1. Pre-Departure Orientation

2. Let’s Talk about Culture

3. 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.

4. Concept of Self Notion of Modesty
Religious Rituals
Art
Holiday Customs
Music
Gestures
Facial Expressions
Food
Concept of Beauty
Religious Beliefs
Concept of Fairness
Importance of Time
Work Ethic
Concept of Self
Notion of Modesty
Concept of Personal Space
Debrief: What is visible, invisible? What did you discuss (agree/disagree re: placing culture components above or below the line? Compare icebergs. What are the implications for someone new to your environment/culture? What happens if they don’t understand your culture (TCS= Titanic Captain Syndrome).
Future Adaptation/Application-Refer back to challenges listed. Ask participant to share how might/do you use this metaphor with colleagues on campus to improve communication (e.g. between depts.?) Chart responses/ideas.
Nature of Friendship
Rules of Social Etiquette
Based on Activities in What’s Up With Culture at

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. American Culture?

9. 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

10. “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

11. Culture Shock “W” Curve

12. 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.

13. Expectations vs. Reality
Solve this formula:
If E > R, then R = D
If expectations are greater than reality, then reality can equal disappointment.

14. “The purpose of higher education is its liberating effect.”
-Dirk Van der Elst, 2003

15. 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:
Reflection and re-entry vents in the fall!
Insert BearWear Here!