Resolution #4 – I will learn about internationals in my community

Three ways to learn about Internationals

With refugees coming from various places around the world, chances are you know someone, learn with someone at school, or work with someone of foreign descent. In college, as I was getting my B.A., I had student friends from Asia. Later, I had a coworker from Nigeria, and one from Ethiopia. Sometimes, especially with students, they do not speak English well. They may not be knowledgeable about American customs, language, or culture. You can help them become better acquainted with America, and enrich your cultural understanding of their home country at the same time.

Learn about internationals and refugees in your community.

There are people from over 150 nations living in the Houston area, studying at schools, and working in businesses. There are ethnic communities scattered throughout the Houston Metro area. Muslim mosques, Buddhist Temples, Hindu Mandirs, and cultural community centers abound. Other ethnic groups often live near each other for support.

With a little investigating, you can find these areas, strike up a conversation, and, over time, start a friendship with someone. Showing interest in their country or culture may open up opportunities for sharing about American culture.

Get to know international coworkers and neighbors

You can ask your international friends over for a meal, or a time of entertainment. Did you know that many international students have never been inside an American home for a meal? As for co-workers, you already have a relationship of sorts with them. You can ask about their country, culture, or religion during break times. You can invite them to your house for American holidays, such as Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. They may reciprocate by inviting you into their homes, and introduce you to their friends and family.

Visit ethnic restaurants to get to know internationals

There will be ethnic restaurants in many large and medium-sized cities. I discovered that there are many “fast-food” ethnic restaurants, that do not serve “real” ethnic food. You can ask your friends where the authentic restaurants are, where the immigrants eat. For instance, I once had an assignment to eat at an ethnic restaurant that I had not eaten at before. That meant no Tex-Mex meals. My boss had a Vietnamese wife, and I asked the name of their favorite restaurant. I avoided the “fast-food”, Americanized restaurants and was able to dine at an authentic one. I was able to know the proprietors and some customers.

There is a street in Houston that has many ethic restaurants-Persian, Indian, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and others. The first time I ate at a Persian restaurant, I explained this was the first time eating Persian food. I asked what they would recommend, what was their favorite dish, the ingredients in what I was eating, and other conversation starters.

The immigrants and refugees coming to our cities and neighborhoods often need help getting acclimated to life here. Immigrant and refugee service organizations may not be able to provide the personal touch that you can as you befriend them. It is worth it to the immigrants to have an American friend, and it is worth it to you and your family to learn about other countries and culture.

This post originally appeared at Medium.com