By: Megan Mearnic
Shashwat Maharjan embarked on a transformative journey when he chose to pursue his undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University. Despite hailing from Nepal, he felt drawn to the United States due to his comfort with the English language, the abundance of scholarship opportunities and the academic environment. However, his transition to American culture was not without its challenges.
Upon his arrival, Maharjan encountered cultural shocks, particularly in aspects like food choices and social interactions. Adjusting to the warmth of strangers' greetings and navigating unfamiliar social norms took some time. Fortunately, he found solace in the welcoming community of Nepali students, who shared similar experiences and introduced him to familiar cuisine, fostering a sense of belonging.
Despite the initial cultural adjustments, Maharjan quickly appreciated the differences in the education systems between Nepal and the U.S. He found the American approach to teaching, which emphasized visual learning and diverse assessment methods, to be more conducive to his academic growth. As a graduate student, transitioning from structured classes to research-intensive work presented new challenges, but he embraced them as opportunities for personal and intellectual development.
Navigating social dynamics in the US proved to be another learning curve for Maharjan. While forming connections within academic and professional circles enriched his experience, he initially struggled with informal hierarchies in professional settings, such as addressing older colleagues by their first names. Nevertheless, the support and guidance of peers and mentors played a pivotal role in helping him navigate these cultural nuances.
Throughout his educational journey, Maharjan has had the opportunity to experience life in different corners of the U.S., from the academic atmosphere of Mount Pleasant to the vibrant energy of San Diego during his internship. Despite the varying climates and lifestyles, he found common threads of familiarity and hospitality, which further enriched his cross-cultural experience.