Megan Narveson

HONRS 475

Dr. Leah White

March 22, 2024

Intercultural Engagement Application Experience

This year I joined the Friendship Family Program through Minnesota State University,

Mankato. Through this program I was paired with an international student from Japan named

Asuka. We were given each other’s phone numbers and talked back and forth quite a bit

throughout the fall semester. We planned to meet several times throughout the semester to get to

know each other better and learn more about each other’s cultures. Before it got too cold, I met

her for a walk on the fitness trails. We walked for over an hour, and I was given the opportunity

to ask her numerous questions about Japan and cultural differences between there and the United

States. One of the main differences we talked about was regarding food. Asuka informed me that

the hardest transition for her was getting used to the prices of food. In Japan, healthy food is

cheaper than unhealthy options whereas in the Unites States this is reversed. After hearing more

about her family and her experience attending university in Japan, we agreed to meet again

sometime.

I continued to reach out to Asuka throughout the semester and tried to set up another

event with her; however, we failed to coordinate another meeting and she seemed to dodge the

attempts I made. Despite this setback with my original plan for my intercultural engagement

experience, I realized that I was gaining real life experience through my Small Group Personal

Training class. In this class I was paired with another international student from Japan. I didn’t
really understand what my intercultural engagement experience was supposed to teach me until

this class.

Through my Small Group Personal Training class, I act as a personal trainer and train a

designated client in both strength and cardio exercises. During the semester I meet with my client

twice a week, each session lasting 50 minutes. I also write a workout program for my client on

days that we do not meet so he has options for workouts to do on his own. Before we started this

process, I met with him one on one to fill out a series of forms to inform me of his goals for the

semester, screen for any potential medical issues that would prevent him from exercising and

obtain his consent. During this meeting we had a hard time communicating with each other.

Some of the forms are complicated and explaining the purpose of them in a way that non-

exercise science majors could understand was very challenging. Furthermore, the language

barrier was very noticeable between myself and my client. I would explain things in a way that I

thought was simple, but quickly realize that he didn’t fully understand what I meant.

We experienced the most difficulty with the SMART goals worksheet. SMART goals are

complicated because they have a variety of interpretations based on the goals of the client. This

worksheet formed an outline for creating Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and

Time-Limited objectives for our training sessions. This means the client must understand what

steps they must take to reach their goal, how they will know/measure that they met their goal,

what actions they must take to get there, understand whether it is achievable within the semester,

and create a timeline for starting/finishing. Although I explained each portion of the goal sheet as

best I knew how, we still struggled to be on the same page. He created specific goals but

struggled with making them achievable within the time frame we were given.
 After our initial meeting we agreed to do a workout split that consists primarily of

strength training exercises with some cardio and stretching incorporated as a warmup and cool

down. To incorporate cardio training throughout the week I added ideas to his shared workout

program for the days we don’t meet in person. These extra cardio days will help him meet the

recommended ACSM Guidelines for cardiovascular fitness.

Although our training sessions focus mainly on explaining and performing aerobic and

strength training exercises, we have had some time to talk as well. I learned about some

programs he is involved in on campus such as CRU which is a Christian organization. He told

me about a mission trip he was involved in over winter break where he went to Texas and taught

others about Jesus through kind acts. This conversation opened my eyes and I realized that

although there are many differences between our cultures, we also have things in common. I am

involved in a Christian ministry on campus called Intervarsity, so our faith is something we have

been able to connect with. Finding this connection made it easier and more comfortable for us to

talk during our training sessions. However, I still experience push-back from him when

encouraging him to perform exercises correctly and increase weight. Ever since I started

coaching him, I’ve noticed that he tries to fight back against what I’m asking him to do. I’ve

always wondered if it has something to do with me being a female coach, but I am unable to

know for sure.

Initially, I was put in situations where I feared saying something wrong or coming off as

rude. Furthermore, I felt awkward asking my client if he understood me because I worried it

would come off in a condescending way. As we have progressed through the class, I have gained

comfortability in leading and communicating with others who have a different background than

me.
 I have learned that it is better to talk about the hard things and simply ask the seemingly

uncomfortable questions. It may feel awkward at first, but misunderstanding is most present in a

lack of communication. Now I will use these skills in other areas of my life such as work,

academics, athletics, and social situations. I will not be afraid to ask deeper questions to get to

know others better. Knowing the value that our differences bring to the table is a crucial part of

intercultural engagement makes these relationships even more unique. It is important to build

relationships and network with others as you never know who can have an impact on your future.

Understanding how to communicate through cultural differences has made me a better leader for

others and given me the confidence to get out of my comfort zone.