The exchange project with OSU through the ISS Program gave me my first opportunity to interact with students from a foreign university. The experience was more than exciting.
On the final day of the program, I joined one of their teams to help prepare their presentation entitled “Technologies for the Support of Ageing Populations and the Inclusive Socio-Economic System.” Some of their insights impressed me as spot-on, while others seemed a little off, but in any case, I learned how they perceived our country.
Besides these opportunities programmed to deepen our understanding of the ISS, there were many other discoveries, some predictable and some not at all expected. —They could start a meaningful discussion on a topic given out of the blue. They were astonished to get a can of beer at a convenience store for 2 bucks. They were also surprised that our university is removing every other fluorescent light in the hallways to save electricity.
I sensed their values, experiences, or abilities, that are, better or not, different from those of many I interact with in my day-to-day life; people all live their lives as we do, and in some way differently from others do. I also gained a certain je ne sais quoi from the interactions. These seemingly unrelated discoveries may also be important for us to remember as we consider how to realize an inclusive society for the people living in it.
