Showcase Exeter Diversity: Middle East

With students from six continents and 34 countries, Exeter lives up to its mission of “youth from every quarter.” Although not a major population on campus numerically, students from the Middle East are vital members of the Academy community. The Middle Eastern countries represented in the student body include Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Turkey and Dubai.Upper Bhargav Arimilli, who currently lives in an American compound in Saudi Arabia, commented on the differences between Saudi Arabian and American culture and how the two cultures have become a part of him.“I love both cultures; I can't really pick between one or the other [though]. Saudi Arabia is a very traditional, conservative country,” he said. “Admittedly, I live on an American compound, so the rules are a bit more lax, but in general, I respect the customs and traditions of the country. The US is obviously a lot more open. I was actually a bit taken aback when I moved back to the US in 2012.”Arimilli added that despite his initial shock to the openness of the American society, he is fond of the ethnic variety.“The diversity of America's culture is astonishing—this place is a melting pot of people from all over the world. I enjoy exploring the very different cities and atmospheres of the US,” Arimilli said. While he appreciates the lively spirit of many American cities, he also loves the “quiet life of Saudi Arabia.”Having been already exposed to American culture, he had a smooth transition transition to America from Saudi Arabia. “The move back to America was not too difficult, because I grew up on an American compound and went to an American school. But there were still some things that I didn't get about pop-culture and things like that.”Other students, however, shared the challenges they faced as an international student. Senior Noah Wright, who is from Saudi Arabia, noted that as a new upper, he faced both academic and social challenges, along with the challenge of being a boarder.“I’d say one of the biggest challenges for me was getting adjusted to being away from home,” Wright said. “As a new upper I think socially it was awkward at first because people have already established themselves by upper year. It was hard jumping in midway through, but I eventually found my way through extra curricular activities clubs, sports, and the dorm. I think you are able to find your niche at the end of your first year.”Senior Amina Kunnummal, who is from Saudi Arabia, added that the Academy community is not only open to the differences between international students and non-international students, but supportive of their culture.“I think that students here are really open to learning about the differences between the culture I come from and the culture they are used to,” Kunnummal said.Wright emphasized that the Academy community and the international community help international students like himself settle in and make Exeter their “home away from home.”“The international community is very welcoming and warm. If you ask any international student in this school, they would say ‘I’m as comfortable as I can be,’” Wright said. “So the cultural differences and challenges are not a problem in Exeter.”