Imagine immersing yourself in distinct cultures at one time, under one roof. That is the objective of the Global Gateways program.
The ability to engage and exchange cultures by living and interacting with 14 girls, half of whom are international students, is the basic idea of the program. The women of the Global Gateways are able to travel the world in one night through the implementation of culturally-focused events.
The globally-focused program distinguishes itself from other cultural and language clubs by housing students from the United States and abroad in Greek Village house nine on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus. The program had its beginnings in the fall of 2013 and was developed in alignment with the Office of International Programs mission, ‘Live, Learn and Be Global’, and the vision of its founder Associate Director of International Programs, Dr. Christina Sanchez.
Over the course of three years, the house have experienced major cosmetic changes including the downsizing of the house, but the goals and vision remain the same.
This past summer the house downsized, limiting the program to 14 women, half of the original size. The house moved from house six to house nine in Greek Village. Each room, Jack and Jill in style, contained the standard dorm-room items: a desk and desk chair, a drawer, and a full-sized bed. The women shared a bathroom with one other person and had access to a walk-in closet.
“The directors wanted to create more of an intimate, smaller community,” Moore said. “Where they [members] would have a closer relationship with one another and the directors. It was time to do a restructure of the house based on the community.”
When you walk through the front doors of house nine, you are welcomed into an area of warmth and comfort. The foyer is decorated with intriguing art; an intrinsic wide-running rug; on the wall you can find flyers announcing current events on campus. Follow the brightly-colored blue walls and you are introduced to an open-floor layout consisting of the dining, kitchen and living room. The living room is Hawaiian-themed with formal chairs that resemble beach chairs and beach seashells ornaments located on the red-wood table. On the walls are three clocks representing three countries: Charlotte, London and Riyadh. The living room is where most members spend their time creating friendships and bonding. The dining room consists of a light-brown wood table, large enough to fit eight girls. On the other side, is the dorm-standard kitchen with one stove, lots of storage space and a large refrigerator.
“The change also revived the program to make it more fresh,” Moore said about to the cosmetic changes. “I like the new house it seems larger. Since its only 14 residents, we can sit together on the couch. It’s like a family environment,” Moore says now, “We have a balance of exchange and U.S. students. They are communicating better, and willing to learn, cook and be with one another.”
Similar to other dormitories at UNC Charlotte, the Global Gateways program has a Resident Advisor (RA) that assists in settling disputes amongst house mates. RA and sophomore, Daviana Fraser, describes the past event in the house that explored the Japanese culture, “We made sushi [with the Nihon Club]. It was questions about where they are from and their culture shocks form living in the Japan and U.S. The residents learned about things that shocked them about Japan.” Fraser said.
Veteran Global Gateways member Jennifer Benbow has been a part of the program since 2015 and choose to stay due to her past experience. “The importance of the house is to have a close knit community,” Benbow said. “In a traditional dorm it can be easy to feel lost in a crowd of people, especially if you are from another country and do not have strong social skills.”
Benbow like many of the ladies of the Global Gateways have developed life-time friendships and lasting memories alongside becoming more culturally aware. “The house has made me more culturally aware by having to keep in mind others were not raised alike,” Benbow said. “I always keep in mind now to describe the things I'm talking about and to not assume anyone knows what I'm talking about.”
