Leadership Program. The program was introduced by the Department of State to bring emerging leaders from all over the world to the United States to talk to people just like them professionally. These projects take a special kind of planning, diligence, and patience.
An IVLP Experience: Guiding a Leader From Curacao
By Blake Bowers, Development Intern
My most memorable experience with The International Center thus far has been the opportunity to meet and escort an international delegate around Indianapolis. The delegate that I spent the day with was Jeroen Jansen, a Policy Director from Curacao. Curacao is an island just off the coast of Venezuela. I was afforded this opportunity through The Center’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and its goal is to bring distinguished international individuals to the United States to meet with their international colleagues.
My most memorable experience with The International Center thus far has been the opportunity to meet and escort an international delegate around Indianapolis. The delegate that I spent the day with was Jeroen Jansen, a Policy Director from Curacao. Curacao is an island just off the coast of Venezuela. I was afforded this opportunity through The Center’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and its goal is to bring distinguished international individuals to the United States to meet with their international colleagues.
Hosting International Visitors: Expanding Our Horizons
Hold on. Back up. Maybe I should explain a few things. First off, IVLP is a professional exchange program run by the Department of State that brings emerging foreign leaders in diverse fields to the United States to meet with their professional counterparts. The International Center's role in the program is to act as Indiana's local Council for International Visitors (CIV). The visitors begin their programs in Washington, D.C., or New York City, then move on to various cities within the United States. As I mentioned, we are responsible for organizing the program for when the visitors are in Indiana.
Getting Multilingual with IVLP
By Catherine Johnson, IVLP Inter
Returning to Indianapolis after spending a semester studying abroad in Qatar, I did not expect to have many opportunities to put my Arabic language skills or business cards to use this summer. However, as I have learned so far from my time with The International Center, this internship experience is full of surprises and chances to bring my own skills and expertise to bear on my work
Dinner and Dancing
By Mary Bova, Relocation Intern
*All names used in this blog are fictitous although their stories are true.
It is so hard to believe that my time at The International Center is nearly over. Each and every moment here has been enriching and rewarding. Yesterday I had the opportunity to accompany the Women of Justice Delegation. This has been the crowing jewel of all of my experiences here and that is saying a lot because I have had countless beautiful experiences here.
Our day began with a visit to the women's prison. We were a group of five females most of them attorneys from Jordan, Afghanistan, Russia and South Sudan, one very courages man from India, an English language officer and myself. I was amazed and in awe to be among this distinguished delegation. Each had endured and overcome so much to be where they were. Fila* from Afghanistan was an attorney; her family went against other family and friends to send their daughters to school. They were even forced to move to Pakistan for a time in order to continue their daughter's education. I found it difficult to move across town a few years ago. I cannot imagine having to leave my country so that my children could be educated. Fila shared that even today parents are afraid to send their girls to school because of security threats. I asked her what they were afraid of and she replied that the Taliban was still making it very difficult for girls to be educated. They would even poison the water at the schools leaving families afraid to send their daughters to school. Bahadur, the lone man from India, shared with me the pressure of defending women's rights in a male dominated society. He endured much persecution and ridicule when as a passport officer he would hold the passports of husbands until they worked out their issues with their wives. He said that change is slow but they are making progress. Ironically the women of the group were relentless in giving him a hard time with just about everything but the patient Bahadur endured their constant banter because he knew in his heart he was working toward something far bigger.
Our next stop was the Peace Learning Center. We walked in and there were large paintings of warriors for peace. The walls were graced with likenesses of Dr. Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and others. Our Peace Center leader asked me to join the workshop. I was truly honored and felt completely unworthy of the privilege. We sat nestled among the faces of the courageous freedom fighters on the walls. I could not help thinking that the inspiring group I sat among would be the freedom fighters of the future. One day the world would be honoring them for their selfless acts of courage promoting a better life for people everywhere. Just when I though I could not be any prouder to be among such greatness our Peace Learning Center leader told me that this beautiful program originated at the inner church center, an organization that my grandfather had an integral part in starting. I cannot begin to describe how meaningful and inspiring this time was to me.
We were driving back to the hotel and these lovely ladies invited me to come back the following evening for a special dinner. I accepted their invitation. I went to their hotel room and they had prepared a feast. They had all worked together and made a beautiful presentation of food with very little resources. We ate like royalty and shared stories of our lives, funny ones and sad ones; we danced the night away learning each other's dances. Aminah taught us belly dance. I shared Salsa and Meringue; Fila showed us a special dance from India and also one from Aghanistan. We laughed and we cried, but through it all we came together as women for justice and women for unity. Leaving me with a deeper understanding of how small our world is. I am so deeply grateful for my time at The International Center. I feel I have been given so much more than I could possibly give back. It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of this organization. I will carry memories of my time here in my heart always.
*All names used in this blog are fictitous although their stories are true.
Connecting Cultures in Indianapolis
By Jessica Kilcoyne, Development Intern
This past Friday, I was given the opportunity to spend my day with a very unique and remarkable group of visitors who were participating in the International Visitors Leadership Program in Indianapolis. The IVLP, which is an initiative of the Department of State, bring international guests to the United States so they can attend professional meetings, participate in enriching activities, and ultimately gain insight pertaining to their work abroad. The delegation that I was able to assist with was American Youth: Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation. The members of this group came from all over: Czech Republic, India, Kuwait, Mexico, Namibia, Singapore, and Uzbekistan. While they were all initially strangers who hailed from various parts of the world, their goal was cohesive: the learn more about civic awareness, youth leadership, and educational policies within the United States. By promoting diplomacy between international countries and the United States, the IVLP creates a rewarding experience for both its participants and its facilitators.
I met these seven individuals in the lobby of their hotel early Friday morning, and I was immediately welcomed warmly. One of the first things I noticed about this group was their excitement and enthusiasm for every activity we participated in. We attended meetings at three inspiring places: the Center for Leadership Development, Eastwood Middle School, and Asante's Children's Theater. Each gathering was an opportunity to connect cultures, exchange insight, and discover very significant community programs. The group members were incredibly inquisitive - truly striving to take away as much information as they could. Furthermore, this curiosity was contagious, and I found myself motivated to learn more about these projects. By accompanying this delegation, I was able to see Indianapolis through the eyes of an international visitor, and it actually reinvigorated my own appreciation for the city I live in. So often, we fail to remember that there are truly great things happening right in our neighborhoods. All we have to do is look a little closer, and these IVLP members showed me how to do so.
Throughout my internship at The International Center, I have been consistently and thoroughly integrated with the staff's work. By permitting me to help with this delegation, The International Center has once again expanded my professionalism and broadened my perceptions. It is often difficult for many organizations to fully trust their interns, so I am thankful that The International Center has complete confidence in my ability. As I head towards the conclusion of my internship, I am certain that everything I have learned here will successfully contribute to both my future career endeavors and my own personal outlook on life.
Dialogue Over Dinner
By Megan Watson, Marketing, Communications & Stakeholder Relations Intern
In the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to do many unique and challenging things as a result of my internship here at The International Center. One of the things that meant the most to me was hosting a Dinner Hospitality (a volunteer opportunity open to anyone in the community) for international visitors from Namibia, Kuwait, and Singapore.
I was excited to learn that I had the opportunity to host these visitors and was even more intrigued upon learning that my mother & I would be hosting visitors with specific dietary concerns that would keep them from drinking alcohol, eating meat, and eating certain types of foods (mostly dependent upon their method of preparation). This challenge proved to be one we could counquer, as we decided to cook a meal that was completely vegan, in order to give the visitors an "American" meal that was also comfortable for them.
It was amusing that one guest, from Namibia, was absolutely obsessed with frozen yogurt. She first tried the sweet dessert during her time in Washington, D.C. and insisted that we stop at Orange Leaf upon leaving the house after dinner. It was funny to see just how alike young adults really are, no matter where they come from.
Upon dropping them off at the hotel, the three visitors gifted me with bracelets, accessories, and wall decor that represented their unique states. This meant so much to me, as I love collecting things from around the world. Although the visitors have left Indianapolis, I wear my "Namibia" bracelet almost every day and enjoy getting to do so. Through the IVLP Program, as implemented by The International Center, I was able to learn so much about these three different cultures and through interaction with this visitors, I opened a dialogue through "citizen diplomacy."
Want to become a citizen diplomat? Visit our website and find out how! www.internationalcenter.org!
Inspiration from our Experiences
By Shaina Peterson,
International Visitors Leadership Program Intern
The desire to lead has always come naturally to me, and although I knew that I wanted to work in International Affairs, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with that aspiration; until now. Being a part of The International Center and experiencing other cultures firsthand has truly been a blessing for me. The opportunities that we are provided don’t just make you consider the importance of our work, but it also compels us to look deeper into the meaning of our life, and how we are affecting and inspiring others around us.
I have had the pleasure of accompanying various international delegations to a multitude of professional meetings, and was humbled by their kindness and their eagerness to learn. I have also been blessed to not only attend a Naturalization Ceremony at the courthouse, but to also present a United States Flag to the eldest citizen being naturalized on that specific day. These exceptional events have shown me how important The International Center is to our community.
The International Center staff reaches a massive amount of people in significantly different capacities, but each one of them maintains the fundamental goal of improving the quality and character of Indianapolis. The desire to reach out and change the lives of international visitors, expatriates, and local professionals alike flows through the veins of each and every person that walks through these halls.
I am blessed to be a part of this journey and I am even more grateful that the foundation of my knowledge and skills in this field is being paved by an overwhelmingly sincere and genuine group of leaders. Having the opportunity to utilize my leadership skills in such a unique and meaningful way has uncovered a side of me that I honestly never knew was there. I now feel a sense of allegiance to this city that I’d never experienced before, and have found myself reaching out to personally make a difference within the community.
The International Center has been my mentor for a very short period of time; just a little over a month. But in that time, I have encountered people and situations that I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a part of, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I have learned so much already, and am eager to put my new skills to use.
Thanksgiving
By Yasunori Masunaga, Intern at Asian Learning Center of Indiana
Last week, I had Thanksgiving dinner with Jackie Nytes’ family and her acquaintances. Last year, should have been my first Thanksgiving, but timing didn't work out and I had to go to Japan during the week of the holiday. So this was my first time to spend the holiday in the states. I met many people from different countries including Lebanese delegates. It was really interesting to open a world map before dinner with the dinner guests from all over the world and point to each others' home countries because so many different places were represented. It was always hard for me to explain where my home city of Japan is because people usually only know of Tokyo, but this time the map helped me a lot. (By the way, my home city is Kanazawa, meaning Gold Swamp, but unfortunately there is no gold swamp there.)
A funny moment from Thanksgiving that really stands out to me was when we were watching a NFL game and one of the Lebanese delegates asked me, "is this baseball?" They said football in their culture does not mean American football, but soccer. According to them, Soccer is the most popular sport in Lebanon. I hope baseball becomes a world sport, like soccer, because it is so popular in the US and Japan.
After that it was time for dinner. When dinner was ready we sat down around a big table. I ate more Turkey at dinner than I ever have in my whole entire life (further, I was given the remaining Turkey in a large box to take home and I ate it the next day.)
After the dinner, we walked around Jackie’s house where she explained about the communities that she is engaging in to improve the lives of people there. For example, there were used books in a small box beside a school bus stop, where students could freely borrow the books and return them another day. It really impressed me that people donate books to the community so that everyone can have a chance to read. I really enjoyed the time and had a great experience learning about this traditional American holiday. I am really thankful for all of my experiences here at The International Center.
Last week, I had Thanksgiving dinner with Jackie Nytes’ family and her acquaintances. Last year, should have been my first Thanksgiving, but timing didn't work out and I had to go to Japan during the week of the holiday. So this was my first time to spend the holiday in the states. I met many people from different countries including Lebanese delegates. It was really interesting to open a world map before dinner with the dinner guests from all over the world and point to each others' home countries because so many different places were represented. It was always hard for me to explain where my home city of Japan is because people usually only know of Tokyo, but this time the map helped me a lot. (By the way, my home city is Kanazawa, meaning Gold Swamp, but unfortunately there is no gold swamp there.)
A funny moment from Thanksgiving that really stands out to me was when we were watching a NFL game and one of the Lebanese delegates asked me, "is this baseball?" They said football in their culture does not mean American football, but soccer. According to them, Soccer is the most popular sport in Lebanon. I hope baseball becomes a world sport, like soccer, because it is so popular in the US and Japan.
After that it was time for dinner. When dinner was ready we sat down around a big table. I ate more Turkey at dinner than I ever have in my whole entire life (further, I was given the remaining Turkey in a large box to take home and I ate it the next day.)
After the dinner, we walked around Jackie’s house where she explained about the communities that she is engaging in to improve the lives of people there. For example, there were used books in a small box beside a school bus stop, where students could freely borrow the books and return them another day. It really impressed me that people donate books to the community so that everyone can have a chance to read. I really enjoyed the time and had a great experience learning about this traditional American holiday. I am really thankful for all of my experiences here at The International Center.
A valuable experience
By Yasunori Masunaga, Intern at Asian Learning Center of Indiana
In addition to my main projects, I have had opportunities to further appreciate different cultures. Last Friday, I had dinner with Austrian delegates who visited the US to observe the US election processes, hosted by the volunteers of the International Center, Mr. and Mrs. Hovee’s family. We talked about cultural differences between the US, Austria, and Japan. I was just impressed that the Austrian delegates felt the same way about the US that I did. We both feel that American people are so interested and actively involved in politics and that we thought we should model our own countries as democratic.
It has been about two months since I started my internship at The International Center. I have experienced far more things than I expected. In this internship, I am responsible for two projects. The first one is research on the business relationship between Indiana and Japan. I am collecting data and interviewing people who are involved in business with Japan. I guess many people would not know that Indiana has a strong relationship with Japan. The state government has actively invited Japanese firms to invest here since the 1980s when the US was in a deep recession. The government’s relationship with Japan ended up locating more than 200 Japanese companies in Indiana with 40,000 Hoosiers employed by those Japanese companies. By the way, Indiana is the only state that has three Japanese automobile factories.
Another project I am working on is the study of Japan and the Japanese language in Indiana. I have interviewed teachers and students in universities and high school who are teaching and learning Japanese. It was so interesting to me as a Japanese to interview them about why they started learning Japanese and what they want to do with the language and knowledge.
In addition to my main projects, I have had opportunities to further appreciate different cultures. Last Friday, I had dinner with Austrian delegates who visited the US to observe the US election processes, hosted by the volunteers of the International Center, Mr. and Mrs. Hovee’s family. We talked about cultural differences between the US, Austria, and Japan. I was just impressed that the Austrian delegates felt the same way about the US that I did. We both feel that American people are so interested and actively involved in politics and that we thought we should model our own countries as democratic.
It is hard to believe that there are only less than two months left for our internship. Before this internship ends, I hope to participate in as many new activities as possible.
The Olympics in a Global Culture
By Marielle Petranof, Office of Protocol Intern
With the 2012 Summer Olympic Games currently underway, it occurs to me that the world seems to be getting a whole lot smaller. When the Games are going on, it’s easy to think of ourselves as part of a global culture. In a way, everyone speaks the same language: sport.
With the 2012 Summer Olympic Games currently underway, it occurs to me that the world seems to be getting a whole lot smaller. When the Games are going on, it’s easy to think of ourselves as part of a global culture. In a way, everyone speaks the same language: sport.
