Attending an international school often means being immersed in a multicultural environment where friendships transcend borders. However, in my case, I didn’t actively engage with multinational friends as much as one might expect. My lack of enthusiasm for English made me gravitate toward friends who spoke Japanese, even though many of them were not Japanese themselves. Looking back, this unique dynamic shaped my experience and taught me valuable lessons about connection and diversity.
1. Friendships Through the Lens of Japanese
In my international school, there were many students from different countries who could speak Japanese fluently. Naturally, I found myself drawn to those who were comfortable communicating in Japanese. For instance, I had friends from Korea and China who not only spoke excellent Japanese but also shared an interest in Japanese culture. This common ground made it easier for us to connect and build friendships without the pressure of using English.
2. Connecting Beyond Language
Language wasn’t the only way to form bonds. Shared interests and hobbies played a significant role in bridging gaps. For example, many of my multinational friends were fans of anime or video games, which gave us plenty to talk about regardless of our native languages. Additionally, school events and group projects provided natural opportunities to interact and collaborate, fostering connections that didn’t rely solely on verbal communication.
3. Discovering Cultural Differences
Even though we often spoke in Japanese, I was constantly exposed to different cultural perspectives through my friends’ backgrounds. Simple conversations about food or how they spent their weekends opened my eyes to traditions and lifestyles that were different from mine. These moments helped me appreciate diversity and broadened my understanding of the world beyond Japan.
4. The Impact of My Discomfort with English
My reluctance to use English did limit the depth of some interactions with multinational peers. While I was fortunate to have a circle of friends who shared a common language, I sometimes wondered what it would have been like if I had embraced English more fully. Perhaps I could have built even more diverse relationships and gained deeper insights into other cultures.
5. Reflection and Lessons Learned
Being in an international school doesn’t automatically guarantee multicultural friendships—it’s up to each individual to decide how much they want to engage with the environment around them. For me, finding comfort in Japanese allowed me to build meaningful connections while still experiencing cultural diversity on my own terms. These experiences have stayed with me, reminding me of the importance of understanding different perspectives—a skill that will undoubtedly be valuable in any future collaboration or global setting.
In conclusion, building friendships with multinational peers doesn’t always have to follow the conventional path of using a shared international language like English. By staying true to yourself and finding common ground—whether through language or shared interests—you can create meaningful connections that enrich your life in unexpected ways.
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