My name is Fraser Bowen, I’m from the UK, and I studied BA French and German
On my Erasmus year abroad in Switzerland, I was cooking for a small group of Spanish people. I made the assumption that Spanish people love spicy food, and I made them a very spicy meal. However, it turns out I had got Spanish food mixed up with Mexican food. Mexicans love to put chilli everywhere, but the Spanish have herbs and spices that aren’t chillis. The Spanish people couldn’t finish my food, which I had put extra chilli into, because it was too spicy! It was pretty embarrassing when I said that they should like spicy food, they’re Spanish! It turns out that all the American TV I watch which paints all Hispanic people as Mexican hasn’t helped me develop a very good idea of the different cultures present in the Spanish speaking world.
Cooking for Spanish Friends
••• My Intercultural Experience •••
As time passes, our world becomes more of an integrating and globalise environment. Not only the products we use come from different places and nations, we also meet people from all around the world, either through travelling, education, and job or even just in our daily life. This gives us chances to interact inter-culturally and to create an exciting and memorable experiences.
Should you have such interesting story that you want to share? We would love to hear from you. Submit your story via our Facebook page or our email at: intercultural@soton.ac.uk
Or would you refer to know how others had such cultural experience, don’t forget to come back to read those up-coming inspiring stories or more from our update!
Filed under Festival News, My Intercultural Experience
Intern Update – Time to say Goodbye and Hello
Hi all from Nancy!
Last week was full of emotions and feelings for me, from saying goodbye to all of the interns that I have been working with throughout the summer, to welcoming all university students, both returning and new. Although it was already expected, it is really sad that Caitlin is no longer with us anymore. We’ve been there for each other and exchanged our crazy ideas. But don’t worry; she will come back for the festival!
It was also a very busy and exciting week for everyone. We had the bunfight (to which some of you may have been disappointed from the lack of buns involved!) and also the Fresher’s Fayre. We were with the Language Opportunity team; I hope you had the chance to visit our stall during the fayre. We are working very hard this year to prepare for the WOW festival, that’s why we are extremely happy to share to you that we will be collaborating with SUSU! Bring you an intercultural festival that is bigger, fuller and more vibrant.
I know the festival will not be here until the February of next year, but do spread the word. Time flies. As for now, I will continue to work with the project and also at the same time doing my Master’s degree.
Stay tune for the next update.
Filed under News
