Park University is home to students from all corners of the world.

International students are valuable to Park, which promises to “prepare a diverse community of learners to think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate a global perspective and engage in lifelong learning and service to others,” according to the university website.

One of the first steps towards this goal is integrating international students into American culture. Culture Hour is a casual forum for student insights, questions and concerns about culture.

Around a circle of chairs, faces from different countries and cultures welcome one another to the group where what unites them is their differences.

Culture Hour is directed by Sherry Ann Sebastian, the intercultural programming coordinator from International Student Admissions and Services, and Jill Mitchell of International Student Inc (ISI) Kansas City.

“(The group) offers the opportunity to express their views on a variety of topics including what may be stressing them that is so unlike what they have experienced in their culture back home,” Mitchell said.

A few examples of American culture which international students may be unaware of and encounter for the first time are the difference between low- and high-context cultures; cultural differences in non-verbal communication; personal space and greetings; eye contact and physical distance; and the history behind various American holidays.

Janek Sunga, a recent graduate and current Master’s student, attends Culture Hour and said the group has benefited him in understanding American culture.

“I did not really know that it is important to tip in a restaurant here in the States,” Sunga said. “In my country, a tip is something that is given as thanks for effort or diligence that goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is not compulsory.

“While here in the U.S. it is not compulsory, it is only after Culture Hour that I realized that employers factor in tips when calculating wages for their servers. Now I tip, often generously. Culture Hour enables international students to adjust to the culture shock of coming to a new country.”

Culture Hour meets at 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday on the first floor of Thompson Commons.

For more information, contact Jill Mitchell at [email protected], or Sherry Sebastian at [email protected]