Group for local and international students seeks to bridge cultural gaps
Jing An-Chen, a level-3 interactive media design student, founded Youth Connection Dialogue this past August to bridge gaps between local and international students.
Through monthly events, his hope is to foster cultural exchanges, career discussions and stronger community ties.
Through the group, students engage in meaningful conversations, networking and sharing ideas, rather than simply receiving information. Events are held in various community venues across Ottawa and often include partnerships with local groups such as the Mahjong Club, further supporting cultural exchange and understanding.
The events are usually in a room, where people just sit and talk and share advice with each other. They are usually held at Jewish Family Support group headquarters at Carling Avenue, where An-Chen volunteers.
Each month, An-Chen brings together diverse groups of students in hopes of fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange and career development in an effort to overcome the communication barriers that often divide them.
“I started the YCD because I saw a gap,” he said. “Local and international students often lack opportunities to connect, but if they share their skills and experiences, both sides can benefit. Understanding different backgrounds and perspectives is vital in today’s globalized world. We can learn so much from each other.”
Despite An-Chen’s enthusiasm, attracting and maintaining consistent participation has proven challenging.
While many students initially express interest, attendance has not always met expectations. “People were excited and took tickets, but only a handful showed up on the day. It was disheartening,” An-Chen said. This challenge has led him to rethink promotional strategies to boost engagement and retention.
The perception of the dialogue as a casual social gathering, rather than a platform for serious growth, is another hurdle.
“I want attendees to understand the value of these meetings and how they can impact their careers,” he said.
Kevin Chen, a level-2 regulatory affairs student, volunteers with YCD and shares An-Chen’s vision of a supportive student community. Introduced to the initiative by An-Chen, Chen quickly found purpose in contributing to the project.
“I wanted to gain experience here, so I decided to start as a volunteer,” he said. Having attended two events, Chen found it challenging to form lasting connections, noting that many attendees are shy and hesitant to reach out after the events end.
For Chen, volunteering is also a way to adapt to Canadian work culture which is different from his native country Taiwan. “I haven’t had any working experience here,” he said. “Volunteering is a great chance to learn about Canadian society.”
An-Chen’s plans for YCD include deepening partnerships with local community groups like other local NGOs and increasing the initiative’s appeal to boost attendance. He believes that cultivating commitment and participation can help YCD attendees recognize the platform’s value for career and personal growth.
Chen, too, is determined to continue his involvement in YCD while weighing future opportunities outside of Ottawa.
Through YCD, An-Chen and Chen have opened the door for students to connect, grow, and support one another as they navigate their unique challenges and aspirations. As YCD continues to evolve, An-Chen remains hopeful that students will recognize the value of this collaborative space in shaping their futures.
