United We Stand ~ by Founder Emlyn Lee

I am still getting goosebumps reflecting and re-reading the text from Obama’s public statement that Osama Bin Laden was killed…

“On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family…”
The 9-11-01 attacks impacted Americans and the rest of the world in so many ways. There were the obvious physical changes such as sending our troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, increased airport security, restrictions of carry-on items, etc. There were mental setbacks to many Americans as a result of being violated and defenseless on our own soil. There were emotional changes that impacted many of us to take a deeper breath to understand the meaning of life.

September 11, 2001 was a pivotal turning point for my life. In fact, it was the catalyst of making me start Cultural Embrace. I was working in the hospitality and tourism field and many companies were nose-diving or shutting down doors as a result of cancelled trips due to the public’s fear of travel. On the contrary, I felt compelled to start a business that would help others regain the trust, love, compassion, and joy of humans, cultures, and the ‘other world’. I wanted to create opportunities for people to travel safely and to be exposed to the authentic lifestyles abroad by immersing them within the communities they are visiting. Traveling does not always have to be a Disney moment yet there are plenty of ways to experience the 'magical' moment because…it is a small world after all.

Now that we have reached a monumental turning point with the death of Osama Bin Laden, where does that leave us? I’ll leave the politics, military defense, and global economics to the world politicians; but for me and my vision…it drives me to continue to serve others so we are able to learn to embrace one another and our various cultures so that we may create a global community. Discover the Similarities – Share the Differences.

And what better way to end my thoughts than through the concluding words of President Obama…

"And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people…But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Jennifer Campbell

Although I had A-Ha! moments coming out of my ears the first time I traveled abroad alone, there’s one in particular that keeps me motivated to go after even my “wildest” dreams.

I’ll preface: Remember the spin-the-globe-to-see-where-you’re-going-to-live-when-you-grow-up game from when you were a kid? Well, that’s how I discovered Tasmania. It seemed so exotic and fantastical and I can remember scheming my future escapades in my tree fort later that afternoon. I held on to the dream
of one day experiencing Tasmania for years but considered it a near-impossible mission that only wealthy world travelers, enamored drifters who could afford a one-way plane ticket or Looney Tunes cartoon artists were able to experience. But, as it turns out, I was wrong.

My A-Ha! moment came last year as I stood in Wine Glass Bay, Tasmania staring out from the white, powder sand beach into the crystal clear blue and green water. I did it. I’d sorted out a work and travel Australia visa and a plane ticket, saved enough from my paychecks working in Sydney to afford the trek to Tasmania and convinced two friends to come with me and live in a (tiny) hired car and exist on canned beans for nearly the entire trip to make our travel funds last. My mind started rolling… if I could make this thing happen, man, I could do anything. Traveling the world and submersing myself in foreign cultures and lands didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore… it was absolutely achievable.

That awesome moment led me to unearth a majestic gratitude for life and all of its opportunities and  permanently disabled the part of my brain that filters seemingly ridiculous ideas and dreams. …Anything is possible. Just, make it happen.


Jennifer Campbell
Cultural Embrace Work & Travel Australia 2009/2010

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Abigail Goldstein

My A-ha! moment was definitely in the middle of last semester. I was feeling homesick....for China? I then expressed my need to travel back here to my parents. I figured it would be a great internship opportunity, as well as a great way to learn Chinese. I also think its a good way to gradually enter into the "real world" and experience things on my own. What a great decision it was! I absolutely enjoy it here, I have made many new friends and acquaintances, which is always refreshing especially if it is something you accomplish entirely on your own. That aside, I landed in the perfect office. Soon I will begin training to learn how to do basic travel sales, and it sounds like I will soon be putting my advertising skills to good use. This is one a-ha moment I will never regret or forget!
Abby Goldstein
Volunteer in China 2010
Current Intern in China 2011

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Founder Emlyn Lee

Traveling through eighty countries has provided me with plenty of A-Ha! travel moments. But undoubtedly, my time teaching English in China taught me many of life’s little lessons. Besides the fact that this was the first time living and working outside Maryland, or that I was a naïve 22 years old, the exposure I received changed my life.

I was raised as a first generation Chinese-American in a middle-class, multi-cultural suburb outside of D.C., so I felt pretty exposed to ethnic, social, religious, and cultural diversity. When I went to China in 1995, most of the 1.2 billion people seemed to look alike. The food was delicious, plentiful, and cheap…but I bowed down on my knees when they opened a McDonald’s about an hour away after eight months of arriving, and when I saw a Pizza Hut in Beijing during a holiday break, it was my new Temple of Heaven. Most of the buildings were drab, dull Socialist styled cement buildings, which didn't gain any appeal under the polluted skies. Vehicle variety consisted of millions of bikes, yellow breadbox taxis, and honking buses that stopped at every street corner to squeeze another dozen plus people.

Embracing the pushy crowds, loud talking, spitting, chugging bai jiu, learning to hover and squat over Chinese toilets, and claiming a spare seat on a hard seat train ride were just basic examples of a mile long list of A-Ha! travel moments in China. But the best lessons that I learned while teaching abroad was how easy and fortunate my life was in America.

It was an average teaching day and I started my class with an open discussion topic. I asked my students what their goals were and their plans upon graduation. When I asked for voluntary students to respond, Dove stood up and answered that she would return back to her home town, live with her family, and work at the local factory until marriage. I thought Dove was joking since she was a bright and ambitious student, as well as the class clown. I tried to get her to think broader and answer the question seriously of what her plans would be, but Dove scratched her head and said that was the truth. This was her plan and path.

Most of my Chinese students were assigned what college they would attend, what major to study, and what job they would have upon graduation based on their test scores and government control. Only the most prominent or smartest Chinese would be able to change their hukou (a national residence card) and obtain jobs to live outside their birth city. Living in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai were big dreams for them; and visiting a Western country like America was an unrealistic fantasy. Fortunately, times have certainly changed, but it's amazing this was just twelve years ago.

What would my life be like if I had a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment and was born and raised in China?

Meeting and getting to know other people from all walks of life has taught me to put myself in other people’s shoes. It has given me a new perspective and compassion for others, but more importantly, an appreciation of the opportunities and freedom available to me. Now, the question isn’t what am I going to do with these choices, but how am I going to respond to them.

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Tracy Guthrie

For me, traveling to Africa on a volunteer service trip was something I dreamt about for years.  But due to limited resources, time and money, I didn’t think it would ever happen. However, in February of 2010 I was laid off from my job which gave me the availability to go to Kenya for an extended amount of time but made the money part even harder. I immediately started to pray asking God that if His will was for me to go that He help get me there. About two weeks after my prayer, my Dad called and said he got a random check in the mail for the amount of $1350. The money actually came from a savings account my Grandmother set aside before she died in 2003. No one knew about this money. The plane ticket to get to Kenya was $1400. That was my “A-Ha!” moment.  I knew God was leading me to Kenya, so I took the leap of faith and spent six weeks volunteering WWB orphanage. It was the most amazing time of my life.

Tracy Guthrie
Cultural Embrace HUG Kenya 2010

April's A-ha! Travel Moments ~ Luan Ly Lierman

I knew I needed to see the world and I love travelling. I fell in love with China especailly after I had studied abroad for a semester with Seattle Pacific University (SPU). Now, my husband and I are happily working and living in China, almost 3 years!

I've always been very interested in people. Cultures, food, religion, customs have always fasinated me. China for one, has such a deep culture and long history. Since my heritage is part Chinese, I find it even more important to know my roots.

Life back home in Tacoma, WA. is surrounded with people from different walks of life. I grew up with Tacoma, a good size city south of Seattle. I love my home for many reasons. Diversity in language, culture and life. All my friends have such unique stories. That's where education starts; is by getting to know one another. That's when we grow as individuals and a community. Being open, patient, and non-judgemental is crucial to getting to know others.

I did take a leap of fatih, a big leap when I decided to come to China. At the time, by myself with limited language ability. But what kept me going was my determination to learn, to grow in myself, and to expand my future. My risks, no return! Travelling abroad is huge risk, especially when you have no idea (for me) how to teach, or what to expect. My A-HA moment was the time I told myself, "I'm here. I got myself this far. No turning back!" I pushed myself and it has it rewards. Another A-HA moment was, "I can't believe I'm living in China." Now, I see China as my second home. A place I can always come back to with open doors and great opportunities.

Luan Ly Lierman
Cultural Embrace Teach in China 2008-present

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Jerzy W. in Guatemala

I have been living in Guatemala for 3 months now and have observed a great many things. Some differences are quite obvious and others more subtle. It has been interesting to try and get deep enough into the culture that I am able to actually see things from their perspective. I can’t say I’m there yet, but I can say that I’ve realized some of the initial thoughts I have are pretty hasty. The cultural differences only seem so strange because I am living in a foreign land with the same set of eyes from my homeland.

I noticed right away that coffee is far more popular than in the US. Nearly everyone drinks coffee everyday and it is not unusual to drink it at every meal. I’m not a coffee drinker myself but have found myself drinking a little here simply because it’s in constant supply. At dinner the question asked is “¿Quieres café?” not “¿Qué deseas beber?” It is as if it is assumed that coffee is standard with each meal. I have observed this in far more places than just my host family and have been told it is common here.

The other day I finally made a comment to one of the teenage daughters in my host family because she had just served coffee with sugar to a six year old per the child’s request. Yes, even children of six years of age here are drinking coffee. I told her that it was crazy in the US for someone of that age to drink coffee. I have been astonished by this since I noticed this phenomenon while living with various host families. The teenage daughter responded with the simple question of “¿Por qué?” I opened my mouth to explain as my brain quickly generated the response…except nothing came out of my mouth. It suddenly occurred to me that my explanation was not sound. I was about to respond that giving caffeine and to a kid of that age is not a good idea. But before I released that thought from my mouth I processed the other side of the equation. What do we give our kids to drink in the US? I didn’t like the answer I gave myself but it was the reality. I know PLENTY of elementary school age kids whose parents allow them to consume soda and candy on a regular basis.

Suddenly my case was lost, before I even spoke. It was this moment when I realized the differences are only odd to me because they are just that…differences. Different doesn’t mean weird; it just means you are not accustomed to it. This was my revelation of the month. It is unfair to evaluate what you observe in a culture or society from the standpoint of a different culture. I will be away from my culture for several more months and I am very curious to see what I find strange back home once I return.

Jerzy Wasilewski
Cultural Embrace Participant
Teach in Guatemala 2011

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Whitney Washington

My study abroad experience significantly shaped my life, and the lyrics from my favorite singer perfectly describe my experience--“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom.” I took the risk of going abroad and was rewarded with an enhanced perspective beyond the tight bud of my American lifestyle.

By studying and living abroad, I became accustomed to the typical life of a “Sevillana”, or a native of Seville, Spain. My day began with a light breakfast followed by a beautiful walk to catch the metro or bus. On my way to school, I saw people catch transportation to their jobs beaming with the optimism of a “siesta”. Many nights ended with socializing and eating “tapas” in the streets of Seville.

My study abroad experience significantly shaped my life by allowing me to emerge from the tight bud of American lifestyle and also the tight bud of my family ties and expectations. First, my family had always expected that I would fulfill all my goals and dreams—as long as I achieved them within the state of Texas. Thus they did not expect me to follow through with my seemingly lofty desire to study abroad. As the youngest, I was expected to remain within the care and reach of my loved ones. Also, despite my interest as an International Business major, I was hesitant to study abroad and abandon the comfort zone of my close-knit family. While I feared being homesick in a foreign land, I broke free of my comfort zone to live in Seville.

Embracing my new life as a “Sevillana” significantly shaped my life because it afforded me with the opportunity of living with a host family, learning the art and history of Spain, and traveling throughout Europe. I especially enjoyed the journey of building lasting relationships in a different language. For example, while
abroad I befriended my host mom as we spent many hours talking about family, religion, shopping, school and traveling. My personal bond created through the Spanish language encouraged me to seek the further
opportunities to enhance my fluency.

Whitney Washington
Studying & Living in Spain

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~Haley Price

Guanajuato

Admit it, you're a Tourist.

Last summer I travelled through Mexico. My plane landed in Leon, then traveled to Guanajuato, San Miguel, Bernal, and Queretaro. As my first time ever outside the US, this was an experience I can never forget. Many times throughout the trip my prior assumptions of Mexico were deconstructed, and my perception of the culture, people, everything, changed.

As a gringa in Mexico, I automatically felt out of place, and that feeling that I need to adapt and try to fit in, immediately set in. I didn’t want to be noticed, or have any special attention to me drawn. At first, the only comfortable and familiar place was at the airport because there were couples from Texas on the plane as well, and we all stuck together trying to figure out our way to the baggage claim and passport verification. But that's what adventures are for! That invigorating, almost uncomfortable, surreal feeling that makes you realize you are doing something you have always dreamed of. Looking back, I can't believe I felt that out of place and intimidated.

So, the second day I decided to embrace my tourist gringa self, and be confident in being a visitor and experiencing as much as possible. It’s the same idea as when people visit New York, they want to be a New Yorker and so they act like they know the subways perfectly and refuse to look at a map. Yet, you can always spot a tourist in New York because they are constantly looking up. 

I challenged myself to practice my Spanish, ask questions, learn as much as I could, and basically to not be shy! By doing so, I realized that people are more welcoming and willing to help a tourist more than you think. Locals of Mexican cities have a pride for their city that they want to share. I admit, I was the “quiet girl” at some moments because of the speed the language was spoken in and sometimes I just couldn’t keep up. If you want to get the most out of your travel, talk to people and at least TRY. That is my only regret of the trip; I didn’t speak up enough and get to know everyone I met better.

Keep in mind that if you are a US tourist in Latin America, you may be targeted. I mean this in the way that if you ask how much something is, they will overprice you. So, negotiate! Understand that the cultural difference is a great experience, but can also teach you to recognize the reality of differences and take necessary actions to watch out for yourself.

I travelled to Mexico when it was starting to be a turbulent time with the drug trade. On a four wheeling trip into the countryside, we passed through small villages I couldn’t imagine living in. There was an unconscious man being carried by his friends, and a man just chilling in front of a gate with his gun in his hand. This opened my eyes to the severity of the quality of living in impoverished areas of Latin America, and sparked a desire to volunteer more. If I have the ability to travel, I want my trips to have a purpose, which is to me the greatest experience.

After this trip, I fell in love with the culture and learned so many new things. The one week I spent in Mexico sparked a desire to continue exploring Latin America. 

Don’t be afraid that you wont be as accepted, be confident as a tourist and get the most out of it that you can, don’t be shy, and always ALWAYS try to ask questions. (and practice the foreign language if there is one wherever you go!)

~Haley

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Tam Le

I'm a business major at The University of Texas preparing to graduate in May. When I started my last year at UT, I was ready to get my senior year over with and then rock it in the corporate world. I was starting my fifth internship in the fall, this time with Cultural Embrace (CE). I would get all the experiences I needed to round out my killer resume and then interview for lucrative professions all over the United States. I had the extracurriculars, the work experiences, the leadership roles, and even the study abroad component. I was good to go.

There was just one snag in my plan. As I was interning with Cultural Embrace, a large part of my duties included maintaining the CE blog. As I read about participants’ experiences in France and Australia, my heart would continually break. I would physically ache inside when I saw pictures of the participants painting with French children or when I thought about the freedom of taking a year off just to work and travel around Australia. The pain was unbearable and I missed Europe so much (I studied in Bath, England the last semester of my junior year). The thought of waiting years until another visit made me want to cry at times.

Then I had an “A-Ha!” moment. I always thought the people who took these long trips abroad had awesome jobs that allowed them to leave for months at a time and that these trips just worked with their vacation schedules. I thought once I have an awesome job that gave me months of vacations, I’d go back to Europe. It never occurred to me that I am approaching one of the best times in my life to participate in a Cultural Embrace program. I will be graduating and I don’t have any commitments to a long-term job or company or family. I could do something that I learned from the British; I could take a “gap year.” I could go abroad for an extended period of time and then come back and start a new stage of my life: fulltime work. This would make me look like a competitive and unique candidate for jobs and I'm confident that this experience would not hurt my chances of landing a great fulltime position. Being an au-pair or an English teacher in Europe would provide me with free food and housing; it's the most cost-efficient way of staying in Europe that I can think of. Suddenly I had no more excuses. I had to do it.

After that moment, my heart finally stopped breaking. I'm ready to graduate and will head off to France to live with a host family and teach them English on Cultural Embrace's France Language Exchange.  I can't wait!

Tam Le
Former C.E. intern; Future C.E. Language Exchange in France participant

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Casady Monroe

As our plane descended into Charles de Gaulle airport, panic set in. I had studied French daily for the past three years, and in my Oklahoma City middle school classroom, I was a whiz. Yet here, with a bird's eye view of Paris growing larger and larger, and my parents and sister eagerly awaiting me to wow them with my interpretation skills, I panicked. The flight attendant's voice sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher wah-wah-wahing, and the words became indistinguishable. I noticed, perhaps for the first time, how quick and fluid the French language was, the words melting into each other.



Despite the anxiety of this moment, it is a scenario I keep at the forefront of my memory banks, and it remains a big motivation for my travels. No matter how much I think I know about a language or a culture, my lack of preparation and the sheer difference between expectation and reality only becomes apparent once I touch-down in the country. Speaking the local language in my slow, halting, twangy accent takes guts, but being in-country is a more in-depth learning experience than I can get anywhere else. Throughout my travels, I've found I can survive anywhere--whether butchering the pronunciation of a town when ordering train tickets or blindly pointing to a menu item written in an alphabet I can't decipher. I know that getting out of my comfort zone has given me way more confidence to move through life, and I'm so thankful that kindness and desire to help others are universal principles.

Casady Monroe
Cultural Embrace International Programs Coordinator