6 answers
Zach
Student
Michigan City, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
443 views
How do you choose the best college that will reflect your culture?
I am college bound and i have been wondering how do i find the best college that will reflect my culture so i dont always feel left out or is cultural diversity not that important?
6 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Zach,
Before you consider culture, decide what you want to major in and look for good colleges that offer that degree. Check accreditation, tuition cost, admission rate, distance from home, reputation, availability of scholarships, research facilities, research interests of the faculty, etc.
After you have considered the academic merits of each college, you can now consider personal likes and dislikes. Maybe you are looking for a particular sports program. Maybe you also have a regional or climate preference. You can decide on city vs small college town, coast vs mid west, north or south, east coast or west coast.
You'll be left with a list of possibilities. Find out as much information as you can from each university website, YouTube, or blogs for your top picks. If you are worried about the culture you can check the composition and background of staff and students, their diversity initiatives, if there are any clubs or cultural events that speak to you.
Generally speaking, universities are some of the most diverse places you'll ever see. And part of the college experience is to meet people from other parts of the world and other walks of life. I am confident that you'll find "your people" - they tend to be the people who have similar academic interests as you, not necessarily the same background.
It makes sense to visit your top picks if you can or at least watch their virtual campus tours. You'll get a feel for the place. You can meet people, check out facilities and ask questions. By this time you should have a pretty good idea which college(s) you like best.
It's your choice, but don't let any concern about culture keep you from going to your dream university, whatever that might be.
I hope this helps! All the best in your college search!
KP
Before you consider culture, decide what you want to major in and look for good colleges that offer that degree. Check accreditation, tuition cost, admission rate, distance from home, reputation, availability of scholarships, research facilities, research interests of the faculty, etc.
After you have considered the academic merits of each college, you can now consider personal likes and dislikes. Maybe you are looking for a particular sports program. Maybe you also have a regional or climate preference. You can decide on city vs small college town, coast vs mid west, north or south, east coast or west coast.
You'll be left with a list of possibilities. Find out as much information as you can from each university website, YouTube, or blogs for your top picks. If you are worried about the culture you can check the composition and background of staff and students, their diversity initiatives, if there are any clubs or cultural events that speak to you.
Generally speaking, universities are some of the most diverse places you'll ever see. And part of the college experience is to meet people from other parts of the world and other walks of life. I am confident that you'll find "your people" - they tend to be the people who have similar academic interests as you, not necessarily the same background.
It makes sense to visit your top picks if you can or at least watch their virtual campus tours. You'll get a feel for the place. You can meet people, check out facilities and ask questions. By this time you should have a pretty good idea which college(s) you like best.
It's your choice, but don't let any concern about culture keep you from going to your dream university, whatever that might be.
I hope this helps! All the best in your college search!
KP
Mary Teraji
12
Answers
Castroville, CA
Updated
Mary’s Answer
One of the benefits of going to college is to experience cultures outside your own. A lot of the students and teachers you'll interact with will be from other cities, states, and even other countries. It's a chance to broaden your understanding of other people and the world at large.
If you're looking for something that's more familiar to you, it's best to pick a school that's closest to home. Nevertheless, college is a place where people from everywhere and all walks of life attend, so you'll always have to make space for that.
Another option is to start a student led club for other students who share your culture. You could have a language club, where you and other native speakers can get together and communicate with each other in your native tongue, and potentially welcome in others interested in learning the language. Or a religious group, where you meet once a week to participate in a ceremony or scripture reading together. Or any other practice or hobby that others in your culture are familiar with. My college had a Chinese Lion Dance club that practiced every week and preformed at school events.
Getting out of the comfort zone of where and how you were raised is a huge part of the college experience that often isn't talked about it. And when it is it's offered up like a wonderful opportunity, and it is. But it is also hard. A culture shock, sometimes. It's something we have to learn to live with, how to coexist with people that don't fully understand or align with us. Going to college is a good place to learn, because everyone else is in the same boat.
If you're looking for something that's more familiar to you, it's best to pick a school that's closest to home. Nevertheless, college is a place where people from everywhere and all walks of life attend, so you'll always have to make space for that.
Another option is to start a student led club for other students who share your culture. You could have a language club, where you and other native speakers can get together and communicate with each other in your native tongue, and potentially welcome in others interested in learning the language. Or a religious group, where you meet once a week to participate in a ceremony or scripture reading together. Or any other practice or hobby that others in your culture are familiar with. My college had a Chinese Lion Dance club that practiced every week and preformed at school events.
Getting out of the comfort zone of where and how you were raised is a huge part of the college experience that often isn't talked about it. And when it is it's offered up like a wonderful opportunity, and it is. But it is also hard. A culture shock, sometimes. It's something we have to learn to live with, how to coexist with people that don't fully understand or align with us. Going to college is a good place to learn, because everyone else is in the same boat.
Faith Sani
33
Answers
Updated
Faith’s Answer
Choosing the right college that aligns with your cultural values and beliefs is crucial for a fulfilling academic experience. The following are key points on how to select a college that resonates with your culture.
1. Research the college's diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure a welcoming environment for your cultural background.
2. Look for student organizations and clubs that celebrate and promote your culture.
3. Consider the location of the college and its proximity to cultural communities and events.
4. Connect with current students or alumni from similar cultural backgrounds for insights and advice.
By following these key points, you can make an informed decision in selecting a college that reflects and celebrates your culture.
Hope it helps
Faith Sani
1. Research the college's diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure a welcoming environment for your cultural background.
2. Look for student organizations and clubs that celebrate and promote your culture.
3. Consider the location of the college and its proximity to cultural communities and events.
4. Connect with current students or alumni from similar cultural backgrounds for insights and advice.
By following these key points, you can make an informed decision in selecting a college that reflects and celebrates your culture.
Hope it helps
Faith Sani
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Choosing a college that reflects your culture involves considering various factors to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment. Here are some steps you can take to find the best fit:
Research College Demographics:
Look into the demographic makeup of the student body. Some colleges may have a more diverse population, while others may be more homogenous.
Consider the representation of various ethnicities, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
Explore Cultural Organizations:
Check if the college has cultural organizations, clubs, or student groups that align with your background and interests.
Attend events hosted by these organizations to get a sense of the campus community.
Visit the Campus:
Attend campus tours or open house events to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Pay attention to the campus culture and whether it feels inclusive and welcoming.
Connect with Current Students:
Reach out to current students who share your cultural background. Many colleges have student ambassadors or mentors who can provide insights into their experiences.
Utilize social media platforms, forums, or alumni networks to connect with current and former students.
Check Support Services:
Investigate the availability of support services for students from diverse backgrounds, such as cultural centers, counseling services, and mentorship programs.
See if there are initiatives in place to foster inclusivity and diversity on campus.
Consider Location:
Think about the location of the college and whether it aligns with your cultural preferences. Consider factors such as climate, community, and local cultural amenities.
Research Course Offerings:
Examine the curriculum to ensure it includes courses or programs that address your cultural interests or perspectives.
Look for faculty members who specialize in areas related to your cultural background.
Review Campus Policies:
Check if the college has policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. This may include anti-discrimination policies, cultural sensitivity training, and inclusive programming.
Financial Considerations:
Evaluate the financial aspects, including available scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs that may support students from diverse backgrounds.
Seek Feedback from Alumni:
Reach out to alumni from your cultural background to learn about their experiences and how the college contributed to their personal and cultural development.
Research College Demographics:
Look into the demographic makeup of the student body. Some colleges may have a more diverse population, while others may be more homogenous.
Consider the representation of various ethnicities, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
Explore Cultural Organizations:
Check if the college has cultural organizations, clubs, or student groups that align with your background and interests.
Attend events hosted by these organizations to get a sense of the campus community.
Visit the Campus:
Attend campus tours or open house events to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Pay attention to the campus culture and whether it feels inclusive and welcoming.
Connect with Current Students:
Reach out to current students who share your cultural background. Many colleges have student ambassadors or mentors who can provide insights into their experiences.
Utilize social media platforms, forums, or alumni networks to connect with current and former students.
Check Support Services:
Investigate the availability of support services for students from diverse backgrounds, such as cultural centers, counseling services, and mentorship programs.
See if there are initiatives in place to foster inclusivity and diversity on campus.
Consider Location:
Think about the location of the college and whether it aligns with your cultural preferences. Consider factors such as climate, community, and local cultural amenities.
Research Course Offerings:
Examine the curriculum to ensure it includes courses or programs that address your cultural interests or perspectives.
Look for faculty members who specialize in areas related to your cultural background.
Review Campus Policies:
Check if the college has policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. This may include anti-discrimination policies, cultural sensitivity training, and inclusive programming.
Financial Considerations:
Evaluate the financial aspects, including available scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs that may support students from diverse backgrounds.
Seek Feedback from Alumni:
Reach out to alumni from your cultural background to learn about their experiences and how the college contributed to their personal and cultural development.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Zach !
To find a college that will suit your needs you can first decide what major you plan to do and where you'd like to attend school. Decide if you want to stay in your region or relocate to another state for college. With your particular concern, I would suggest that a large college would be suitable for you. A place where you can meet a lot of people of all different backgrounds and a campus that offers various cultural activities and events. Maybe one of the large cities on the east or west coast ?
While in college, you can take some courses about your culture in the history, art or language department.
The issue of feeling left out is internal and doesn't really have much to do with skin color, race, gender, culture or the usual things the media tries to put on people, in my opinion. There has always been diversity - and lots of it - in my lifetime. People before us have fought for our rights and died for our rights and we are all born into the U.S. with rights and equality, legally. I have known an outstanding number of successful people of all backgrounds that you can name. People are people, not a label. Diversity, through my one real lifetime experience, has always been at the forefront in the U.S. but some people like to rock that boat and try to convince people that it doesn't exist. It's all in what you want to believe, actually. If you want to be involved in your culture, there's no better place to do it than America.
The truth is, and it's a tough pill to swallow, we all feel left out at one time or another. That's life. It can be situational but shouldn't be anything that someone else makes you feel. You meet people, get a vibe and that tells you who is good or not for you to hang around with. There are even situations you will be in where you won't fit in but you have to be there. You will learn how to handle those situations and it's mostly personality conflicts, not having tangible things in common or liking the same things. It's true, some people are very uncomfortable with people they have nothing in common with, but it's not your issue, it's their problem. As for not liking a person's culture, that comes from ignorance and fear and yes, there will always be people of that nature around everywhere. It's something as individuals that we have to learn in many situations: what do I do if someone doesn't like me ? You learn that lesson by testing yourself, gaining social experience and maturity. Being in control of your social interactions is part of being a responsible adult. Never let anyone make you feel that you are inferior. We are all different and that is the joy in life and has always been in my lifetime. People don't like other people for way more reasons than cultural clashes.
For starters before college, I would advise finding a club or group that shares your interests. It does not matter what color or background they have, try to find new people to associate with. You can go online and search for things that pertain to your culture and see if you could connect with them. Part of fitting in means you have to actively pursue what you are looking for. I know it's disheartening to feel left out and made to feel that some part of you is a problem, but as you expand your social activity, you will see that you are indeed valuable, and for every one person who doesn't accept you, there are ten million people who will just love you ! You have to get out there and meet them and not close yourself off. Don't give the haters the power.
So, I hope that this advice is helpful in alleviating that feeling of isolation/alienation. You will have different perspectives of things throughout your lifetime and I hope you strive for harmony and positive vibes wherever you choose to be ! Best wishes to you !
To find a college that will suit your needs you can first decide what major you plan to do and where you'd like to attend school. Decide if you want to stay in your region or relocate to another state for college. With your particular concern, I would suggest that a large college would be suitable for you. A place where you can meet a lot of people of all different backgrounds and a campus that offers various cultural activities and events. Maybe one of the large cities on the east or west coast ?
While in college, you can take some courses about your culture in the history, art or language department.
The issue of feeling left out is internal and doesn't really have much to do with skin color, race, gender, culture or the usual things the media tries to put on people, in my opinion. There has always been diversity - and lots of it - in my lifetime. People before us have fought for our rights and died for our rights and we are all born into the U.S. with rights and equality, legally. I have known an outstanding number of successful people of all backgrounds that you can name. People are people, not a label. Diversity, through my one real lifetime experience, has always been at the forefront in the U.S. but some people like to rock that boat and try to convince people that it doesn't exist. It's all in what you want to believe, actually. If you want to be involved in your culture, there's no better place to do it than America.
The truth is, and it's a tough pill to swallow, we all feel left out at one time or another. That's life. It can be situational but shouldn't be anything that someone else makes you feel. You meet people, get a vibe and that tells you who is good or not for you to hang around with. There are even situations you will be in where you won't fit in but you have to be there. You will learn how to handle those situations and it's mostly personality conflicts, not having tangible things in common or liking the same things. It's true, some people are very uncomfortable with people they have nothing in common with, but it's not your issue, it's their problem. As for not liking a person's culture, that comes from ignorance and fear and yes, there will always be people of that nature around everywhere. It's something as individuals that we have to learn in many situations: what do I do if someone doesn't like me ? You learn that lesson by testing yourself, gaining social experience and maturity. Being in control of your social interactions is part of being a responsible adult. Never let anyone make you feel that you are inferior. We are all different and that is the joy in life and has always been in my lifetime. People don't like other people for way more reasons than cultural clashes.
For starters before college, I would advise finding a club or group that shares your interests. It does not matter what color or background they have, try to find new people to associate with. You can go online and search for things that pertain to your culture and see if you could connect with them. Part of fitting in means you have to actively pursue what you are looking for. I know it's disheartening to feel left out and made to feel that some part of you is a problem, but as you expand your social activity, you will see that you are indeed valuable, and for every one person who doesn't accept you, there are ten million people who will just love you ! You have to get out there and meet them and not close yourself off. Don't give the haters the power.
So, I hope that this advice is helpful in alleviating that feeling of isolation/alienation. You will have different perspectives of things throughout your lifetime and I hope you strive for harmony and positive vibes wherever you choose to be ! Best wishes to you !
Maya Flournoy
Teacher
1
Answer
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Maya’s Answer
During the college search, it's important to do research on specific clubs, on campus, groups or programs on stuff that interests you or aligns with your culture. Most college websites will offer resources to reach out which gives you an opportunity to hear first hand what these colleges offer.
Another way to go about finding the right college for you is to go and visit the campus. Some schools even offer panels that will allow you to hear from students on campus. Being able to walk the campus and see what the students are doing or saying is a great indicator about the climate of the campus.
Another way to go about finding the right college for you is to go and visit the campus. Some schools even offer panels that will allow you to hear from students on campus. Being able to walk the campus and see what the students are doing or saying is a great indicator about the climate of the campus.
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