Transcript Health and Safety: Case Studies

Pre-Departure Orientation
November 18, 2014
Let’s Talk about Culture
Culture is…
• Values, beliefs, norms, customs, and other
forms of behavior shared by member of a
social group over a period of time.
• EVERYTHING humans have created, both
tangible and abstract
– Stuff: tools, art, technology, music, structures, etc.
– Organization: Families, clans, clubs, nations, etc.
– Ideas: Values, religion, law, politics, games, etc.
Religious Rituals
Art
Music
Gestures
Religious Beliefs
Holiday Customs
Facial Expressions
Food
Concept of Beauty
Importance of Time
Concept of Fairness
Concept of Self
Work Ethic
Concept of Personal Space
Rules of Social Etiquette
Notion of Modesty
Nature of Friendship
Based on Activities in What’s Up With Culture at http://www2.pacific.edu/sis/culture/
Is it “Natural” to Do What We Do?
• Almost all human behavior has been
“culturized.”
• Because we tend to think our behavior is
natural, we tend to think it’s “natural” for
everyone else.
Ethnocentrism
• The belief that one’s
own way of doing
things is the right
way.
• An ethnocentric way
of thinking can lead
us to develop
Culture Activity
• Choose an artist and reporter.
• Draw a picture of a typical person you expect
to meet your host culture.
• The more creative, the better!
• Represent that culture with images, NO
WORDS!
• Report out in 5 minutes
American Culture?
Combating Ethnocentrism
• Realize that every culture explains itself.
• Think about that’s culture’s “worldview.”
• Be prepared to question your own values and
beliefs about life.
• Ethnocentrism  Ethnorelative
“You see what you expect to
see, and what you expect to
see is what your culture
taught you to expect.”
-Dirk Van der Elst, 2003
Culture Shock “W” Curve
Welcome to the Real World
• Studying abroad is not an “extended vacation.”
• Other country’s concept of customer service is
different from the U.S.
• Expect to feel confused, frustrated, and awkward at
least for the first several weeks.
• You will question your values as an American and
may even loathe the U.S. after awhile.
• Not having language proficiency doesn’t mean that
you can’t express how you feel.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes…because you will.
Expectations vs. Reality
Solve this formula:
If E > R, then R = D
If expectations are greater than reality,
then reality can equal disappointment.
“The purpose of higher education
is its liberating effect.”
-Dirk Van der Elst, 2003
BearWHERE? Study Away Student Photo Contest
Submit photos of you studying abroad in your BearWear starting in August!
Great Prizes Awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place photos!
Photos will be judged on:
•Creativity of incorporating BearWear
•Sense of place or country
•Artistic Interpretation
Study Away student blog: http://blogs.missouristate.edu/studyaway/
Reflection and re-entry vents in the fall!