By: Sonya Henry, Associate Director of Well-Being Programs, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and Jonathan Carmona, Assistant Director for International Engagement, Office of International Programs and Services
“The role of culture is that it’s the form through which we as a society reflect on who we are, where we’ve been, where we hope to be. Culture is the intersection of people and life itself.” – Wendell Pierce
If you could take a trip to anywhere in the world, where would it be? Which world cultures would you like to discover in new and different ways, such as cultural events or films? Learning about world cultures can boost your well-being. Here are the key well-being benefits of exploring international cultures, and ways to do so.
How Celebrating World Cultures Benefits Well-Being
Learning about world cultures has been linked to various well-being benefits, including increased empathy, reduced prejudice, and improved mental health. Experiencing other cultures often entail novel experiences that can also foster a sense of awe, which supports well-being. Research also shows that having strong connections to our cultural identities can be a protective factor for mental health.
Ways to Learn about World Cultures
International travel is a great way to learn about world cultures, because it involves fully immersing yourself into a place. So, when possible, plan to take a trip to a country where you’d like to personally experience the culture and meet the people who live there. Studying abroad allows you to improve your language skills, learn local customs and make life-long friends. Mason’s Global Education Office (GEO) offers a variety of programs for students to embark on this special learning and travel experience.
Beyond international travel, there are plenty of other ways to discover more about world cultures. Here are some ideas for doing so:
- Invite a friend to try a new cultural cuisine at a local restaurant
- Learn a new language using Rosetta Stone (it’s free with a Mason Net ID)
- Participate in Heritage Month celebrations
- Get involved in a multicultural registered student organization
- Register for a course or workshop focused on global themes and issues
- Attend an international film festival
- Attend Passport DC in May to enjoy open houses at many embassies
- Respectfully ask others about their lives, cultural practices, and experiences
International Week at Mason
Mason’s International Week, commonly known as iWeek, is a long-standing tradition at Mason. This week-long campus celebration of culture will host its 42nd anniversary this year. During international week, the Mason community comes together to celebrate, learn, and experience the various cultures represented in our diverse population.
Learn more about specific International Week programs and how they encourage stronger well-being benefits:
- iWeek Parade: Have you seen the amazing display of national flags in the Johnson Center each spring? The colorful exhibition immediately captures your attention and curiosity! Students, faculty, and staff can participate in the iWeek Parade and carry the national flag of their home countries or create banners and signs to represent their culture or heritage organization. This exciting event highlights cultural artifacts and can boost your well-being by inspiring you with awe.
- iWeek Dance Competition: Research shows that movement through dance has a powerful effect on happiness and well-being. Student organizations that participate in the annual iWeek Dance Competition celebrate their cultures through engaging dance performances. Top teams win cash prizes to support their organizations. Attend this exciting event on Thursday, April 6 to appreciate the joy of dance in its various forms.
- iWeek Photo Competition: Mason students are encouraged to share images of special moments of their daily lives by submitting one photo according to these four categories: My Mason Experience, My Community, This is America, and The Future Ahead. Research shows that storytelling and sharing our personal experiences is related to higher inclusion and resilience. In addition, taking the time to mindfully savor (mundane and special) moments in our lives has a positive effect on our well-being.
- iWeek Sports Tournaments: Students can sign up to join the cricket, badminton, and soccer tournaments to celebrate iWeek. These events support well-being through a focus on physical fitness and social connection. Research states that engaging in sports benefits both mental and physical health. In addition, being part of a sports team fosters social connection, which is key to living a full and healthy life.
Additional Resources
Learn more about how culture might influence our sense of happiness, in this Greater Good Magazine article and this Psychology Today article.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities, scholarships and programs from the Diversity Abroad community.
Write one of these Thriving Together Series features! We’re looking for contributions on all topics related to well-being. Read other Thriving Together Series articles here and contact us at cwb@gmu.edu for guidelines. Thank you for helping our Mason community thrive together online!
