Vattanary

Where I’m From

I was born and raised in Cambodia — a place I’m incredibly proud to call home. Our culture is humble and rich with tradition. Whether it’s sharing meals with family, celebrating colorful festivals, or just the way we treat one another, there’s a strong sense of community and respect that I’ve carried with me since childhood.

In 2020, I moved to Washington to attend community college, and later transferred to the University of Washington in 2022. It’s been a big transition — academically, socially, and culturally — but one I’ve grown so much from.

Let’s Talk About Bidets

Yes, I’m starting with bidets. Why? Because honestly, this is one of the everyday things I never thought I’d notice so much until I moved here.

In Cambodia, we use water (bidets) to wash after using the bathroom. I still remember how strange it felt when I first arrived and realized most American bathrooms didn’t have a bidet. There’s even a difference between types: hand-held bidets versus those fancy ones attached to the toilet bowl — I’ve used both, and I’ll die on the hill that they’re superior.

Pets: Friends or Protectors?

Another cultural shift: how pets are viewed. In the U.S., dogs are often treated like best friends, even family. They go to the park, wear sweaters, and have Instagram accounts.

In Cambodia, it’s a little different. Dogs are more often seen as guard dogs — they protect the home, bark at strangers, and mostly stay outside. While there are plenty of pet lovers back home too, the idea of sharing your bed with a dog? That’s still kind of wild to many people.

Pedestrian What?

One thing I still struggle with is crossing the street. In Cambodia, traffic rules are more like traffic suggestions. People weave through traffic however they can, and pedestrians just go when it “feels right” — not necessarily when it’s safe.

In Seattle, I still instinctively hesitate at crosswalks even when I have the right of way.

Social Life: Friendly vs. Social

This is something I’ve thought about a lot: Cambodians are very friendly, but in a quiet, respectful way. You smile, you nod, you help. But starting conversations with strangers? That’s not as common.

In Seattle, I’ve found that people are more likely to strike up small talk — at a bus stop, in a class, or in a coffee shop. Making friends here has been easier for me, probably because there’s more openness to socializing, and the diversity here makes it feel easier to connect over shared experiences or interests.

Studying in the U.S.

There’s no sugarcoating this — education here is way more competitive. At UW, I’ve met students who are doing research in psychology, environmental science, biology, and more — often as undergrads! The opportunities here are incredible, from scholarships to hands-on projects. Back home, the resources just aren’t as widely available.

Sense of Belonging

In Cambodia, there’s a strong feeling of cultural identity — we all know our place, our roles, our festivals. But in the U.S., especially in Seattle, I’ve found a sense of belonging in diversity. There are so many communities here — cultural, academic, professional — and it’s been amazing to find groups where I feel like I fit in, even far from home.

Food: The Flavor Factor

Cambodian food is all about layers of flavor — sour, spicy, salty, and sweet all in one dish. Moving here, I noticed that a lot of food is either really sweet or really fried, and not as much of that balanced complexity. It’s taken some adjusting, but I still dream of sour soups and street noodles all the time.

What About You?

What cultural differences have you noticed between the U.S. and another country you’ve lived in or visited?