At the beginning of this Spring Term, all international BYU–Hawaii students were automatically part of a cultural club representing their home country.
Lupe Piena, director of International Student Services (ISS), explained the new "experiment to facilitate cross-cultural learning" at a recent International Student Services welcome meeting in the Aloha Center. Sponsorship of BYU–Hawaii's culture clubs is being switched from BYUHSA to ISS in order to purposefully integrate the social support of club members, with opportunities to strengthen and build networking connections internationally. (pictured top: recent graduate Aom Phetdermpun-Kenny dressed in the traditional attire of Thailand)
All international students will be placed into a club with others hailing from their same home nation. Each club will then belong to one of six different associations, which will provide functional support for the clubs, and plan activities together that promote deeper intercultural understanding. Since many clubs provide wonderful connections already, the association structure exists to provide an effective line of communication to keep the University informed about these networking developments. We want to ensure these support systems are maintained by current students and strong alumni who contribute to their home countries, as well as BYU–Hawaii.
The structural changes are in response to Vice President, Debbie Hippolite Wright's initiatives to the departments in her division: to enhance student leadership experiences, develop deeper intercultural understanding, expand career opportunities internationally, strengthen connections in the home countries and prepare current students to become contributing alumni after graduation. Hence, ISS will take on the responsibility for developing effective programs for culture clubs and BYUHSA will become the leadership training center for all students on campus. (pictured left: senior Brian Neave with face paint replicating traditional Maori facial tattoo and wearing authentic necklace)
All students will still be welcome to join culture clubs and participate in activities regardless of nationality.
After Fall 2010 semester, the new system will be evaluated and changes will be made accordingly. Piena expressed, "We will only be successful as [the students] get involved, and as [they] give us feedback."
The ultimate goal, explained Piena, is building the kingdom. "We hope that every experience will strengthen your personal testimony of the Savior," she summed.
—Photos by Monique Saenz