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.

Concept of SelfNotion of Modesty

Religious Rituals

Importance of Time

Rules of Social EtiquetteNature of Friendship

Concept of Personal Space

Concept of Fairness

Concept of Beauty

MusicHoliday Customs

Work Ethic

Religious Beliefs

Gestures Food

Art

Facial Expressions

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!

Insert BearWear Here!