Diversity. It is something we hear often but many don’t stop to think about what it actually means. It is far more than just the color of one’s skin or their gender. Diversity includes beliefs, social class and cultures. But why is diversity so important? A diverse culture is full of varying perspectives. Differing perspectives help us to sharpen our own ideas and perspectives. We either strengthen our already existing ones, obtain completely new ones or blend the perspectives to build a potentially stronger one. Diversity is especially important in higher education.
One if the goals of universities is to produce enlightened and educated individuals. To do this universities and professors have to expose students to various cultures, ideas, thought processes, traditions, etc. One group that helps to create to a diverse campus is the international student population. International students from all over the world contribute to the diversity by sharing their own experience, perspectives and cultures, which can greatly benefit the higher education community.
Diversity is so important that it is the theme for the 2018 NAFSA Annual Conference. The full theme is “Diverse Voices, Shared Commitment.” It focuses on the multiple perspectives, including those across national boundaries. One aspect they emphasize is that without a shared commitment multiple voices are just noise and have no real power. Shared commitment has trust; it is a relationship, a connection. Without that relationship, a true connection, diverse cultures tend to clash.
We at eShipGlobal believe in having a diverse culture, which is why we have a staff comprised of various ethnicities, genders, cultures and backgrounds. We have seen first hand how these combination of cultures can produce amazing results. So, our question and theme for the 2018 NAFSA Annual Conference is: “What is true intercultural connection?” We would like to hear from all the advisors and anyone else who would like to contribute. What is true intercultural connection and what is its greatest benefit?
By Ashleigh Cue
