I've been hosting an International Gathering for over a year and a half now. I started it because I want to bring people of different cultures together so we can better understand how others approach life who grew up in a different environment.
From these meetings, I've learned a great deal about other cultures. And I've formed some lasting friendships. One of these women returned to Italy, and I have a standing invitation to stay with her when I visit Italy. Another woman had her first born this year, and several from the International Gathering attended her baby shower and visited her when her baby was 3 months old.
At each meeting, we have a topic as a springboard of discussion. This Friday, October 5th, our topic will be the education system in different cultures. What are the values imprinted on the minds of students from a young age? What is everyday life like for a student in elementary school, high school, university? What are the most popular majors for a student today?
This meeting is free and is open to the public. Come by between 1 and 3pm at Crossroads Shopping Center, 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue. We'll be at a table near QFC, (next to the large chess game) and we'll have a sign "International Gathering" on the table. Come, have a cup of tea, chat with others who are also interested in learning about cultures from around the world. Maybe you will make a new friend!
