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Sherazad Sow

Jason Li

Miya Furukawa

Proddy sukcharoen

Victoria Bond

Meet Our Team

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AGENDA

Assessing Traditions

Introduction

Interviewees

Adapting to college

Barriers

Differences

Conclusion

Similarities

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Introduction

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Definition

WHAT IS TRADITION?

An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)

A belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past

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How have both international and first generation American students adapted their culture and traditions in Boston?

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Interviewees

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Interviewee Diverse Background

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Assessing Traditions

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Questions asked

Are traditions important to you, why or why not?

What are some traditions you grew up with?

What holidays do you celebrate outside the US? How do you celebrate them?

What identities are related to your traditions? I.e. religion or nationality or anything else, could be multiple for one tradition

How has food played a role in your traditions?

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Religions

language

Food

Seniority

Holidays

Traditions

Importance of religion in traditions

Speaking traditional language with family

Sharing food with family members

Respect of elders

Celebrating holidays with family and friends

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Holidays Celebrated

Lunar Year

Lantern Festival

Diwali

Eritrea Festival

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Adapting to College

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Questions asked

Do you celebrate the same holidays in Boston? How do the traditions look different when you celebrate them in Boston?
Have you been able to find a community of people in Boston who have similar traditions?
What has your education taught you about your tradition here? Are they portrayed accurately and authentically?

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Clubs on/off campus

Friends

Finding people that comes from the same traditional and cultural background

Having friends who respects your values and help create a safe space

Finding a community at Boston University

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Barriers to Traditions

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Celebrating Holidays

Lack of Guidance

Hour

Differences

Some Barriers faced by International Students

Not Being able to celebrate holidays with family and friends

Absence of parents to guide the students on celebrations customs

Different times which cause lack of communication with family

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Similarities

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Common Traditions between Interviewees!

Holidays

Celebration

Respect of elders

Language

Sharing food with Family

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Differences

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Languages

Adaptations

Food

Differences Between them!!

Easier for people that have been to different countries to adapt

Some people found a community to speak their language while some did not

Easier for some students to find or cook their food

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Conclusion

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Actions are worth a thousand words

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Finding a community and making friends is crucial in feeling this sense of belonging

This interview revealed that people that find their community feel less nostalgic of their family

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What Can BU do to make them feel better?

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Promoting cultures

Cultural Studies

Considered:

Have resources to help international students adaptation

Promoting different cultures present at BU

Introducing more foreign language classes

Introducing cultural studies classes

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