Section C – Useful Information for Study Tour Coordinators
4.1 What Culture Means:
Each society collectively establishes patterns of thought and behavior which make up the culture of that society. We are generally not aware of the patterns of our own culture because we begin learning them from the moment of birth. Every day we automatically practice the unwritten rules that guide our behavior, our responses and our perspective on the world.
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4.2 Questions That Reveal Cultural Patterns:
If we want to examine the patterns of behavior and thought that define a culture, we may ask questions like the following:
- What makes up a family? What are the roles/duties of individual members? How are male/female roles defined? What obligations does one have toward parents or toward brothers and sisters?
- What kinds of rituals and ceremonies are engaged in? What are the underlying principles or meanings of individual actions? Who does/does not participate?
- How is education viewed? Who is responsible for education, who participates, and how is "learning" defined?
- What is considered beautiful or valuable in the society? Why?
- How is the "self" defined? How does one measure one's success?
- What causes people to laugh/cry?
- When is it acceptable to tell a lie and to whom? How is one punished by society?
- Under what circumstances can one visit another person's home? What sorts of questions are too personal to ask? What sort of people does one avoid? What sort of relationship does one establish with one's neighbors?
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4.3 Activities to Stimulate Cultural Learning:
A productive way to learn about another culture is to become a keen observer. Any interaction or activity can provide opportunities for learning. You may want to try activities like the following:
- A trip to a store: Observe the role of various staff; interaction between storekeeper and the customer; arrangement of displays; prices of specific items and how the prices are displayed; what customers buy; how items are packaged.
- A visit to the clinic: Observe the interaction between various staff members; treatment and involvement of the patient; management of time; use of drugs; arrangement of space; attitudes towards privacy.
- A visit with a host family: Observe the design of the house; how space is used and treated; what objects are displayed; roles of family members; manner of speech between family members; how food is served; treatment of a guest; gestures; topics of conversation.
- A trip to a restaurant: Observe table manners; presentation of food; price of various foods (which are most expensive); manner of serving; use of dishes.
- A trip to a theater: Observe how a film is advertised; who attends; who laughs at what; timing of scenes; use of music; costs.
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4.4 Perceptions from Abroad:
Travelers should be aware that political or natural events in their host country might be in the news at home. News accounts often give a distorted picture of events and a false sense of imminent danger to those not on the scene. Keep in touch with family and friends and give them your sense of the local situation. Use considered judgment in deciding how to deal with any unusual event in your area.
When you have questions, please contact the Director of Global Connections for information and support. Be sure that your family knows how to contact host institutions if they have particular questions.
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4.5 Racial Issues Abroad:
In addition to culture shock, travelers may experience greater acceptance abroad or perhaps encounter discrimination or even racism. While racism is not tolerated on the part of the member institutions, whether and to what extent students have such experiences in their dealings with society at large will vary greatly depending upon the cultural, socioeconomic and political situation of the host country; where the host institution is located within the country; and the education level, perceptions and attitudes of the people they encounter.
In dealing with such issues, try to remember some key points. First, being aware of your own self image and expectations is very important. In addition, it is possible that other people's actions might reflect their curiosity about you. Therefore, keep in mind your own cultural assumptions when encountering new situations before jumping to conclusions. It is also good to remember that you do have choices in how to deal with these issues. Finally, be aware that the "culture shock" and discrimination you may experience may be different than those experienced by your fellow foreign travelers.
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4.6 Disability Issues Abroad:
Accommodations and services for travelers with physical or learning disabilities vary according to the laws and prevailing attitude of our international sites. Some needs require more preparation which should be addressed prior to departure. General information on travel and study abroad is also available through Mobility International USA: http://www.miusa.org.
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4.7 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues Abroad:
(from Barnard's Guide to Living Abroad)
It is important to be aware of the laws pertaining to homosexuality in the countries you are visiting as well as the general attitudes of the populace toward the lesbian and bisexual visitors and members of their community. Useful publications include "Gaia's Guide," "an international guide for traveling women," which includes lesbian, feminist, and gay resources, publications, restaurants, etc.; The International Lesbian and Gay Legal Resource Guide and Attorney Directory (NEFIR [The National Educational Foundation for Individual Rights]), a comprehensive guide to lesbian, gay and bisexual legal organizations and resources with a directory of lesbian, gay and bisexual friendly legal professionals currently practicing around the world. Make it your business to familiarize yourself with your host country's particular situations (legal, cultural, and practical) before your departure. Once abroad, contact existing, appropriate organizations for lesbians, gays and bisexuals so you can begin to build a support system.
Useful websites:
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