Is it a bad idea to join these clubs?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Emory University
1

<p>So I'm really interested in East Asian languages and cultures, and I'm even considering an East Asian studies major. It's just fun and interesting to learn about.</p>

<p>But I don't know whether I should actually participate in any Asian cultural clubs at Emory. I signed up for a lot of them at the student activities fair, but now I'm having second thoughts. Most of their mission statements talk about how they want to educate the students of Emory about a country's culture and language. But in reality, it seems like a club for some Asians or international students to hang out and further keep themselves away from the non-Asian student body. I want to go to the meetings so sooo badly :( , but I'm afraid it will be weird because I'll be the only non-asian there. I hate to say it but it seems most of them keep to themselves and I'm not sure if I would actually be welcome. By law the clubs are required to welcome people of all ethnicities, but still...And rather than asking people to join their club, it seems more like the Asian students flock to their table to sign up. There's no need for them to actually convince people to sign up.</p>

<p>This is probably a stupid question, but is it a bad idea to participate in these clubs? :/ I really do want to go because I'm interested in other cultures, but at the same time I didn't feel very welcome when I was signing up for these clubs. I don't want to be thought of as the weird awkward "Asian wannabe" or whatever because I'm not. :(</p>

2

<p>Can you start your own club? I would think there would be other non-Asian students like you who are interested in Asia for the same reasons you are. I agree – it doesn’t sound like the existing clubs are what you’re looking for, but you should probably go to one or two meetings first to make sure.</p>

3

<p>Seems the clubs you describe are designed mainly for asian students, indeed. I dont think they were deliberately keeping themselves away from non-asians though, it’s just a comfort and joy to gather together with their compatriot in a foreign land on certain occasions, exp., a traditional festival. of course i’m biased coz i’m asian myself. agree with Classof2015, and you may built collaboration with those clubs. I cannot tell you to join them is a good idea or a bad one, but among the large asian student body on campus there would always be someone willing to introduce their culture to foreigners. Besides maybe you can ask the club leaders about your interest?</p>