Written By: Sofia Bastaki

Wafa Bhayani ’24 spent her summer in three distinct and culturally rich cities: Galway, Ireland; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Prague, Czech Republic. This experience was part of the European Cultural Exploration program offered through Southwestern University. One of the courses, Cross-Cultural Psychology, focused on human relationships through the lens of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, which allowed Bhayani to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives. During this course, Bhayani conducted naturalistic observations and interviews in each city, gathered information on how different cultures perceive love, and navigated the components of intimacy, passion, and commitment. These activities gave Bhayani a firsthand understanding of the cultural contexts shaping human interactions.

One of Bhayani’s most memorable learning experiences occurred in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Due to how the city is portrayed in the media, Bhayani entered the city with a stereotypical view that it was very tourist-centric. Bhayani’s viewpoint ‘disappeared’ when she and her peers were welcomed into the home of a family residing in Dubrovnik. Sharing stories about history, tradition, and daily life highlighted the cultural richness beyond her touristy perception and fostered a deep understanding of the city. It reminded Bhayani that genuine cultural exchange goes beyond surface-level interactions, as it allows for a closer appreciation of the complexities of the communities that we encounter.

Bhayani’s study abroad experience also helped her draw meaningful connections between her academic coursework and the real world. Her observations in Dubrovnik provided a practical application of theories taught in Cross-Cultural Psychology at Southwestern University. The concepts of cultural dimensions and social identity theory came to life for Bhayani as she witnessed how different cultural backgrounds influence interpersonal relationships and community dynamics. This connection deepened her understanding of how culture shapes behavior and attitudes. The study abroad experience also helped Bhayani develop new skills when she worked on her research project in Prague. In this project, students were tasked with conducting interviews with individuals from different cultural groups and understanding how each group perceived the concept of love. The research not only required her to apply theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills in qualitative research. Conducting interviews with the individuals challenged Bhayani to navigate through language barriers and cultural differences, enhancing her communication skills and cultural sensitivity.

The impact of this study abroad experience has solidified Bhayani’s interest in pursuing a career in school psychology, with a focus on working with middle school students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to approach her future work with greater levels of cultural competence. Additionally, the hands-on research and cultural exchanges she experienced have influenced her to pursue graduate studies in multicultural or cross-cultural psychology. She aims to contribute to research and practices that support culturally responsive interventions in educational settings. The program also reinforced Bhayani’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of adolescents, particularly those from underrepresented communities. It challenged her assumptions, deepened her understanding of cultural diversity, and aligned her closer to her academic and career aspirations. This opportunity worked to enrich Bhayani’s education and provide her with the tools to pursue a meaningful career in psychology.