Citizen Diplomacy in the Bozone

This fall, Mike and I volunteered to be the "Friendship Family" for two members of the T.E.A. (Teaching Excellence and Achievement) group that was recently in Bozeman. Our guests were Mali, a chemistry teacher from Laos and Tatjana, an English teacher from Belarus.

T.E.A. is a Fulbright program bringing teachers from around the world to the United States to learn about different teaching methodologies and about American culture. Our job as their hosts was to give them the chance to experience American culture first-hand through everyday activities. It was a great way for us to find out more about other cultures and get a different perspective on the place we call home.

Building Peace One Handshake at a Time

During the six weeks Mail and Tatjana were in town their weeks were filled with classes, practicum sessions in the local high schools, preparing and giving presentations to various groups, and taking part in extracurricular activities through their program. We visited with them each weekend and took them to Hyalite Canyon, Yellowstone, Peets Hill, and the Raptor Festival at Bridger Bowl. We also had picnics, meals with our friends, took them on a walk in our neighborhood, plus a few other outings. These activities were a subtle way to give our guests a look at "everyday life" in America. It is these experiences beyond the classroom that make programs like T.E.A. so valuable for both the visitors and their hosts.

When ordinary citizens like Mike and I visit with people like Mail and Tatjana, we become unofficial ambassadors for the United States. Our role as volunteers allowed us to show our guests who Americans are beyond generalizations and the actions of our government. Attitudes against newcomers and those who are different remain prevalent throughout much of the U.S., so I was glad Mike and I could show our guests that our country is home to tolerant people who welcome others and are keen to discover the world beyond the boundaries of the United States. 

In addition, becoming a Friendship Family was a chance for me to see Bozeman in a renewed light. Rather than focusing on Bozeman's growing crowds, rising costs, and constant changes, I saw our visitors’ excitement at experiencing Bozeman's stunning natural landscape for the first time and watched their reactions at they met the friendly, helpful, and bright-eyed people of Bozeman. It was a reminder that the combination of these two things make Bozeman a great place to call home. 

How to Become Involved
Becoming a Citizen Diplomat

Diplomacy is carried out by the U.S. government on a daily basis, but all U.S. citizens have the chance to take part in the process. Citizen Diplomacy is the idea that any individual can help shape U.S. foreign relations “one handshake at a time.” Citizen diplomacy is also a way learn about new places, customs, foods, and more, and volunteering with a program like T.E.A. is a easy way to become involved. 

I recommend anyone interested in different cultures to find ways to become a Citizen Diplomat. Here are a few things you can do in Bozeman. If you're reading from elsewhere, you can start by contacting the international programs department at your local college or university.

• Montana State University's Office of International Programs (OIP) offers several opportunities to interact with intentional visitors and students. They coordinated the details of the T.E.A. visitor's stay in Montana and have hosting opportunities beyond the annual T.E.A. group including the Middle Eastern Partnership Initiative, numerous programs with Japanese visitors, and others. Call or email OIP at 406-994-4031 international@montana.edu. 

• OIP also recently started Bozeman Friends of International Students to connect international students with locals. 

• WorldMontana (Formerly Montana Center for International Visitors) also hosts international visitors for short-term programs. Mike and I have hosted numerous groups for dinner parties, which is a great low-commitment way to become involved. They website is pretty out of date and I haven't received an email from them in a while, so I'm not sure how active they are right now.

World Montana is an affiliate of Global Ties U.S., an organization that works with the State Department to facilitate the International Visitor Leadership Programs. Currently, 90 community-based organizations like WorldMontana are affiliated with Global Ties U.S..

• The Montana World Affairs Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering global understanding and awareness in Montana’s communities and classrooms. They are based in Missoula but conduct programs across the state with upcoming programs in Bozeman on November 30 and February 2.

Good Times with T.E.A. Fellows

A few Photos of Our Adventures

Here we are on our first outing together in Hyaltie Canyon. There was constant enthusiasm, stoke, and selfies.

Two photos from a trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was fun to head up to Dunraven Pass where Mali saw snow for the first time and visit the wide open spaces of the Lamar Valley.

Meeting some locals at a dinner party

Hanging around Bozeman's Story Mill Park

Becoming a Friendship Family