Cross-Cultural Stumbling Blocks

Cross-Cultural Stumbling Blocks

How to identify them beforehand, and how to recover when you run into one :)

Now, the nice stuff! Let's consider why we leave home in the first place.

"Ok, ok, I get it.

We have to be careful when navigating cross-cultural situations. So what can I do about it? They should accept me as I am!"

First,

what's a "stumbling block"?

Quickly watch the video,

then consider if there are any reasons for the behaviors in activity 1

It is "a circumstance that causes difficulty or hesitation."

In cross cultural environments, that could mean that you suddenly realize that you don't know the proper way to greet your new boss, you're not sure why no one invites you to go out, you can't figure out how everyone can tolerate the terribly crowded train. . .

Let's start with the ugly parts.

Take out a piece of paper and write done some places you'd like to go (for work or for fun) and write down why. To be precise: exactly what you think it'll do for you. Are the wages better? Are people more beautiful there? Is the climate more agreeable? Do you think you will feel calmer there?

Look at question 5 and discuss your answers in a group.

Interacting with other cultural perspectives can tell us a lot about ourselves and our own cultural backgrounds. In life, you will be both a guest and a host (even among your own countrymen!) so it's important to be prepared to be gracious in both situations. If each person thinks that they are in the right, then there will be more miscommunication.

Each person has different limits - let's test yours!

We have all heard about "culture shock", but have you been instructed on how to deal with it? What tips have you been given? Are there any other tips you might suggest?

We are going to look at the problem from two sides

Many misunderstandings and miscommunications arise from a gap between the expectations of a guest worker and of the host organization, or on a larger scale between an immigrant and the host population.

Let's watch a quick video about travel.

Do you agree with the video? What are some other reasons why people work/visit/live in other countries or cities than where they were born?

I assume that if you are in this course, you wish to one day be either a) a guest worker abroad, b) host guests from abroad, or c) work in a multi-national organization.

When you're done, look at question 4.

Start with activity 1 on your worksheet.

Let's practice! You and your group will get a conflict situation, and you will try to think up a resolution.