Every other Thursday, the Global Lounge is filled with laughter and interactions amongst a group of students, ready to exchange ideas and cultures.The Language Exchange is a program where students with various backgrounds can come to interact and learn about each other’s cultures. It was established in the 2017 Fall semester by the former international student representative, Josie Gates. The event is held bi-weekly on Thursday from 7pm to 8pm at the Global Lounge and is open to all Mason students.
As the GMUK student population is getting larger each semester, it is harder for students to interact with one another. Josie Gates witnessed a gap and wanted it to be filled. In a brief interview with The Voice, she shared what influenced her to create this program, “My purpose was to help facilitate communication between international students and their Korean counterparts. Some students have expressed that they aren’t comfortable approaching each other or weren’t sure how, so I wanted to develop a safe space where students feel comfortable speaking freely and getting to know each other. My goal was to offer more comfortable communication and interactions with various cultures.”
This semester, the new international student representative, Haseung Joung, has continued the Language Exchange and shared her goals for the program, “My goal is to give both international students and Korean students a platform to discuss openly about a variety of topics, whether it is about each other’s culture, school, and etc. I wanted it to be an opportunity to speak without judgment.” She continued, “I hope the Language Exchange can be a part of a ‘bridge’ I’m hoping to build between international and Korean students. I want to change any stereotypes or misconceptions that can be derived from simple miscommunication. Maybe this could be a platform to create that communicative atmosphere on campus.”
So far, the students who have been actively participating have given positive feedback. Freshman Andrea Kwon,who has been participating since last semester said, “It is a good idea and very necessary to this school, because a lot of times, it is hard to reach out to students who are not similar to ourselves. Language Exchange creates an accessible environment where students can freely and comfortably express themselves while bridging existing gaps.”
As there are upcoming sessions this semester, there are still chances to join. The Language Exchange is an opportunity to stop by for an hour, talk to someone new, and share various cultures that students bring to the table.
Hyun Hui Kim | Reporter
hkim91@masonlive.gmu.edu
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