As I reflect on my experience in the UK, I recognize how privileged and fortunate I have been to be able to connect with students abroad in their home/campus. Although creating my teaching guide and preparing material has been an essential aspect of this process, I also want to place emphasis on how much I’ve valued spending time with other students, especially since I had never been to the UK before!
Whether it was discussing various food recommendations, or bonding over shared cultural experiences, my time at Oxford was welcoming and comfortable thanks to the students there. Not only has this experience influenced how I want to approach my teaching guide, but in and of itself, provided an example of community building and cross-cultural solidarity.
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I'm glad you felt so welcomed and connected during your project in the UK! Before this summer started, I remember feeling worried about whether I would have any sort of social life during my project, especially since it is also my first time in the country where I'm working. However, I've received a very warm welcome to Mexico, and I've also been able to build strong connections. Like you mentioned, food and shared experiences have both been particularly effective! I think I reached a similar conclusion as you, that these informal interactions are some of the best examples of the lofty-sounding goals that Laidlaw sets, like cross-cultural solidarity.