Facilitator Corner: Ang Li

 

FIUTS Facilitators are student leaders from all over the world who welcome new international visitors, help organize events, and lead activities for hundreds of students each quarter. Read on to find out more about the FIUTS facilitator experience from Ang Li and join us today!

Name: Ang Li
Country: China
Major: Education
Class: 2014 (Masters)
FIUTS Facilitator Since: Summer 2015

Brief Introduction

Since I was 15, I have been studying in different places in China and the United States. I have lived in the Mainland China, Macau, the east coast of US, and the west coast of US. The experience of living in different places with diverse cultures makes me want to understand the differences and similarities of various cultures. And I made friendships from all around the world. People from different cultures share a lot of similarities.

What does it mean to be a FIUTS facilitator?

The most attractive part of FIUTS is the diversity of the events they hold. The thing that brings me to FIUTS is that all of the events can build me a certain skill. For example, as a campus tour guide, a facilitator of summer camp, and cultural conversation group, I improved my communication skills, leadership and group work skills. Attending the cultural sharing activity with a local elementary school and other educational events helped me build teaching skills, which are related to my major. After I participated in these events, I always feel like I gathered more than I expected. In addition, through facilitating these events, I know a lot of friends from different cultures. I have a chance to share my perspective of my culture, and I also have a chance to know authentic perspective of other cultures. This allow us to eliminate misunderstandings. For example, one of my French friend told me that it is polite to finish the food that a French friend prepares for you, because it means the guest loves the food, and appreciates that. It is very different for Chinese culture. In China, if a family hosts a dinner party, it is more polite for the guest to leave left-overs because the host wants to take good care of you and they think it is their duty that they prepare more than what you need. In both culture, we value appreciating the host’s cordial treatment, just in different ways.

What is your favorite FIUTS anecdote as a facilitator?

"When I walk around campus, I feel that everyone is an old friend. It makes me have a strong sense of belonging."

In about 2 weeks, just by attending the FIUTS orientation events such as BBQ, Seattle Challenge, summer camps, I met about 200 new friends from all over the world. It is more than the people I have known in the past year. When I walk around campus, I feel that everyone is an old friend. It makes me have a strong sense of belonging.

What tips/comments do you have for peer facilitators?

If you are interested in any event, and you think you are capable to do it, don’t hesitate. You will be surprised how much potential you have, and how much you will learn from these events.

 
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