As you can see in the class profile, students who have diverse backgrounds are studying together here at UCLA Anderson. Yesterday, I organized an event, so called Japanese-night in my section with other Japanese students in order to let other Anderson students know Japanese culture more. Also, we need a time to relax before getting ready for our final exams next month. More than 40 section mates participated, and enjoyed Japanese culture.
We went to Japanese "Izakaya" style restaurant, and had a great Japanese food and sake. You can see some foods in above picture. It was the first time for some students to enjoy Japanese food other than sushi, so they learned how to eat and taste those foods. After the restraunt, we went to karaoke place and sang together. This event was not only a fun time, but also a opportunity to strengthen ties with other students. I would like to share my take away from this event.
I strongly felt that proactive attitude is important to create a team spirit. Although organizing an event is difficult and takes me time, I was sure that this is what I should do as an international student. Sometimes, international students may have some cultural difficulties especially in such an intense program as MBA. I convinced from last night event that proactive attitude can break a cultural barrier and international background can create a great group dynamics.
Also, I can not make this event successful without other students help. They are always collaborative, and helped me to organize the event well. Now I got many thank you e-mail from participants and this illustrate UCLA Anderson atmosphere well.
Keishi
