International students comprise a vast amount of college students across the United States. Yet many colleges and universities continue to neglect these bright and affluent students who have braved the seas the separate us, come from afar, and cross-culturally integrated to obtain a higher education on foreign soil.
The worst thing a college or university can do, especially when parents and families of their graduates are present at the commencement ceremony, is to incorrectly pronounce a students name.
Undoubtedly, fundraisers at colleges and universities take a great amount of time and endure some pain to agonize over the proper pronunciation of alumni when they seek a donation for their college or university. It should be no different when it comes to students graduating and celebrating a long 4 years full of academic and cross-cultural challenges.
Before being tongue-tied and shunning the importance of diversity among the student body of your college or university, solicit some help from your linguists and international students on campus. It will build bridges in your academic community, promote global awareness, and increase the value of multiculturalism for all.
www.PaulFDavis.com worldwide diversity speaker who has touched over 50 countries & 6 continents; and the author of 18 life-changing books including Diversity, Multiculturalism & Global Awarness
Invite Paul to speak at your college or university graduation to make your commencement memorable for all of your students, graduates, families and alumni. RevivingNations@yahoo.com
