Cultural cuisine with a side of etiquette
By Megan Krause, Campus Life writer
April 17, 2007 | 10:58 p.m.
Don’t sniff the food. Don’t wear flip-flops. And most importantly don’t forget the toilet paper. These tips could be heard at the International Studies Majors Association’s etiquette dinner in Baker Center on April 11, along with other authentic advice.
What is the International Studies Majors Association?
According to the organization’s vice president Kristen Rankin, The International Studies Majors Association (ISMA) was founded last fall at Ohio University. The idea of the organization is to give those majoring in international studies a place to work together with other students in their program. “It’s really hard to connect with other people who are in the same major as you even though you have common interests,” Rankin said. ISMA gives students the opportunity to connect more easily.
However, Rankin also stated that any student is invited to participate in events held around campus. Another goal of the ISMA is to spread international awareness to students. “Unfortunately Americans are culturally unaware,” Rankin said. “Being aware of other cultures in general is vital in today’s world.”
What will the dinners consist of?
The four regions being represented in the dinners are Africa, Latin American, Europe and Asia. These areas correspond to the four concentration areas within the international studies program.
“We just wanted to try to cover as much as we can, but we know we will not come near covering everything,” Rankin explained.
The general topics covered in the etiquette dinners have been compiled between the ISMA and graduate students who will be speaking at the event. The graduate students also helped to prepare the menu for the dinner, which will be provided by Baker Catering. After choosing food from the buffet, the conversations will continue throughout dinner.
Who would benefit from attending the international etiquette dinners?
ISMA President Colleen Shank agreed that the dinner provides good background for those who plan on having a career in international business. Shank also encourages “the average Joe who just wants to learn more about different cultures” to attend.
Shank is an international studies major with a concentration in European studies.
“I know nothing about African etiquette, and I thought it would be interesting to learn about all four concentrations, not just European,” Shank said. “We can be so secluded in American sometimes. [We’re] in our own little bubble.”
What is the verdict on the first dinner?
Although all of the dinners are targeted towards international business majors, the conversation at the first dinner remained in a realm that could interest anyone. On entering the room, participants were greeted by ISMA members. They made it a point to make sure no one was hesitant to ask questions that were on his or her mind. Also, the tables were arranged in a rectangle in order to further encourage conversation. The dialogue among the graduate students represented the differences in African culture well, and participants’ questions helped bring up new topics.
Participant Lindsay Caldwell’s travels to Senegal Africa inspired her to attend. “I am just always trying to get back to Africa because it’s amazing there,” she said. Caldwell liked that different cultures were represented. “A lot of people classify Africa as one country…this way they see how it really is,” she said.
After eating the food, all of the graduate students agreed that it was not authentic. Although an effort was made to prepare the dishes correctly, some changes were inevitable because of a lack of resources.
What words of wisdom would the graduate students give to someone trying to live in a different culture?
Upon entering a new culture there are infinite details to learn. “There’s so much. You are not going to learn everything in one day,” said Selam Gerzher-Alemayo, an Ethiopian graduate student. She continued to explain that a good way to learn is to ask questions. “Just ask them; don’t be afraid. It will be the only way you know,” she said.
Also acknowledging that there is a lot to learn, Nigerian graduate student Omolola Anne Famuyiwa suggests learning the little things. “It gets them (the citizens) so excited it warms their heart. They really, really love you for it,” she said.
Ghanaian graduate student Shani Salifu continued to explain that the people you have contact with in a foreign country will understand mistakes if you are trying your best. “You don’t need to kill yourself. You just need to try,” said Salifu.
“When you go over there they are not expecting you to completely assimilate,” Gerzher-Alemayo added. “You just have to observe and see what is going on.”
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Upcoming dinners:
April 18th: A Latin American Etiquette Dinner April 25th: A European Etiquette Dinner May 2nd: An Asian Etiquette Dinner
Contact Colleen Shank or Kristen Rankin to make a reservation.