IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

A t the end of the videoconference series, we interviewed some of the participating students. Bethany Karas and Rainier Suazo from American University as well as Viktoriya Zhaporozhets from the Kiev University for Market Relations gladly played the game of questions and answers.

Oklahoma State University Students on the Ashburn Institute videoconference monitor

Q: What is the most valuable aspect you are taking away from this experience?

"This has been a great experience in that we've been able to communicate with colleagues in different countries. The opinions and perspectives shared have truly opened my eyes to the real issues that are out there and possible ways of resolving them." (Bethany )

"Getting to know more about the EU. Knowledge is important." (Rainier)

"The series was a very helpful and valuable experience which helped us better understand what great changes are taking place in the world today. Communicating with our counterparts abroad helped us understand how other nations view our country's [ Ukraine ] position in the EU integration process ." (Viktoriya )

Q: Why is it important to communicate across cultures?

"It is immensely important to communicate across cultures. There's so much multiculturalism within the United States alone, but there's so much more out there. Multiculturalism provides a difference that is wholly good in that it provides other options and possible resolution to find alternatives to the many issues we face. Having dialogue among cultures not only helps us to find those alternatives but in the process we become more understanding of our differences and in addition find our similarities and that we are all human beings." (Bethany )

"We are different, and getting acquainted with other people is the first step toward understanding customs, habits and traditions. Understanding helps to avoid serious conflicts and dialogue enables to find the best solution to every issue." (Viktoriya )

Q: Why did you choose to participate?

"My interests lie in Russia and Soviet-Ukraine states and Ukraine was one of the participants. So that's how I came aboard. Since then it has been a group effort to try and present the view of Ireland ." (Bethany )

"I thought it was interesting. I have done papers on Europe , Africa and Iran , and this topic encompasses the European point of view. I am interested in technology transfer and exchange of information as well." ( Rainier )

"It is always enjoyable to hear someone else's opinion, thoughts and ideas. The topics of all videoconferences were very timely. Besides, it was a good opportunity for us to practice our English!" (Viktoriya )

Q: Were there any tense or especially interesting moments within the debates?

"We were all geared up for the debate with Oklahoma State being that we were quite sure there would be differences of opinion. They were representing the United States, particularly a certain vein of United States democratic thought. We were anticipating a sharp discussion but felt pretty good afterwards because, far from being tense, the conversation was free flowing. We got a chance to express our thoughts as well as listen to theirs ." (Bethany )

"Yes. In the debate with Poland , I found it interesting that they were able to talk about things not in their topic; it demonstrated their interest in both sides [of the arguments]." (Rainier )

"It is difficult to say which school we most enjoyed talking to. We enjoyed them all! Debating was great!" ( Viktoriya )